Gilford---David “Ratch” W. Murray, 81, of Elderberry Drive died on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester.
Dave was born on November 24, 1937 in Manchester the son of the late Timothy and Rosamond (Davis) Murray. He grew up in Manchester, graduated from Manchester Central and went on to study at the University of New Hampshire. Dave worked for Snap-On Tools for over forty-five years and eventually owned and operated Dave Murray Tool Company.
Dave was a very active member of the community, helping start and organize baseball and softball youth leagues. Dave played an important role in facilitating the construction of baseball and softball fields known as Stonewall Park. He was a president for the Laconia Country Club, and the Gilford baseball and softball leagues; he was also a member of the Bektash Shriner Mini Patrol, Elks Lodge, Mason Temple, Lions Club, and a Boy Scout Leader.
Dave is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Mary Ellen Murray; two sons, Mark Murray and his wife, Jeanette, of Bow and Michael Murray and his wife, Amanda, of Litchfield; his daughter Ann Crawford and her husband, Brian, of Weare; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Shannon, Makayla, Kendall, Collin, Aiden, Dilan; and his sister, Lorinda Mitchell. In addition to his parents Dave is predeceased by his sister, Susan Montville.
There will be no calling hours.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 9:30 am at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Belknap Mountain Road, Gilford, NH 03249.
For those wish memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children- Boston, Development Office, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH are assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.