Norval "Jack" S. Murray

Norval “Jack” Murray

Longview, Washington - Jack Murray, 90, passed away on January 3, 2024, in Longview, Washington. He was born on April 11, 1933, in Chehalis, Washington, to the late Ralph S. Murray and Annie Lou (King) Murray. Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jack was a very well-liked, gentle, kind, and quiet man. However, once you got to know him, he became a great conversationalist, sharing stories that were worth repeating to friends. He lived an adventurous life from a young age, having to raise himself after his father's passing when he was only six years old. Growing up with 11 other boys in the neighborhood (he was the youngest), Jack had countless tales of mischief and camaraderie that would make today's social workers and police officers raise an eyebrow.

At the age of 16, Jack joined the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a forest firefighter. He regaled others with stories of the practical jokes and camaraderie shared with his fellow firefighters in the barracks. After his time with the DNR, Jack joined the Air Force, serving as an airplane mechanic. It was during his service that he met the love of his life at a Toledo dance hall. Two months later, he proposed to Mardell Mary Allan at her parents' home, and they were married on May 22, 1954. Together, they spent 69 years building a life and raising their three sons.

The Murray family resided on the family farm in Toledo, living in a tiny house until they eventually built their own home from scratch. Jack had a passion for woodworking and was highly skilled in the craft. He created elaborate wooden gifts for his grandchildren, which have now become cherished family heirlooms. Family camping trips were a favorite pastime, where Jack would sit around the campfire, sharing stories and enjoying good food late into the night.

Jack and Mardell loved playing pinochle with their lifelong friends, Rolland and Ramona Weiher. The two families would gather for card games, leaving the five energetic boys unsupervised, resulting in predictable mischief involving mini-bikes, trucks, gasoline, firecrackers, and even homemade blackberry wine strained through a sock.

Jack Murray is survived by his loving wife, Mardell Mary (Allan) Murray; sons, Scott Murray (Nori) and Shawn Murray (Lorna); grandchildren, Matthias Murray, Michael Murray, and Sarah Murray; and great-grandchildren, Millie Murray and Jackson Murray. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph S. Murray and Annie Lou (King) Murray; siblings, Effie Lee (Pollock), Alice Miller, and James Murray; and son, Mark Murray.

Jack attended Chehalis High School, spent three years as a firefighter for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and later served in the Air Force for four years. Following his military service, he embarked on a varied career path. Jack worked as a logger, a cannery worker, a diesel mechanic, and ultimately retired in 1995 after 36 years with Weyerhaeuser in the Pulp & Paper Power Division.

In his free time, Jack enjoyed pursuing hobbies such as woodworking, camping, fishing, hunting, and clearing brush. He found solace in the outdoors and had a knack for turning wood into beautiful creations.

A memorial service will be held at the Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel in Toledo, Washington, on January 12, 2024, at noon.

The public viewing will take place from 11:00 AM to noon, with a reception to follow at the Chapel.

Jack Murray will be remembered as a kind-hearted and adventurous soul who left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him. His stories, love for family and craftsmanship will be cherished in the hearts of his loved ones forever.

Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel