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Winfield "Skip" Francis Murray Obituary

Winfield "Skip" Francis Murray Obituary

Bangor, Maine - Skip Murray, 79, passed away peacefully, Jan. 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, craftsmanship, and an unwavering love for his family. Born on June 9, 1946, in Gorham, Maine, to Shirley Eleanor (Wentworth) Ward, he was adopted into the hearts of Lawrence H. and Elizabeth M. (Curran) Murray on May 11, 1947.

He attended Portland schools and proudly graduated from Windham High School in 1964. Immediately following graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. Upon returning home, he continued his education at NMVTI in 1966.

On June 24, 1967, he married the love of his life, Edna M. (Day) Murray. Their bond was the cornerstone of his life, and they remained devoted to one another until his passing.

He began his career at Potato Service Inc. as a boiler operator before moving to Windham, where he worked for Southworth Machine Shop and Dielectric. He eventually returned to Presque Isle to work as a boiler operator. Later, in Bangor, he served as the facilities director for James A. Taylor Hospital and worked with G.E. Turbines. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Murray's Lock Service in Bangor, a business he owned and operated with pride until passing the torch to his son, Kevin.

A master instructor for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, he took great pride in certifying more than 5,000 students in safety programs. He was a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for more than 25 years and held leadership roles in both the Pine Tree State Locksmith Association (treasurer for seven years) and the Maine State Locksmith Association (president for four years). He was also a proud lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

While his professional achievements were many, his true joy was his family. He often said his children and grandchildren were his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Proudly known as gramp and bumpa to all.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Elizabeth Murray; his birth mother, Shirley Eleanor Ward; his "very special" uncle, Frank T. Murray; his brothers, Laurence J. Murray and Vincent L. Murray; and sister Cheryl Gagnon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Edna; his sons, Laurence J. Murray and wife, Lisa, and Kevin S. Murray and wife, Heather; his grandchildren, Joshua and wife, Casandra, Christopher, and Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Julian and Adrian Murray. He is also survived by his siblings, Grace (Ward) Parsons and husband, Christopher, and William "Bill" Ward; his brother-in-law, Dale Day and wife, Debbie; nephew, Giovano Fusco; and niece, Kimberly.

Graveside service to be held in the spring.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Winfield "Skip", please visit our floral store.

Bangor, Maine - Skip Murray, 79, passed away peacefully, Jan. 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, craftsmanship, and an unwavering love for his family. Born on June 9, 1946, in Gorham, Maine, to Shirley Eleanor (Wentworth) Ward, he was adopted into the hearts of Lawrence H. and Elizabeth M. (Curran) Murray on May 11, 1947.

He att

Published on January 13, 2026

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A Simple Cremation of Maine

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