Murray Todd Roper's Obituary
Murray Todd Roper passed away on October 9, 2020 in Sandy, Utah. He was born October 2, 1962 in Ogden, Utah to Clinton and Ina Rae (Damron) Roper.
Murray met Diane in 1987 in St. George, Utah and were married on Friday the 13th of May, 1988. They enjoyed family trips with their 3 children to places all over Utah, California, and Colorado. Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Pine View and Capitol Reef were among family favorite destinations. Murray was happiest when road tripping off the beaten path and he was glad that his children have continued that tradition as adults. A favorite memory talked of often was a family hike to Timpanogos Cave. To encourage his young kids to get to the top of the trail, he gave them jelly bellies at every bench rest stop. His son Henry stated, “He never told me how to live my life, but he definitely taught me how to survive this world.” He loved being out in nature and enjoyed his time alone, especially hiking and rock climbing in his 20’s and 30’s.
Murray was an avid reader and liked the feel the newspaper, always starting with the obituaries and ending with the crossword puzzle. He was a critical and strategic thinker which made him a pretty fierce opponent with board games and a family tradition and favorite card game, Nertz. His personality drove him to have deep and out of the box conversations with family, friends, and new acquaintances. Murray was a skilled debater and deep thinker - he recently described himself as, “I like to meet new people and ask them questions until they want to punch me and walk away.” Whether he felt he won or lost the discussion, he prided himself in the fact that he was never in a physical fight, yet there where a few close calls.
He enjoyed talking, joking, and playing with his grandchildren. They affectionately called him, ‘grumpy grandpa’, which he loved and lived up to well. He enjoyed playing and watching all sports. He was an excellent tennis player, golfer and basketball player. He taught tennis at Snowbird and Bloomington Hills Country Club. He talked often about being raised in a house full of boys and the many adventures that come with it. Road trips, ping pong, yard work and deer hunting in the big green tent were among his favorite childhood memories. He enjoyed the fact that his mom would make delicious meals and they would watch basketball and baseball often.
A celebration memorial is being planned at Snowbird and Salem Cemetery for immediate family and close friends. However, please share any memories and photos of Murray here for his family to enjoy.
Murray is survived by his wife Diane Witt-Roper; his 3 children Tatiana Wood, Siera Witt-Roper, & Henry Witt-Roper; his son-in-law Timothy Wood; his 5 grandchildren Rebecca, Hunter, Jocelyn, Jaxton, & Wyatt; his mother Ina Rae (Roper) Jeffery; his brothers Raymond (Barbara) Roper, Roger (Barbara) Roper, Mark (Celeste) Roper, & Bryan (Suzie) Roper; his in-laws Gerald & Bessie Witt, Mary Ellen (Erich) Hubert, Stan (Sandra) Witt, Linda (John) Hanks, Ron (Ellen) Witt, Dan (Cindi) Witt; & many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom loved him.
He is proceeded in death by his father, Clinton Roper, younger brother Russell, and his grandparents; Vernon and Erma Roper; Alfred Raymond and Ines Damron.
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