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BORN
1929
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
William Murray Obituary
March 21, 1929 - June 14, 2019
William J. Murray, a third generation San Franciscan, was born to William and Alida Murray and attended St. Anne's Grammar School, Lincoln HS, and City College of San Francisco where he was a trombone player and drum major in the college band. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War participating in the Inchon Invasion and later at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, where he was fortunate to survive as one of the "Chosin Few."In 1956, following in his grandfather and father's footsteps, he joined the San Francisco Fire Department and rose to the rank of captain. Bill was highly respected for his training techniques, firefighting innovations and rescue procedures, and received multiple meritorious awards for valor. When he retired after 30 years, he was invited to join the Glen Ellen Volunteer Fire Department as a training officer and later as volunteer fire chief. During his 20 years with G.E.F.D. he authored multiple grant requests resulting in new engines, equipment, training procedures and money to upgrade the stations.
Bill encouraged a love of nature and the outdoors, backpacking with his family and Boy Scout Troop 347 as he regularly led 50-mile hikes in the Sierra. His many personal projects included designing and building his home on Sonoma Mountain and creating a renowned, magical Christmas tree stand complete with running trains and Alpine villages.
A lover of horses, Bill was a member of the Mounted Assistance Unit for Jack London State Park and also a member of the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association board where he introduced and ran the annual holiday party for the docents of three parks.
He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 66 years, and their six children: Maureen Murray Fox, Bill (Susan), Nancy Ewert (Dave), R.J. (Pina), Shawn Waite (Craig) and John (Nancy). "Pop" is also survived by 10 grandchildren and became a great grandfather this year. Friends may visit Sunday, June 23 from 2-4pm at Duggan's Mission Chapel, 525 W Napa St, Sonoma. A Funeral Mass in thanksgiving of Bill's life will be celebrated on Monday, June 24th at 10:30am at St. Leo Catholic Church, 601 W Agua Caliente Rd., Sonoma. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Sonoma Land Trust (sonomalandtrust.org) or the Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Murray
Sponsored by Duggan's Mission Chapel.
Peter Page
September 30, 2019
Mr. Murray was my scoutmaster at Our Lady of Mercy, Troop 347, and 50 years later I can honestly say anyone who known me for any length of time has heard my thankful praise for how important he was to me as the son of a troubled man who died when I was not yet 13. I idolized Mr.Murray and have been thankful all my life for his mentorship. He trained us boys until we won awards for our fieldcraft and skill as campers. We backpacked far into the Sierras, endured cold and blisters, and learned what we were capable of. Mr. Murray changed my life for the better because that is how he treated everyone. Any service I have ever done in my life is because of his example. My condolences to the Murray family.
Peter Page,
Lambertville NJ
Roland Lee
June 24, 2019
To the Murray Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Bill's Passing. I met and worked with Bill at Truck 7. I respected Bill, and enjoyed working and knowing him. He always conducted himself professionally. He was always a gentleman to work with. I never heard him say any bad words about anyone.
He did his job well, and always knew how to get the job done. He gave practical drills in order to keep his crew proficient. He was fair in everyway. He was a great mentor: so I learned how to be a firefighter and officer.
I am sorry for your loss and I will never forget knowing Bill.
Roland Lee
June 24, 2019
To the Murray Family
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's Passing. I met and worked with Bill at Truck 7. I highly respected Bill and enjoyed working and knowing him. He always conducted himself professionally and was always a gentleman to work with. I never ever heard him say a bad word about anyone.
He did his job well, and always knew how to get the job done. He gave practical drills in order to keep his crew proficient. He was fair in every way. He was a great mentor; as a result I learned how to be a firefighter and officer throughout my career.
I am sorry for your loss and I will never forget knowing Bill.
May he rest in Peace.
Roland Lee
June 23, 2019
Bill was the best company officer I ever had the pleasure to work with. Not only did he know the job, but his respectful manner, high ethical and moral standards set him apart from most.
