"Death is nothing at all.. I have only slipped away into the next room, I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no differences into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Let my name be ever the household name that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that is ever meant. It is the same as it always was. There is absolutely unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval somewhere very near just around the corner All is well. May God Bless our friend Michael, and may he rest in peace."
In loving memory of
Michael E. (Merf) Murray
August 1, 1956 - August 23, 2003
Michael E. Murray, Merf, 47, of 520 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 23, 2003. Michael was born on August 1, 1956 in Marquette to Betty Jane (Voet) Murray and the late Raymond M. Murray.
He graduated in 1974 from Marquette Senior High School, graduated from the Toivo Seilo Trade School, and was a member of the Carpenters Local 958 as well as St. Peter Cathedral. In his younger years, Mike worked as a student janitor at Fisher Elementary School, Williams Texaco, Frei Chevrolet, and later worked at various places with the Carpenters/Millwrights. In 1980 he was given the opportunity to start his trucking career with L. Blondeau and Sons Trucking. In 1987 he went to work for C. Oberstar Excavating where he worked until the day of his death.
A very devoted husband, father and loving son, brother and son-in-law, he is survived by his wife, Melanie J. (Garceau) Murray whom he married on April 8, 1978; three sons who were his pride and joy, BUCN William R. Murray stationed with the U.S. Navy in Port Hueneme, CA and James and Joseph Murray, both at home; his mother, Betty Murray of Marquette; brothers, Daniel (Wendy) of Alamogordo, NM, David of Wichita, KS; a sister, Sandra Helt of Marquette; his grandmother, Margaret O. Voet of Marquette. Also surviving are his mother and father-in-law, Julia S. Garceau of West Palm Beach, FL and William P. Garceau of Marquette along with brothers-in-law, Jerry (Kristen) Garceau of Marquette, George Garceau of Pompano Beach, FL; also a sister-in-law, Joanne Garceau Sager of Flushing, MI and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceding him in death were a brother, Joseph in 1958; his father, Ray who died on September 16, 1986; also grandparents, Adah and Edward (Duke) Voet and Arminta and Jerry Murray.
Merf was a dedicated employee who took great pride in his work. He enjoyed his truck and his trucking buddies. He took great pride in his three sons and their sports. All were the apple of his eye. He was an avid NASCAR, Redwing and Detroit Lions fan and hoped one day to see the Lions win the Super Bowl.
Visitation will be held at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Peter Cathedral at 7 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Fr. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Charles Oberstar, David Oberstar, Daniel Yelle, George Fries, Ken Barnett, Kurt Voegtline, Kurt Janofski and Dale Gutzman.
Tributes
"Our sympathy and prayers are with you."
"Our sincere sympathy and prayers are with you and all of your family. Love Rose Kalohn and Family"
"My deepest sympathy, prayers, and love are with you all at this time of great sadness. "When your heart is heavy, and time has not yet healed your wounds, May you always find peace and comfort in your wonderful memories of your life with Michael.""
"Melanie: One of my greatest memories of Mike was the day he told off our neighbor from hell (I think you know who I'm talking about) I think Mike had the old coot shaking in his shoes! I too hope for a super bowl win from the Lions and should I still be around if they ever win one I'll surely toast one in Mike's honor. As you know Billy has been a big part of my family since he and Brandon were little. He is like a son to me. I know Mike had to be very proud of all his accomplishments. Billy loved his dad very much and spoke highly of him. Hopefully he will find comfort with his navy buddies while he is away from home. I'm sure it will be hard for him to have to leave again under the circumstances. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time."
"So sorry to read about your sudden loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. John & Dorene"
"Melanie- Deidre, the boys and I extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your sons."
"Melanie and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this truly sad time. We never know when we will be called to heaven; Michael did good with the time he had while he waited for that day. His good will be felt by you and those he touched forever. Michael, James and Joseph: It is tough when a father dies and no words really make it any easier. But I wanted to share this with you... After my Dad died a few years back, I can tell you that almost every day I still talk to him and reflect on how he has helped shape who I am. My dad died, but I still have him with me. You never lose your Dad, he will always be there with you. Love Danny and family"
"Melanie: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of "Merf" from the 480 Furniture softball team."
"Ray and I both are so sorry to hear about your loss. We love his mother Betty very much. We didn't know Mike but think a lot of all Betty"s children."
"Joe, Im thinking of you and your family at this time call me if you ever need to talk to someone ~*God bless you and your family~* ~Jacilyn Horvath~"
"Mel and Boys, We go back really far and we have had so many precious memories. The one we still laugh about is the time you came to visit and we went ridging and left Mike behind only to find him sitting on the wrong porch reading the paper. Thank you for all the great memories. He will be truly missed but always remember we are here for you when ever you need someone to talk to. You were there for me when my dad died and I will never forget it. All our love, The Allens"
"Merf will be greatly missed on this earth, but some day we will all see him again! Ken and our boys, Dustin & Devin knew Merf better than I did. They spent many good times together driving over the U.P. roads. It's hard to know that they will never go trucking together again, or just talk on the cell phones. Ken will miss him dearly, he was one of his true friends. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow."
"Mel and family, We were very shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's passing. Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathy, and know that both you and he will be in our prayers. May God surround you with His strength and comfort at this most difficult time. God's peace, the Vincent family"
"My Buddy, MY Friend, how I will miss you! It's going to be hard but I will do as you would want me to do. Without your calls every day I will be lost. You just don't know how much you meant to me buddy. So long..Curt"
"One of life's true gentlemen. A kind and considerate man who lived for his family."
"Melanie & Family: We are very sorry to hear about Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and our family during this most difficult time. There are no words to express loosing a loved one. Ellen & Jeff Dewitt & Family"
"Melanie, We will keep you & the boys in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Paul & Sheila Pavloski"
"Just want you to know our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time.I pray the wonderful memories that you have will help to sustain you ."
"Melanie and family: My sincere condolences at the sudden passing of your husband. I can't even begin to know what to say that would help ease this time for you except relish the memories and stories being shared with family and friends. Cry often and freely along with laughter. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug in person (prior commitments keep me from this). I'll stop in to see you on one of my walks some day. Sandy"
"To Melanie and the boys... I was saddened to hear about Merf's passing. As a friend of the family, I feel for you. I played softball with Mike back in the 480 furniture days, and have many good memories from that time. My and my wife send out our prayers to you and your family."
"Billy, James, & Joe, You guys made your dad very proud. You were terrific yesterday, and James you give the best hugs! Lots of Love Janene"
"Dear Melanie, We're so sorry to here about Mike. He was a great guy and he will be missed. I know you have wonderful memories of him and he will always be with you especially when you look at your boy's. You're in our prayers. Take care. Love, Mary Parker& John Reider"
"Dear Melanie and Family, I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family at this tragic time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!"
"Dear Family- You probably don't recognize my name but Mike and I were good friends from about the ages of 6 to 10 years old when we were in cathecism together at St. Peters. I haven't seen or talked with Mike in years but it warms my heart, and doesn't surprise me to see he was so happy and loved. My wife and I want to express our deepest regrets at Mike's untimely passing."