MURRAY, Richard (Age 71) Richard Walter Murray now wanders that eternal wrecking yard in the sky after bravely battling COVID19. Rick is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Dorothy Murray and sister Darlene Christel. Rick is survived by wife Holly Murray; daughters Vanessa D. Hayden (Murray) and Megan Hogue (Murray); son-in-law Christopher Hogue; and grandson Richard Hayden. Rick was born September 11, 1949 in Caldwell, ID, the only son of six children. Moving to Spokane in the 1960s, life in the Murray household was never boring with sisters Gwen, Dorothy, Edith, Darlene, and Joann keeping Rick on his toes. Shortly after moving to Spokane, he met Rick Stone and in friendship, they kept their parents and the authorities bewildered with their antics, most famously for having rolled bowling balls down Regal on the South Hill. Graduating from Ferris High School in 1969, Rick proudly served his country as a Tank Mechanic during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Korea and Vietnam, Rick returned to Spokane in 1972, working for John W. Graham Paper & Company. Shortly thereafter, Rick met Holly, an attractive blonde, and it was love at first sight. Their journey together began after Rick ordered a heart-shaped cookie asking Holly to marry him. Eager to introduce Rick to her parents, they drove to Idaho Falls. Using his expertise, he removed the engine of his Econoline van onto his future in-laws' driveway. Married September 22, 1973, Rick and Holly celebrated 47 years of marriage. Early in their marriage, they became charter members of River City Vans and enjoyed frequent van-ins throughout the region. Rick's passion was restoring old Fords including his award-winning 1949 Coupe, his 1932 Hot Rod notoriously known as the Blue Bitch, and with many others he labored and swore over, but loved to no end. In high school, Rick joined the Gents Car Club, rejoining later in life. He also became a member and past President of the Inland Northwest Fords Unlimited Car Club. A proud father of two, Rick helped his daughters however he could. Whether it was a deck, new flooring, a treehouse, car repairs, or moving possessions hundreds of miles away, Rick put his wife and daughters first. His grandson Richie was the apple of his eye and they were each other's best friend. Rick was a proud union member and after retiring from Travis Pattern in 2015, enjoyed playing with his dog Buddy, visiting with his neighbors, and traveling to NYC, Boston, Salem, and more. Rick enjoyed driving throughout Montana with his daughter Vanessa; his favorite spot was the historic M&M in Butte. With daughter Megan, Rick toured the Henry Ford Museum, a lifelong dream of his. Rick is remembered for his love of old Fords, his Converse, and his laugh. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Meals on Wheels or the Spokane Humane Society. His final wish is for people to wear their mask, get vaccinated, and defeat COVID19. Thank you for the memories, Rick; ride eternal, shiny and chrome.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Dec. 27, 2020.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/spokesman/name/richard-murray-obituary?id=12811413