KINGSTON — Maurice M. Murray of Kingston passed away Nov. 10 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle after complications from open heart surgery. He was 79.
He leaves his wife of 39 years, Dolores Murray, and four children: Shawn of Florence, Ore., Leesa of Everett, Wash., Mary of Kingston, Wash., and Ralph of Skagway, Alaska; and one grandson, Tyler of California. He was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Nile Murray, and his brothers Roger and Scott Murray.
Maurice was born and raised in Bluffton, Ohio on March 26, 1933. He graduated from Ada High School and received a degree in mechanical engineering from Ohio Northern. He served his country in the Army.
He was employed at Boeing for 30 years and traveled extensively for the company in the early years for the Minuteman Missile project. He was proud to have been one of the design engineers for the Apollo Lunar Rover program and also for the design of the thermal blanket that wrapped Apollo on the launch pad. He also helped with the Peacekeeper MX Missile project, supersonic transport, and Boeing’s Alternative Energy Windmill project. His Boeing career found him working in Saudi Arabia and he finished his career in Seattle working on the F-22 Raptor for the military.
Maurice and Dolores traveled to many interesting and unusual places around the world, including a nine-month adventure all though Europe.
Maurice had a passion for antique clocks and was known throughout Kitsap County for his meticulous clock repair and restorations. He was also a huge Seahawks and Mariners baseball fan.
Maurice was quite a storyteller and had a fun, genuine way of making everyone feel special. He really liked to kid and brought much joy, laughter and friendship to all those around him.
Linde-Price Funeral Service arranged for cremation. At Maurice’s request, there will be no services. — Family of Maurice M. Murray