Bruce Leigh Murdock

October 21, 1943 - January 01, 2011

Bruce’s love of life and doing things well is evident in his accomplishments.

On January 1, 2011, Bruce Leigh Murdock died peacefully at his home in Mukilteo, Washington, with his wife at his side. He was 67. He was an ever loving and patient son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and steadfast, supportive friend. His complicated medical battles have come to a close, and we know he is resting well in the loving arms of the Heavenly Father.

The son of Joseph and Marie Murdock, Bruce was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 21, 1943. He graduated from Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois. He attended Elmhurst College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and met his wife Judith. Known as a star athlete, Bruce excelled in baseball and basketball. His greatest memory was having the opportunity to try out with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was not selected, but was forever proud of the opportunity to “give it his all”.

After college, Bruce married Judith and together they began their educational careers. Bruce taught sixth grade for several years and then continued his education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Elementary Administration from Winona State College. As an elementary principal in the Elmhurst School District at the age of 29, Bruce impressed his staff, his students, and his parents. He was loved for his ability to challenge students and to be playful with them at the same time. He also accepted the responsibility of becoming the Head of Professional Development for the District. Later he began a second career in Property Management were he loved the challenges and the responsibilities. In 2007, he retired from Property Management Northwest in Redmond, Washington.

Bruce loved music as well as playing the guitar and banjo. His mellow voice will be remembered by his students, family and friends who loved to sing with him.

As a retirement specialist, Bruce loved time and travel with family and friends. He especially enjoyed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and an exotic trip to the Cook Islands.

He is survived by his mother, Marie; his loving wife, Judith, with whom he enjoyed 45 years of marriage; his son, Mark, and his wife Nona; his two grandsons, Conner and Parker Murdock; and his daughter, Jennifer, and husband Pierce. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph and his brother, Phillip.

Bruce’s love of life and doing things well is evident in his accomplishments, but more importantly in the legacy of a family that came together during his last months to support him and each other. His sense of humor, his one-liner quips, and his never-ending patience with his medical challenges will be forever remembered.

Funeral Information

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Bellevue, on Saturday January 29th at 1:00 PM.

Donations Information

Memorial contributions can be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and The American Heart Association.

Donations Links:

The American Heart Association

Directions

Service:  Map to First Congregational Church

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