Scott Murray Obituary
Scott was born on November 13th, 1951 and passed away on May 29th, 2025 at the age of 73.
Leo Scott Murray, more commonly known as Scott, Dad, Chief, Grandpa, Papa, and Pops, drew the big tag in the sky on May 29, 2025 and has gone hunting. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his friends and family, who were always entertained by his hunting stories, quirky sense of humor, and sage advice. He truly made everyone feel included and loved.
He was born on November 13, 1951 in Murray, UT to Leo & Betty Murray, the 3rd child of 6. His family built and lived in several homes throughout Murray and Salt Lake City where he learned several different trades and how to hold a flashlight the right way for his dad. He loved playing little league baseball with his big brother Alan, and many other friends. He developed an incredible work ethic early in life that served him for the rest of his life. He got his first job at 12, delivering newspapers, which helped him learn responsibility and financial management. He also worked as a janitor and spent just 3 nights working at Red Barn, where he quit after he learned he wouldn't be getting time off for the deer hunt. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family on his grandparent's farm in Murray where they owned The Murray Chickadee restaurant. His favorite meals there were Grandma Milda's Chicken Pot Pies and custard.
His younger years included a variety of rogue shenanigans such as rolling tires down 5th south, shooting guns in a basement while hiding behind a couch, being a designated driver at 14, playing snatch purdy, and the theft of a judge's badge.
He attended several different schools in Murray and graduated from Murray High School in 1970, where he met the love of his life, Rosanne Gerrard. Scott & Rosie were married on August 21, 1971, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. He earned an Associates Degree from Salt Lake Community College and then briefly attended the University of Utah. Subsequently, graduating with a Masters Degree from the School of Hard Knocks. He loved to tease that he was just 9 years shy of becoming a doctor! He truly was a jack of ALL trades. He could teach you how to gut a deer, wire a trailer, or install a sprinkler system, to name a few. His longest running employer was himself, as the owner of Terry's RV, where he was the resident forklift driver and employer of friends, family and convicts. He retired in 2016 after 49 years in the trailer industry where customers became lifelong friends and employees became family.
To him, family was the most exciting adventure of all and he embraced every step of the journey. His greatest accomplishment was raising 5 kids into somewhat functional members of society: Mindie Larsen, L. Scott Jr. (Janet) Murray, Nichole (Corey) Percival, Todd (Jennifer) Murray, and Heather (Daniel) Eliaba. He leaves a legacy of love that will live on through 20 grandkids and 7 great-grand kids. He absolutely adored having his grandkids around, and was always ready for a new adventure, especially if it involved taking them on a fun ride. Rides on the forklift, Harley Davidson, razor, water weenie, and especially on his shoulders. He had a knack for making everybody feel important and found meaningful ways to connect with each family member through their various hobbies and interests. Over the years, Scott & Rosie's home was a revolving door to many people. They loved hosting family parties and gathering together. His idea of a good time at a party? Doing the dishes, collecting the trash, and trying to get rid of the leftover food.
Scott lived for an adventure both planned and unplanned: camping, hunting, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, Wendover excursions, boating in Lake Powell, family trips to Disneyland, and gathering at the cabin. He enjoyed his time riding his Harley Davidson and was a member of the Patriots Motorcycle Club. He played in the community softball league at Murray Park, was a bowling league extraordinaire, and when it came to family games, his competitive edge was unmatched. Scott was a huge softball fan, and spent hours of his retirement watching the Women's College World Series, and even made a few trips to Oklahoma to watch in person. He also enjoyed watching football, basketball, and other sports on TV and held season tickets to the Jazz. Flannel shirts and Harley Davidson gear were his go-to uniform, and his beard wasn't just a look, it was an era — one that outlasted every other hairstyle he tried.
Misadventures were his specialty, and each one came with a story he loved to tell — no matter how many times you'd heard it. If he started talking, buckle up- you'd find yourself with a free personal development seminar. We'll think of him every time we hear John Denver, Alabama, Willie Nelson, and CCR. He leaves behind extensive collections of yellow notepads, sticky notes, taxidermied wildlife and a legacy to embrace life with optimism, generosity, and a lot of silliness. He trusted in God to guide him throughout his life, and always tried to do the right thing. He was loved more than words can say, and though we'll miss him, we're excited for the day we'll reunite and carry on the adventures.
Scott is survived by a brother-in-law Keith Snarr, and his siblings Alan (Ruth) Murray, Dave (Toni) Murray, Linda (Dave) Webb, and Paul Murray. Preceded in death by his parents Leo & Betty Murray, an older sister Karen Snarr, a sister-in-law Tammy Murray, a granddaughter Gabrielle, and parents-in-law Stan and Fern Gerrard. The family would like to thank the Doctors & Staff at Utah Cancer Center, The START Center, and Quality Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11:00 am at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be on Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and on Thursday from 10:00 - 10:45 am. Interment at Murray City Cemetery.
