Brian Michael McMurray

Brian Michael McMurray, age 70, who was so proud to be a resident of beautiful Tawas City, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 1, 2024 while on his boat in Tawas Bay Marina.
Brian was born in Tawas City on March 11, 1954 to John and Elaine McMurray. He spent his younger years in the Saginaw area and attended St. Helens, Zilwaukee and Arthur Hill Schools. He felt fortunate to be able to return to Tawas, where he excelled in academics and played football his senior year (1972).
Brian married Beth Maher in 1975 and together they raised two sons, Jonathan and Joseph. Brian joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Gordon, Ga. as a Transportation Specialist. He then attended what was known as Ferris State College, where he received a double major in Computer Science and Accounting.
He briefly worked for the Business Department at Consumers Power, until he was head hunted by Dow Chemical, where he spent a rewarding career as an Executive Project Manager in Computer Programming in Midland and Southfield facilities until he retired.
He was eventually drawn back to the Tawas Area for its beauty, where he spent all his summers at "The Cottage," and had many family and friends. Feeling too young to retire, he decided to pursue his real estate license and joined Tawas Sunshine Realty where he felt instantly at home, shortly thereafter becoming office manager.
Sunshine Realty is where he met the Love of his Life, Elaine Curley. They married in 2010. A new venture was on the horizon for the two of them when they became the proud owners of Colemans Resort on Tawas Bay. They built the business, promoted the community and entertained guests that soon felt like family.
Brian and Elaine could be seen walking their two adorable pups, Zak and Ceelo, several times a day along Bay Drive and the sandy beach shoreline. Brian had many interests over the years: boating, fishing, golfing (achieving his hole in one) and men's softball. He was also quite the pool shark in both the Midland and Tawas pool leagues.
Brian believed in being a contributing part of the community. He was once a member of the Tawas Area Elks as an officer and on the Ritual Team. He stepped up with the Lions Club when it existed and took his turn when they needed an officer. He enjoyed being part of the East Tawas Mens Club for a good exchange, meal, cocktail, and maybe a card game with buddies.
He would never hesitate to do his share, step up to the plate and take his turn. He has had several years of involvement with the City of Tawas on committees and as a city council member and is currently the Mayor of Tawas City, until his recent passing.
He was greatly loved by his family and will be truly missed by many. Brian was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Brian is survived by his wife, Elaine C. McMurray. Brian is also survived by his loving mother, Elaine C. McMurray; his sons, Jonathan McMurray, and Joseph McMurray; brother, Craig McMurray (Heather Wight); sister, Karen (Eric) Haglund; grandchild, Savanah Speaker; nieces and nephews, Jassen Smyczynski, Chadwick Smyczynski (Kristi Filary), Matthew (Brandee) McMurray, Angela (Andrew) Switalski, Paul Grimaldi, Karri (Jenny) Haglund, Christopher Wight, Alex Wight, Olivia Wight-McMurray; great nieces and nephews, Dalton Smyczynski, Saylor Smyczynski, Blake Everette, Connor McMurray, Cara McMurray, and Charles Switalski.
Brian was preceded in death by father, John McMurray; brother, Mark McMurray; sister, Debra McMurray; sister, Gail Grimaldi; brother-in-law, Philip Grimaldi; and nephew, Ryan Smyczynski.
Brian's family welcomed friends for a time of visitation on Monday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. His funeral service was scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Chis Young officiating. Friends may pay their respects to Brian and his family on Tuesday morning before the funeral for another time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of his service.
Per his wishes, cremation will take place after the funeral service. Those wishing to express their condolences through a memorial contribution may do so to the charity of your choice in Brian's honor or to his family for their wishes. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Brian's family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.