On the morning of May 23, 2019, Charles “Chuck” Lee Murray at 66 years of age, passed away after a 1.5 year battle with cancer. Chuck was being cared for by his loving family members in the comfort of his home. Our needs were met by the compassionate and loving care from St. Peters Hospice, we couldn’t have got through this process without them. It was a blessing that his two boys, wife of 43 years, family members, friends and Mickie / Karissa of Hospice were present during his final hours.
Chuck was born in Fort Collins, CO on February 28, 1952 but was raised in Helena, MT. He was the first child of Brona Lu Crawford and Charles Ausmus. Chuck married Lindi Brighton Murray, September 20,1975 and remained in Helena, MT during their married life.
Chuck received his associates degree in computer programming from the Helena Vo-Tech, 1983. He retired from BCBS 2010 as a Systems Administrator.
For those who knew Chuck well, know he wasn’t an attention seeker and a man of few words unless you sparked his interests and passions in his love of telemark skiing (“Free the Heel”), mountain biking, hiking (he had to be leader of the pack and didn’t waste time marveling at the beautiful wildflowers along the way because his end goal was reaching the final destination and seeing it first before everyone else), he was a devoted family man, diehard Oakland Raiders fan, history buff, loved BIG TV’s, lover of dogs and cats, and CrossFit. He relished reading, watching sports and Westerns/Classical/SciFi movies (“Casablanca” one of his all time favorites), large Vinyl collection, folf, and took competition very seriously. Chuckles didn’t give up easily and in the end, he went out swinging.
With all of his passions and interests there are many memories that come to mind to remember him by.
As a small fry football coach he instilled a toughness and grit that would carry on with his players for the rest of their lives. We still run into old teammates and they always remember Chuck yelling at the top of his lungs, “Take a lap!” He would make the entire team run if someone was late, dogging it in drills, or talking when they weren’t supposed to. He taught accountability, and a never quit mentality which built some of the toughest kids to come out of East Helena.
As he grew older he shared a love of brewing beer with his sons. We started out with simple equipment, simple recipes and over the course of many years it turned from hobby to almost a business. He loved trying new recipes and ventured into beers that were not as well known by most. Intrigued with beers from Belgium, we brewed many variations and styles together. He was always anxious to try new styles of beer. If you shared the interest he would talk for hours on end about brewing and the science behind making beer.
He loved telemark skiing and spent many days each winter at our local hill, The Great Divide. He was an impatient man and if there was fresh snow, you’d better get your gear on quick or he’d leave you in the snow dust because first chair was his priority. He’d always say, “No friends on powder days!” Apparently that also meant no family on powder days. Though he thoroughly enjoyed skiing with anyone who could keep up.
Chuck was extremely dependable and supportive. He was always there to support his boys in any event they participated in from baseball, wrestling, basketball, football, choir, live gigs, school, work, and house projects. And the list goes on. For those he cared for who were in trouble or in need, he was the first person there ready to help….never late, in fact at least 10 minutes early.
Chuck loved Montana. He loved his lineage and was very proud of both. He would often tell his boys they are 6th generation Montanan’s. “My old man always tells me it’s the last best place a man could call home. I’m starting to think that my old man’s right. Thinking it’s true every day and night. There’s no place I’d rather be. This Big Sky Country’s for me.” — Big Sky Country by Trevor Murray (a song inspired by Chuck.)
Chuck is preceded in death by Brona Lu Crawford (mother); Charles Ausmus (father); Adam Vogl (nephew), Jasmin Hoy (niece)
Chuck is survived by Lindi Murray (wife), sons: Tyler Murray (Nidia) of Helena, Trevor Murray (Cara) of Helena; siblings: Eve Hopkins (Guy) of Helena, Rex Hoy (Judy) of Helena, Lalani Whelen (Paul) of Helena; grandkids: Kalli Lawrence of Bozeman, Xithlali Lawrence of Helena,Tanner Miller of Helena, Javin Adam Murray of Helena; Numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Great Divide on Saturday, June 22, 2019 starting at 2pm. Please come help remember Chuck and share your stories amongst family and friends. Condolences to Chuck’s family and any final personal thoughts / comments can be shared below.
“You can’t soar with the eagles if you hoot with the owls” — Chuck Murray
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 22, 2019
The Great Divide
Marysville, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 22, 2019
The Great Divide
Marysville, Montana
John E. Andrew says
I remember when Chuck and Gary were challenged to a pool game at one of the Rodney St. bars by the Brighton twins and I remarked about how long it would take for you two to scare them away. Chuck laughed and said “I don’t know but I’m not going anywhere”. Fast forward many years later he said to me that he felt that he was the luckiest guy he knew and that things had worked out better than he could have ever imagined. Enough said.
Pablo says
I only met Chuck, his wife Lindi, and their two boys for only a few days while visiting. They raised a beautiful family. As a parent, that’s the biggest reward in life a person can have.
Ana says
Mr. Chuck and his wife Lindi raised a beautiful family. When they visited California, we had the pleasure to meet them. Mr. Chuck was a very nice, humble, and kind man. He will be miss dearly from his family and those who had the pleasure to know him. May he Rest In Peace. -The Torres family
Rick O’Connell says
Lindi and family. Sure gonna miss his constant grin on the ski hill. I guess it’s true the good die young. Our thoughts go out to you.
