Walter Murzyn

EASTHAM — Walter Murzyn, 81, passed away unexpectedly at home on Oct. 31, 2007.

Born and raised in Stratford, Conn., he was the son of Walter and Mildred (Zebla) Murzyn. In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS Simpson as a torpedo man. He graduated from the University of Connecticut, receiving a degree in horticulture.

In 1949 he married his angel and wife of 58 years, Kirsten Marie. Together they established and operated Hilltop Nursery and Greenhouses in Barkhamsted, Conn., a successful landscape construction, wholesale florist and nursery business for 20 years. Walter was a volunteer fireman and a charter member of the Lions Club in Barkhamsted.

In 1970, the family relocated to Eastham. Walter became a well known and respected mason, home builder, and craftsman. Born with a natural green thumb, he cultivated his love for gardening and was locally known as "the tomato king" He loved Cape Cod and served two years as president of the Eastham Board of Trade.

His greatest enjoyments included good times with family and friends, fine woodworking, fishing, music, the World Champion Red Sox, restoring his 1927 Packard, and shipmate reunions. In his retirement, he and his wife established and ran a local B & B.

Walter leaves his wife, Kirsten Marie; sons, Thomas, Paul and his wife Mary, and Michael; daughters, Nancy and Nina and her husband Jesse. Adoringly known as Poppy, he leaves two granddaughters, Nora and Morgan of Newport, R.I. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. We will all miss him.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way in Orleans. Burial will be private. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial celebration of his life in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.