Dale Oliver Murray

Dale Oliver Murray passed away December 5, 2018.  He lived his life full of family, kindness and grace.  Heaven has received a very special soul.

Dale was born August 6, 1925 in Yacolt, Washington to Joe and Myra Murray and older brother Glenn.  The family moved to Tacoma where Dale attended Washington Elementary, Mason Junior High and Stadium High School graduating in 1943 where he was the State High School diving champion.  Following graduation he enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned aboard the U.S.S. Columbia.  He attended Iowa State College, College of Puget Sound (now known as UPS) and the University of Washington earning degrees in Civil Engineering and his Doctor of Dental Surgery.  He opened his dental office in downtown Tacoma where he practiced dentistry for over 40 years.  He and Doreen attended Stadium High School together, then reconnected at CPS and were married on September 2, 1948 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

Dale loved the outdoors and introduced his wife and family to numerous sports teaching them all to snow ski, water ski, fish and golf.  Summers were spent on Hood Canal in a cabin that he built, digging clams, crabbing, boating and entertaining many friends and family.  Water skiing was a huge part of the Hood Canal summers and Dale worked on perfecting his 360’s on trick skis.

Encouraged by his mother at an early age, music became an important part of his life.  He played many instruments and would often entertain family and friends playing his tonettes.  He and Doreen loved attending Jazz festivals in Sun Valley and the Oregon Coast.  He spent his spare time perfecting his woodworking projects (a craft that was passed down from his father), designing and building everything from an Indian sculpture he named “Strong Horse”, to Santa playing the organ.  He was also a huge Husky fan and he and Doreen loved going to the Husky football games.

Dale was a Phi Delta Theta, a longtime member of the American Dental Association, a member of the Gig Harbor Golf Course, and a member of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Doreen; his daughters Kay (Gerry), Joan (Michael), Martha (Steve); his son Jack (Cindy); Grandchildren Molly, Kelly (Abdul), Thad, Conor; and great granddaughter Amya.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at HonorWarriors.org.

The family held a private burial service on Fox Island to honor his life.  A celebration of life will be held at the Gig Harbor Golf and Country Club on January 19, 2019 from 12-3 P.M.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dale Oliver Murray, please visit our floral store.