Rick and Jan
Joe Ruschetti says
Goodbye Chuck, I am glad I had the chance to meet you and talk to you over the years. I will always recall your smile and talking with you. Traci and I will remember Lindi, your kids and extended family in our prayers. Rest in Peace.
Ruschetti Family
Pam Kovick Tyree says
Chuck had a mega smile that lit up the room. I remember what a sweet boy he was back in the day. Prayers to his family and friends.
Pam Kovick Tyree
Gina says
Dearest Lindi, Tyler, Trevor
Thinking of you and all of your family at this time and always. So glad to have you and Chuck and all of his family in my life. Sending prayers and love.
Sincerely,
Gina
Kasey Kuntz says
Lindi, Tyler and Trevor,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Chuck’s passing. We all shared many great moments together from my early childhood to wildflower to the ski hill! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time.
The Kuntz family
Gerry Kelly says
To Lindi, Tyler & Trevor. So sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to have known Chuck. I enjoyed his company and sense of humour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Your friends from Ireland.
Gerry
Patty Ladd says
My sympathy goes out to the entire Crawford family. You are a bunch that stands together in the good times and the bad times. I hope the strength of that family love will support Chuck’s family through this very difficult time.
Corrie Hahn says
Chuck was a good man and a good friend. RIP Chuck.
Marilyn Kelly-Clark says
It’s been many years since I last saw Chuck, but I remember him with fondness, he was a good person. Blessings to Lindi, his sons, and family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Phil & Terry Lamping says
Lindi, Trevor and Tyler, we are deeply saddened to hear of Chucks passing. Our memories go back to the Small Fry Football days when Chuck coached with Wade Higgins. What a great time that was. At one point Chuck was even able to convince our son Chris to become an Oakland Raiders fan. He has never lived it down! Big hugs for you all during this difficult time.
Dawn Piazzi says
Sending love to all of Chucks family and friends.
Jack Kaiser says
Chuck was a big part of my growing up in Helena. From keggers in Davis gulch to listening to new music in Steve Munzenrider’s house, Chuck was there. Skiing both alpine and nordic, floating the Missouri, hiking around Helena and hitting the pubs..Chuck was there. He was a straight shooter. Honest, highly intelligent, insightful with national and world views, Chuck was a renaissance man. I respected the hell out of him. I considered it an honor to be his friend, to be invited to his social functions. Chuck was fun. He was a Montanan. He lived where he loved, and he loved where he lived. I felt a deep stab of pain when I heard of his death, but I felt an even deeper feeling of gratitude knowing him.
Shane Stephenson says
Chuck was my Small Fry Football coach. He was a great person, mentor and leader. He will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Coach.
Tim and Connie Ferriter says
Lindi, Murry and Crawdford families, We are very sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Rest In Peace Chuck!
Trevor Murray says
Miss you already Dad. I want to thank everyone who has already posted here. I appreciate reading all the memories you’ve all shared. Some of them bring back good memories and others are new memories I’ve never heard before. My Dad was my biggest supporter and he’s helped me through good times and the bad. As Jack said best, “Chuck was there!” Thanks for always being there. Love you Dad!
Dundee Warden says
It doesn’t seem possible to have known Chuck for 50 years… He was the “Big Brother” to a lot of us growing up and in those tough times he was quiet and still and a rock the size of a boulder we knew we all could lean on, if needed. And if you saw Chuck crack a grin, then you knew the moment was a special one.
God Bless you and I send my Love to your precious family!
Dundee
Mary Runkel says
Dear Lindi and family,
Chuck was always willing to help me, back in the day at BCBS. No matter what the task at hand he gave you a grin that broke in to a smile. My thoughts and prayers for you all now.
Stephanie Eickmeyer says
I’ve heard Brandon tell several Chuck stories over the years, and know how much he respected him. The couple of times I was around Chuck, I always thought he was very kind. His legacy lives on in his two smart, kind, adventurous boys. Ty and Trevor, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. I am so glad you could be there for him when he needed you most. We will be in Idaho on the day of his service, but we will be thinking of you and will tell our boys a story about Chuck in his honor. Please reach out if you need anything. We love you!
Peggy says
Your Mom and mine (Norma Byrd) were such good friends when we were growing up it was always like extended family. You will be missed.
Jay Martinsen says
Chuck was like a second dad to me, since our mothers are twins Ty and Trev are essentially my half brothers so we spent a lot of time together, a lot of camping stories 🙂 I remember growing up trying to read Chuck, not sure if he was mad at me or if he was even paying attention to me. I think it took awhile but I finally warmed up to him and vice versa 🙂 He became one of my best friends, he reluctantly took me skiing with him and the boys, not because he didn’t want me along but because he didn’t want to slow down to stop and get me, he would say “I’ll slow down to 5mph just slow enough for you to jump in, if you don’t make it, oh well”. Reading everyone’s stories and thoughts brings tears to my eyes because they all line up with exactly who he is, a rock, someone who is always there. I know you’ll be there for me when I need you Chuck, thank you for everything you are a great soul, I love you man.
Jay