MURRAY ALAN SELF

MURRAY ALAN SELF - JERICHO - Murray Alan Self, 56, of Jericho, died Sept. 11, 2012, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. He fought a long and valiant battle with multiple ailments, but finally succumbed peacefully with his family by his side. Murray was born on June 11, 1956, in Laporte, Ind., the only son of Madison A. and Lila M. (Reetz) Self. He grew up in Muenster, Ind., and Hinsdale, Ill., spending his summers in his parents' native state of Kansas, where he had a large extended family. He came east to attend high school and college; including the Vershire School in Vershire, Vt., and Bennington College, in Bennington, Vt. It was at Bennington that Murray met his wife-to-be, Anne Mueller, and they were together for nearly 34 years, as he died three days before their wedding anniversary (September 14th). Murray was a colorful (literally), larger-than-life character, who enjoyed many interests and had many talents. Originally, he had a strong background in art photography, attending the Apeiron School in Amenia, N.Y. When he arrived at Bennington, his interests shifted to musical instrument design and computers, and he received a bachelor of arts degree in both areas. He moved to Burlington following his graduation in 1981, and immediately began working at the City of South Burlington's school district, writing customized computer programs for all of their needs throughout the 1980s. In the 1990s, he branched out into computer consulting, and invested in various real estate and business ventures, such as Waterfront Video and Arcana Gardens and Greenhouses. After his sons were born in 1994 and 1996, Murray became a devoted stay-at-home (mostly) dad, with an office in the house in Jericho, and a series of interesting vehicles, usually painted various shades of purple. Over time, both his hair and his house would also become purple, as well as Anne's car and the Arcana van. Prior to becoming the "Purple Guy," Murray was known for his huge collection of custom-made Hawaiian shirts in electric colors, which were the only shirts he wore, ever. He spent the better part of most winters on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, and fell in love with the scenery, culture and aloha spirit of the people there. It was always his wish to return to Kauai after he fell too ill to travel, and for this reason, his family plans to scatter his ashes there. Murray is survived by his wife, Anne; and their sons, Milo and Aran Self, of Jericho. He is also survived by his parents, Madison and Lila Self of Hinsdale, Ill. He leaves behind many Kansas cousins, uncles and aunts, including Lorene Cox, Marilyn Whittenton, Sheri Flory, and Tim and wife, Gayla Self. Also his in-laws, his wife's parents, Peter and Ruth Mueller; brothers-in-law, Peter and wife, Lynn Mueller, and Paul Mueller and wife, Ingrid Iwanow; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Mueller; nieces and nephews, Lauren, Nicholas, Ryan and Elise Mueller. He also has a goddaughter, Ixchel Yat-Mendez. Murray was predeceased by his infant son, Jory Shipman Self in 2004; and his cousin, David Cox in 2010. Anne, Milo and Aran would like to thank the many people involved in helping to care for Murray over the past few years during his long illness. This includes the entire staff of the Fletcher Allen Intensive Care Unit, McClure 5, and Baird 3. Also both the in-patient and out-patient dialysis units at FAHC and Joy Drive, Lamoille Ambulance, Essex Rescue, and the Visiting Nurse Association/Care Connection of Chittenden County (special shout-outs to Renata, Cathy T., Mel, Betty, Drew, Baba Gee, Randy (Nowa), Samer, Neil, "Tony" and Julian). And especially, Murray's loyal and devoted doctors, who we came to rely on during our darkest times: Ann Goering, Joe Winget, and most of all, Alan Segal. Murray loved and trusted you very much, as did we. Also, Murray's special friends who were always there for him: Greg Noble, Jo Evans, William Folmar, Neal Mauck, Gabriela Mendez, Seth Jarvis, Buddy Dubay, Pat Cogan, Luis Yat, Andy Messenger, and James "Bubbah" Key. Murray loved you all, too! Murray wanted a farewell party to celebrate his life, "just a party, nothing serious or depressing," in his words. A gathering is planned for Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at 3 p.m. at Arcana Gardens and Greenhouses in Jericho. Guests are encouraged to bring musical instruments, a dish to share, and their favorite Murray story. Aloha attire and purpleness are encouraged. For directions and/or to RSVP, call 8995123 or visit the website www.arcana.ws. Arrangements are in the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of the Ready Family, Burlington. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com.