G. Graham Murray

Article Last Updated; Friday, June 26, 2009 7:12AM

Murray

Durango resident G. Graham Murray died of cancer here on Friday, June 19, 2009. He was 85.

Mr. Murray was born to George Graham and Margaret McCabrey Murray in Detroit on Feb. 23, 1924. After graduating from Harvard University with a doctorate in mathematics, he settled in Trenton, N.J., with his first wife, Thalia. They had three children and later divorced. Among other jobs, he worked for RCA.

In 1970, he founded Data/ Ware Development Inc., a successful high-tech company, in San Diego. His family said Mr. Murray was respected and admired by his employees and remained friends with many of them after selling the company in 1997.

A lifelong athlete, Mr. Murray met his second wife, Caroline Kenvin, while running on the beach. At the age of 60, he ran a marathon in 3 hours, 24 minutes.

"In the first marathon we ran together, Graham was 20 steps ahead of me the whole time," his wife, Caroline Murray, said. "And that's pretty much the way he was for the rest of our lives."

The couple married in San Diego on May 19, 1979.

The Murrays have lived in Durango for nine years.

His family said that even in his 80s, he continued to fit all that he could into life. He stayed active in Blue Data Inc., the company he founded after selling Data/Ware. He wrote his first novel, a book about dogs, and letters to the editor.

He also enjoyed hiking and took up tennis, steadily improving his game through weekly doubles games.

Mr. Murray enjoyed going out to dinner and meeting friends for coffee and lively conversation.

"His determination, boundless energy and keen intellect made a lasting impression on all who knew him," his family wrote.

He shared his love of music with his daughter, Karen, who was a talented flutist.

Mr. Murray was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Kitaen; and former wife, Thalia Murray.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Caroline Murray, of Durango; sons Bruce Murray of San Diego and Kevin Murray of Atlanta; stepdaughters Betsy Shewmake-Kenvin of Durango and Dorothy O'Donnell of Mill Valley, Calif.; stepsons Richard Kenvin and Peter Kenvin, both of San Diego; sister, Barbara Hufford, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; two grandchildren; and one nephew and one niece.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Sunday, June 28, 2009, at Mr. Murray's home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1800 East Third Ave., Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301; the Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., Durango, CO 81301; or the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 South Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81303.