Altamont- At his home, surrounded by his wife and children, Owen L. Murray, of Altamont NY passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Born in Lake Placid NY on November 6, 1928. Husband of Myrtle Sweet Murray of Altamont. Son of the late Leo and Irene Murray of Chateaugay NY.
Owen grew up in Chateaugay NY, graduating from Chateaugay High School in 1947 and it was in Chateaugay where he wooed and won his wife of nearly 64 years, Myrtle. Owen and Myrtle eventually moved to Clarence Center, NY, then to Altamont in 1969.
Owen spent his career working for the NYS Department of Agriculture in Dairy Industry Services for 37 years, retiring in 1994. He was a long-time member of and past chief of the Altamont Fire Department, accumulating over 74 years of volunteer service as a fire fighter in three departments. He served as a trustee for the village of Altamont and was a tireless and enthusiastic supporter of the village. He and Myrtle have been long time congregants of the Altamont Reformed Church.
Owen served our country in Germany during the Korean War years, receiving an honorable discharge. He lived his life as a devoted family man, taking his family across country and spending many a summer vacation at the beach in Avalon, NJ. He was a collector specializing in NYS 1/2 pint milk bottles, antique cow creamers and all things dairy and firefighting related. He has received numerous service awards from his employment and the community he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtle, of Altamont. Also survived by his sons Laurin Trainer and Mark Murray, both of Altamont, and daughter Kim (Tom) Bessette of Delmar, NY. He is also survived by daughter–in–laws Carol Trainer of Clarence NY and Cindy Creasy of Duanesburg, NY, sisters Nina Morgan of Chateaugay NY, Julia Casey of Fort Edward NY and brothers Garth Murray of Bath NY, and Glenn Murray of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Also survived by grandchildren Jason (Marie) Trainer of Spencerport NY, Britt (Hector) Eliott of Hout Bay, South Africa, Elena Murray, Connor Murray and Jenna Bessette of Delmar, great grandchildren Mya, Seth and Breah Trainer, Elizabeth and Sasha Eliott, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his son Don Trainer of Clarence NY, sister Leta Lobdell of Chateaugay and brother Craig Murray of Buffalo.
The family wishes to thank the extraordinary caregivers who helped in the last months, especially Danielle, Rondah and Theresa.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont NY., with a memorial service to follow at 12:30p.m. Interment will be in East Side Cemetery in Chateaugay at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Altamont Fire Department or Altamont Reformed Church.