Murray W. Randall, 81, of Berkley, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday.
Born in New York, NY, son of the late Murray W. and Katherine (Shallcross) Randall; father of Ellen Randall of Los Alamos, New Mexico and the late Bruce Randall; companion of Jean Harley; father-in-law of Mary Randall of Agawam, MA; grandfather of Megan Randall of Whitefish, Montana. He was also predeceased by his beloved dog, Paco. He leaves many fine friends, neighbors and fellow aviators.
Murray grew up in Westfield New Jersey, lived much of his life in Berkley, MA, and wintered in Crooked Island, Bahamas. He received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University in 1958 and an MBA from Western New England College in 1966. Murray owned Nuclear Qualification Services which is an engineering consulting firm engaged in structural dynamic and finite element analysis for the nuclear industry. A licensed Professional Engineer, certified in CA, MA, and WA, Murray provided analysis for Nuclear plants in China, Taiwan, Korea, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Italy and the US.
Murray owned Aero Ads, an aerial advertising firm in which he flew banners around Southeastern New England. He holds a commercial pilot’s license and is an inspection authorized aircraft mechanic. He built and flew many airplanes at Myricks Airfield which he owned. After purchasing Myricks he opened the field for public use. Establishing the 501(c)(3) Myricks Airfield Foundation, he preserved the airport as open space for the education and enjoyment of the public. The 2200' grass strip hosts a yearly fly-in, on the 3rd Sunday of September, to educate the community on general aviation. An avid photographer, Murray used his aerial vantage point as a pilot to preserve for others what he was able to view.
Murray viewed religious and government philosophies as the primary causes of all miseries in the world. Murraysblog.com captures his political humor regarding current U.S. leadership. Murray believed in making higher education available to lower income students, public healthcare, women's rights, expanded immigration, and environmental issues. He was particularly supportive of nuclear power as an affordable power supply. Murray supported animal shelters and donated to Wikipedia.
His arrangements with Silva Funeral Home were privately held. Donations can be made to the 501(c)(3) public charity myricksairfieldfoundation.org 168 Padelford St., Berkley, MA 02779, which Murray created to foster grass roots aviation among youth.