David Murdoch

Murdoch, David

Seneca Falls: David Murdoch passed away peacefully on December 26, 2016, surrounded by family and friends under the loving care of hospice in Bonita Springs, Florida, where he resided for the last 10 years. Dave retired to Florida after a 50-year career in higher education, covering California, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and finally in Upstate NY where he and his wife, Miriam, raised their four children in Seneca Falls. Part of the Eisenhower College World Studies Program, Dave traveled the world with colleagues and students in the pursuit of better understanding of other cultures, including the Soviet Union and Egypt. After the closing of Eisenhower College, he finished his teaching career at Rochester Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his dear brother, Richard (Dee), Murdoch. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Miriam (1996), he is survived by his treasured children and their families: Carole (Floyd) Kofahl; Scott (Pat) Murdoch; Margaret Murdoch; and Daniel (Jill Stevens) Murdoch; grandchildren: Sarah, Caleb, Douglas, Hudson, Preston, Norman, Michele (deceased), Joshua, and several great-grandchildren. Cherished in-laws Robert (Joan) Jones, Thomas (Betty) Jones, and Virginia Jones (George Morgan, deceased); many dear nieces and nephews. Dave also had many wonderful colleagues and friends from his teaching days, including cherished friends, Murli and Nancy Sinha, who remained close throughout Dave's retirement years. He had a passion for tennis and played on the tennis team at Lighthouse Bay. Both on and off the court, he made many new friends who became his "Florida family."

Some of those dear friends (and their spouses) gathered around Dave during his final days: Dan Kennedy, Ed Powers, John Giacco, Warren White, Dick Ransom, Sam Benger and Francine. (From Dave: "Thanks, guys!")

In addition to his lifelong love of tennis, he enjoyed biking, golfing, and also participated in triathlons. A voracious reader, he was always ready to engage in spirited discussions on nearly any topic and took great delight in a good verbal joust. He was most happy when conversing (sometimes for hours) with friends and family. He was kind and generous, warm hearted and steadfast, open-minded and fair, with a Scotsman's sense of humor. Eternally optimistic and good humored, he could always find a ray of light, even during the darkest of times. Aye, he was a scholar and a gentleman, and we will miss him fiercely.

As per his wishes, there will be no formal service. Friends and family are encouraged to gather informally to share their favorite stories about Dave, and to raise a glass to "a Life well lived."

Contributions in Dave's memory can be made to:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Inc., 3 International Drive Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573 https://donate.lls.org/donate or Medecins Sans Frontiers USA, Inc 333 Seventh Avenue North, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cmf or Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Inc, 3760 Fowler Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 http://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/donate.