Bruce A. Murray

MURRAY Bruce A. Murray, age 60, of West Brattleboro, Vt., went home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, June 24, 2004, at his residence on Sunset Lake Road, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Bridgeport, on March 24, 1944, the son of the late James and Anna (Novak) Murray of Fairfield. Raised and educated in the Fairfield school system, he graduated from the University School in 1962. Following high school, he earned his associate's degree from Norwalk Community College. In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Military Police, where his unit was stationed at the 38th parallel near Seoul, South Korea. Upon his honorable discharge as Specialist 4, he returned to school, working on his bachelor's degree in business administration at Western Connecticut State University, known then as Western Connecticut State College. On July 20, 1968, he married Susan Elizabeth Todd in Bridgeport, and later moved to Vermont when his family was growing and an opportunity to start his own business beckoned him. He established Coachwork Unlimited on Canal Street, an auto body repair and restoration business. He later relocated the business to Bonnyvale Road, Guilford, Vt. He was a fine craftsman with an artistic flair who gave tireless attention to detail. He served his customers well, taking into account the limited finances of many. Over the years, he viewed his work as a ministry, giving time, service and advice to many who came to trust him as an ethical, caring and giving businessman. It was during his teenage years that Mr. Murray developed an interest in automobile restoration, and had completely restored a 1928 Model A Ford among other vehicles. He won numerous trophies, having entered auto shows in Madison Square Garden, New York City, and at the Armory in Teaneck, N.J. Mr. Murray was active in the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, Monadnock Chapter, Keene, N.H., for several years serving as president for two years. He was a member of the Gideons International, Windham Camp, over the last several years and held the office of vice president. He was a participant of Community Bible Chapel, Atwood Street, for 26 years, along with his wife and two sons. He developed a love for the church family and thoroughly enjoyed praising the Lord, heartily singing along with the weekly Worship Team during services. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He had an avid interest in marksmanship and shared this sport with his sons. With his training in the Sea Scouts and owning his own boat during his adolescence, he developed a love of water travel, and in later years took many boat excursions with his family, including travels to Washington, D.C., the Triangle Loop through the Thousand Islands, and the Erie Canal west across Lake Erie. He was a lively conversationalist, and could discuss issues debate-style involving current events, politics or business. He had a strong interest in motorcycles and dirt biking, and along with his son, many times entered off-road races. He enjoyed free weight lifting and it was a lifelong form of fitness training and discipline for him. Besides his wife, Susan, of nearly 36 years, he leaves two sons, Todd Murray of Alexandria, Va., and Shaun Murray; daughter-in-law, Laura Murray, Jack, 3 ½ month-old grandson, all of Arlington, Va.; mother-in-law, Ruth Todd of Bridgeport; sister-in-law and husband, Virginia and Walter Nygard of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Robert Miller of Madison; and several nieces and a nephew. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, James Murray. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Community Bible Chapel, 107 Atwood Street, Brattleboro, Vt., with Pastor Neil Stetson officiating. There are no calling hours. Burial will be held at a later date for the family in St. Thomas Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following ministries that were important to Bruce: Community Bible Chapel (food ministry/kitchen equipment), 107 Atwood Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or Christian Heritage School, P.O. Box 2224, Brattleboro, VT 05303, c/o The Bruce Murray Memorial Scholarship Fund.