Bob passed away peacefully  during the early hours of a snowy morning on December 28th at the age of 86.  His early childhood was in Hoquiam and later moved to Clallam Bay where he graduated in 1953.  This was an area he continued to love and would return to fish, camp, and explore with family and friends.  With encouragement from Clallam faculty, he went on to University of Washington where he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of rowing on the light-weight crew and became president of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.  Following college, he was in the Army Reserves and had medic training at Fort Sam Houston.

In 1961 he spent six months travelling in Europe and Scandinavia staying in youth hostels and riding on a Vespa motor scooter with just a backpack.  He ran with the bulls in Pamplona and suddenly realized that was not a smart thing to do, so he jumped a fence.  The stories from this adventure should have been written into a book.

Bob met his wife Deanna at UW while in Dental School, and they were married in 1965.  Following his graduation in 1967, he obtained a dentistry position in Bergen, Norway, where they enjoyed living for a year.  Upon return he briefly practiced in Friday Harbor before setting up a practice in Anacortes.  He greatly enjoyed his staff and patients and missed those connections after retiring in 2001.  He was an active member of many service and professional organizations and taught weekly at the dental school in the Restorative Department for over 32 years.  One of his dental classmates said, "He was a kind, humorous, and thoughtful human being with a solid moral compass, and we all truly loved the man."  Bob was also a member of the Anacortes Rotary Club for over 50 years and served as president.  A favorite event was the Rotary Crab Feed that he enjoyed organizing for the club.

His joy was being surrounded by his girls: his wife Deanna, two daughters, five granddaughters, and one great granddaughter. He knew one more great granddaughter is expected in February 2022.   Daughters: Heather Murray (Nathan Walley),  Anna Melling (Dan),  granddaughters Miranda Melling Cozad (Skyler), Marla Melling Buffo (Maverik), Macia Melling, Clara Elliott, Violet Elsworth, and great granddaughter Emma Cozad.  Bob also enjoyed getting to know two step grandchildren, Maddy and Ian Walley.

Special memories were created boating on the Shoo Duck and traveling with the trailer or camper to Alaska, Montana or across Canada to Nova Scotia.  He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, and later in life  enjoyed watching wildlife.  Hobbies included photography, jewelry, collecting and sharing recipes; and researching plus recording his family's Norwegian history.

One of his frequent messages to family and friends was to remember to thank your teachers, coaches, mentors and friends, and to preferably put it into a handwritten note.

The family appreciated the home health agencies, hospice, and neighbors who made it possible for him to be at home.

Hopefully in the near future a gathering will be possible to celebrate his life and maybe share a few stories and favorite jokes.

Bob felt that the school and community in Clallam Bay was very supportive and contributed to him having an enjoyable life and career. The family suggests that any gift in his memory be directed to support students in the school who may not have their needs met at home.  Those who are interested in fulfilling his wish could send a check to Clallam Bay School and designate it as Bob Murray Memorial.  This is not possible online but could be sent to Deanna for her to forward to the school. Clallam Bay School, 16933 WA-112, Clallam Bay, Washington 98326