Author Earl Murray Dead at 52

Source: Fort Collins Coloradoan

Earl Patrick Murray, 52, of Fort Collins, died suddenly Saturday, May 10, 2003, at Poudre Valley Hospital.

A service celebrating his life will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at John XXIII University Center with dinner immediately following. An additional service will be held in Montana.

Earl was born Aug. 25, 1950, in Great Falls, Mont. He grew up on a ranch in the heart of “Big Sky Country” near Square Butte, which nurtured what be came a lifelong love of the land.

He received a bachelor's degree in agronomy from Montana State University in 1972 and went to work as a range conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service in Glendive, Mont.

In 1976, he published his first novel, which put him on his true path. In 1986, he became a full-time writer, publishing more than 40 novels. His award-winning stories combined his love and knowledge of botany, history and Native American culture.

Earl had a genuine interest in people and lived by the Sioux belief, Mitakuye Oyasin—”we are all related.” He was always willing to share his experience with fledgling writers. He spoke on many panels and was part of the Reader's Digest Writer's Voice in Billings, Mont., which sent writers to rural schools to work with children promoting creativity and writing.

Earl had been a member of Western Writers of America and was a Spur Award finalist for his novel “Song of Wovoka” and most recently, his short story, “Sacred Stone.”

He was honored to be included in many Crow sweat ceremonies and was invited and participated in two Sundance ceremonies.

Earl had a passion for music, playing the banjo and guitar for church services, writers' gatherings or just for friends and family.

Though he leaves a rich legacy in the books he wrote, his true and lasting legacy can best be counted in the family and friends he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed.

Earl is survived by his wife, Victoria, of Fort Collins; two sons, J. Paul Reed of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Ryan Murray of Laurel, Mont.; two daughters, Tina Teeters and husband, David, also of Laurel, and Pamela Plovonic and husband, Zeb, of Billings; a sister, Karen Kenney and husband, Dan, of Billings; a brother, John Murray and wife, Stella, of Belt, Mont.; his mother, Viola Murray, also of Billings, as well as a niece, two nephews, three granddaughters and numerous extended family. His father, Ray Murray, preceded him in death.

Continuing his philosophy in life, Earl was on the donor registry and able to contribute in death. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered on both Square Butte in Montana and in the mountains in Colorado.

“but their story will never die. Each night when the shadows slide down from Longs Peak and the moon rises overhead, there is a faint melody carried on the wind. Those who listen carefully can hear a soft and haunting Scots-Irish waltz.” - from “In the Arms of the Sky” by Earl Murray

Local author Earl Murray dies at 52

By STACY NICK

StacyNick@coloradoan.com

There wasn't a person Earl Murray met who didn't like him, friends and family said Monday.

The 52-year-old local author died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm Saturday afternoon while packing to move to California with his wife, Victoria.

“He didn't look at people as strangers,” Victoria Murray said. “He was very open and kind. People just seemed to be able to know that about him.” While Earl Murray most often wrote fact-based historical novels, he was moving to California to finish the screenplay based on his 1994 thriller, The Quiet, written under his pen name Patrick Billings. The book is about a serial killer loose in Yellowstone Park.

“He was very excited about that coming out—about finally having the opportunity to have people to see them on the screen,” Colorado State University Library archivist Pat Vandeventer said. “My hope is that they find someone to finish the screenplay.”

Since 1996, Vandeventer had helped Murray with research for his historical novels. “He was a very dedicated author,” she said. “He researched (his subjects) to the 'nth' degree before he even began putting pen to paper.

“He had such a flair for writing,” added Vandeventer, who had ead almost all of Murray's 40 novels. “He loved the West and history and putting them together. He wrote wonderful novels.”

Murray would spend years researching a subject to make sure his books were accurate, Victoria Murray said. His 41st book, based on the life of real-life Zorro Joaquin Marietta, is due out in July.

Talking with people like Vandeventer about her husband has been comforting, Murray said.

Everyone from his doctor to the receptionist at the veterinary clinic where they take their pets has called to extend their ondolences and share their stories about the local author, she said.

“He was a pretty amazing individual,” Murray said.

Services A celebration of Earl Murray's life will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at John XXIII University Center, 1220 University Ave.