While I worked at SFFD Training I would call on Bill to get advice on ladder lesson plans. He was the man who would know.
Bill was in a class of his own. The type of leader that others would greatly benefit from his role model.
God Bless
Tom Murray
Mike McIndoe
June 23, 2019
Bill Murray was a gentleman but anyone who made his acquaintance would not mistake the strength, conviction and love of family that made up his character.
My "American Cousin" will be sorely missed but long remembered by his "Canadian Cousins."
Joe Mazeau
June 22, 2019
Captain Bill Murray of Truck 7 was an outstanding Officer and teacher. He knew the job and loved the job and had the ability to communicate this on the fire ground or in the drill yard. All of us in the SFFD were very fortunate to have Bill in our lives.
Bill's second career in the fire service was as Chief and guiding light for the Glen Ellen Fire Department. The FFs and citizens of Glen Ellen were blessed to have Bill watching out for them.
My most sincere condolences to the Murray family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mike Farrell
June 22, 2019
Bill was a true gentleman and a most competent officer. On a personal note, he took the time to meet with my college bound son to help him navigate the difficult entry process for an architectural major at Cal Poly. Kevin is now a successful architect in Santa Rosa. Thank you, Bill and God Speed.
June 22, 2019
Chief Murray was a great guy, he was good to us at Station 7, he will be greatly missed.
God Bless
Dennis Balich
Edward Phipps
June 22, 2019
To the Murray Family,
Bill was more than a fellow firefighter to me. He was a brother and like Bill I was a firehouse brat. Chief Murray and the entire Murray family were soul mates and Chief Murray was my guiding light in the Fire Service. I shared a lot of good times with Bill and Nancy and enjoyed our relationship to Bill and the entire Murray family "may you have a following sea and the wind always at your back" God Bless and Bill Semper Fidelis
Ed and Arlene Phipps
Elmer R Carr
June 22, 2019
Bill Murray was known throughout the SFFD as one of the "Real Captains." They also were a Chosin Few. Dedicated, professional, knowledgeable and a real leader of men. Loved by his men, but more importantly, respected by the troops.
Phillip Fitting
June 21, 2019
Captain Bill Murray, a gentlemen's gentlemen!
I had the pleasure to work with Bill for 7 years on truck 7, I went to countless fires with Bill as the leader, and a leader he was, always making the right calls, Bill saved me from serious injury
more than once with his knowledge of the fire ground stopping me before I came into harm's way.
Bill was a role model for the way he led his life and the way (Bill and Nancy) raised their family,
I used some of the lessons learned raising my family with Huge Success!
Bill, thank you for teaching me the firefighting trade and how to live life.
God Bless You!
Phil and Marylou Fitting.
Marty Ross
June 21, 2019
Bill was one of the best and most knowledgeable officers I ever worked with. He was a true gentleman and leader. He was respected by all. His crew was always top notch prepared.....With Respect and Admiration-- Marty Ross
June 21, 2019
My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Murray. The memory of him will live on in our hearts, as well as in God's (Psalm 116:15). May He be with you and strengthen you during this very difficult time.
AG
Bill Richardson
June 21, 2019
Capt. BIll was one of the SFFD's true legends. A great respected leader at TK.7 when I had the honor to work with BIll. Loved and admired by us all. Thank you for your service.
john Dellinges
June 20, 2019
I will miss Mr.Bill Murray SFFD great fireman
and Officer,He assisted me in training as did his
Dad Chief William F.Murray Sffd,Great people John Dellinges Retired,God Bless the Family.
SANDI
June 20, 2019
MR. MURRAY WAS A WONDERFUL FAMILY MAN AND A GREAT FRIEND TO MY FATHER, WALT MCRAE. HE WAS A CLASS ACT AND WAS KIND TO EVERYONE HE MET. GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS GREAT FAMILY.
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