William D. Murdock

1934 - 2010

Born in a coal miner's cabin May 8, 1934 in Carbonado, Wash., William D. Murdock died in Rancho Mirage, Calif. on December 15, 2010. Bill married Mary Jane Berry in 1958. Bill is survived by Mary Jane; sons, Jim Murdock and Rob Murdock; daughter-in-law Janine Knapp Murdock and his most loved grandson, Cameron Murdock. His sister Joyce Thornberg, brother James Murdock and sister- in- law Dee Murdock will also miss him greatly. Along the way Bill graduated from Whitworth Elementary and Franklin High School in Seattle, Wash. He served his country during operation Deep Freeze, a multinational effort to explore the poles, while serving on the Coast Guard ice breaker, the North Wind. He went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree from California State University at Long Beach and a master's degree from Pepperdine University. He spent 25 years teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School District. During his residence in Torrance, Calif., Bill became a charter member of the Gardena Evening Optimist Club. He contributed many hours of community service to the organization. He served in all offices including President of the club. In his retirement, he spent much time traveling between his homes on Vashon Island in the state of Washington and Palm Springs, Calif. Bill never considered himself a snowbird, rather a rainbird, due to Seattle's weather. He leaves many friends in Washington and California who will miss his willingness to help and his sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Vashon Heritage Association, 10105 SW Bank Road, Box 723, Vashon Island, WA 98070.