On August 31, 2024, Robert “Boy” Murray was carried out on his feathers and into heaven. He left this world doing what he loved, surrounded by people he loved. Robert was born November 21, 1954 in Poplar, Montana to Robert and Patricia Murray. Out of the six children, he was the only boy and the nickname “The Boy” followed all his life. The Murray kids lived many places in their childhoods, but Brockton and Poplar were always home. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1972. After High School, he lived in Sidney, Montana and Denver, Colorado, eventually settling back in Poplar.
He met and married the love of his life, Theresa Jessepe Murray on May 2, 1977. From this union came their three children Isaac, Jessie and Robert (Bobby). Together they built an amazing life, which included his employment with Fort Peck Tribes, City Police Officer, Oil Rig Worker, Mechanic, Limo Driver and eventually starting his career in the Postal Service in 1984. Boy became Postmaster of Brockton and Poplar, which he served his community for thirty-six years. He worked in may Post Offices in Northeast Montana like Wolf Point, Froid, Scobey, Nashua, Frazer, Culbertson and Plentywood. This made him well-known and respected throughout the Hi-Line, there wasn’t a place he went to that he didn’t run into a friend. He retired from the Postal Service in 2020 and became in his words “full-time Grandpa”.
Our dad was a very talented musician and played in many bands throughout his life. He started to get into music in grade school, eventually starting a three-piece band with friends Wendall and Gary Mail. He spoke often of their band and how they “kicked ass.” They booked dances every weekend all over the state of Montana. Throughout his life he was in many different bands with life-long friends, Don Moran, Ira Darnell, Jesse Kirn, Robert BlackDog and Greg Solberg. Most recently he started to get the music itch and talked about starting up another band. His love of music doesn’t end with him, his legacy continues with his children and grandchildren. He loved his daughter’s singing and often encouraged her singing.
Robert was a life-long educator with obtaining degrees from Fort Peck Community College with an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in education from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. He led by example and encouraged his children to further their educations. Boy was an avid outdoorsman, taking his sons and nephews hunting, fishing and cutting firewood. Always serving his community he also was a Poplar School Board member for many years.
Boy loved his culture, and he loved the Lord. He was a man of God and would pray with anyone that needed it. Robert was a member of the Catholic Church in Poplar and a member of the Nationwide Prayer Warrior Society. Many years were spent as a Eucharistic Minister and gave communion to the home bound sick. The powwow circuit became his home and danced at every powwow he could attend. He made many friends on the powwow trail that he considered to be his family. He was truly happiest dancing in the powwow circle and in the end, he was with his beloved granddaughter Madelyn dancing when he was called to Heaven.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia and father Robert D. Murray Sr., sisters Dallas Falcon, Barbara Murray and Billy Gayle Murray Bemer. He is survived by his wife Theresa, sons Isaac (Cira), Robert D Murray III, daughter Jessie, granddaughters Gabriella and Madelyn, sisters Kathy Murray and Patricia Murray, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Our Father’s life was a celebration of the things he cherished most: the Lord, hid family, culture, nature, the simple joy of living for which he became our family’s beacon of tradition, pride and love. He passed away on Eagle’s wings and was carried to Heaven. We take comfort knowing he was greeted by his mother, father and sisters. His love for us will continue to guide us, just as his dance steps will forever echo in our hearts. Dad, we love you forever. Rest in peace.
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