Paul Warren Murdoch

GREYBULL, Wyo. - Paul Warren Murdoch passed away unexpectedly at his home in Greybull, on Feb. 16, 2017. The journey of his life began in Worland, with his parents, William Barclay and Dawn Marie (Madler) Murdoch on December 26, 1963. He was the youngest of 3, after sister, Darrin Marie and brother, William Ralph. 

After 3 years of living in Worland, his father decided to try a new venture and moved his family to Greybull. The Standard Oil bulk plant was purchased from George Clements in 1967, and eventually grew to include a gas station in Greybull and bulk plant and station in Worland. This was the start of Murdoch Oil.

Paul and his siblings would take orders over the phone and ride along with their dad in the bulk truck, which is where his passion for the business came from. Paul graduated with the Greybull High School class of 1982, and received his Associate's degree in business from Northwest College. He played trumpet for many years in school and was awarded a music scholarship to college.  He had a fervent love of music his whole life. After college, he too joined the business with his dad and brother and in October 2009 became President of Murdoch Oil.

In January 1985, he became a part of the Greybull Volunteer Fire Department and became an EMT to serve on the ambulance crew. He followed in his dad's footsteps and was elected fire chief in 1997, and has remained at that post ever since. 

He became Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge from 1994 – 1995. He has served on the Rural Healthcare Board for many years and has fought hard to make sure that good ambulance service is provided for our community. Paul served on the advisory board of Big Horn Federal for 8 years, and was made Director of the main board in January.

On September 12, 1987, he married the love of his life, Claudine Saunders, and they remained very happily married for almost 30 years. The 2 biggest blessings of their life came with the birth of Preston William on July 8, 1993, and Nicholas Taylor on December 10, 1996. Paul loved his boys with all his heart and was very proud when they joined him in the business.

Paul had a zest for life and enjoyed traveling, old cars, snowmobiling, and parties at his man cave, always surrounded by the many friends he had in life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Claudine; sons, Preston and Nicholas; his mother, Dawn; his sister Darrin; his brother, Will and wife, Barbie; mother-in-law and step-father-in-law, Janet and Lee Hallsted; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wendy and Eddie Brown and nieces, Alicia and Nevin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mark and Jessica Ernst and niece, Sophia; aunts, uncle, and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, William; maternal grandfather, Ralph; maternal grandmother, Vergee; paternal grandfather, William; and paternal grandmother, Adeline.

A Memorial Service will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the Greybull High School Gymnasium with the graveside following at the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at the Elks Lodge following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions in Paul's memory may be made to Big Horn Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 471, Greybull, WY 82426 with the proceeds going to a scholarship fund based on volunteerism and community service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Atwood Family Funeral Directors.