John Murray

John Murray was always an adored older cousin to me - mysterious and playful with his younger cousins. I am thankful for the brief and warm re-connection to him late in life and I only wish I had known him better as an evolving adult on life's journey.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of John. John was a hidden angel, walking around Missouri, traveling the world, and helping us all.
He had a rare gift of humor, but sometimes in a sarcastic way, not ever meant to be mean, but supportive. If you called John, he was sure to ask questions and take a very real interest in whatever situation you were dealing with. He would go the extra mile, doing anything he could do to be helpful.
I met John just over 40 years ago at Harris House, I was 27 and John must have been 37. He was painting a refrigerator for the house, and he was just a friendly guy to talk to. I always smile when I remember this. I was totally lost, and John gave me advice and counsel on how to proceed.
Somewhere in the 80´s-90´s we saw each other at the same meeting for years, and everyone went out for dinner afterward. I looked forward to his comments every week. That was at Annunziata Church in Ladue.
Over the years we had intermittent contact at meetings, lunch, dinner, and of course the phone. We moved to Florida for 27 years, and John came down at least twice, staying in Clearwater once, and he and Dottie stayed over at Disney a couple of times. We did Epcot with John, Dottie, and Tara. Those are great memories.
My wife Linette is a HUGE John Murray fan. She always gave him big hugs and was always so glad to see him. Back when I was in Harris House, John saved her life too. She didn´t know what to do, and John just explained to her that this is something that strikes some people and they can get well. John and Linette had many conversations at the house. I´m so lucky he was around.