Memorial to Wm. T. Murry II

(l-r) My cousin, Dave Murry, me, and my Uncle Tom Murry

My mom's brother, my uncle Tom Murry, passed away yesterday. Uncle Tom was a dentist by trade, but he was always an active jazz cornet player. As a kid, I was fascinated by Uncle Tom. He was a natural comedian. He always had time for us kids, loved to take us fishing, and talked constantly about music. He was the first person that I ever identified as having the same love of music that I did, and his constant references to this artist, or that recording or show, gave me permission & encouragement to make music a big part in my life. There is a good chance that I would not be writing this had things been different.

He was always interested in my bands, and when I quit graduate school to pursue matters musical, he was the only greater family member that I remember being immediately supportive rather than perplexed or disappointed. Uncle Tom and my Aunt Charlotte were the most 'in love' couple that I have ever known. They seemed to wear life easily when they were together, and it was immediately obvious to everyone that they liked each others' company and were deeply and passionately devoted to each other. They modeled the marriage that I now have, miraculously, with my wife Christi.

I'm still having a lot of sadness over his passing, but his generous and unique spirit will live on and ripple down the generations through many, many people. I will never really be without him. So, here's to Wm. T. Murry, II. I'll miss you Uncle Tom, but I know that you will be with us as long as we are here to remember.