Henry Murray, 65, of Townsend, Mont. passed away at his home on Nov. 22 surrounded by his family, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that touched so many throughout his lifetime.
Henry was born Oct. 7, 1955 in El Paso, Texas to Myrtle Ann Pfundstein and Henry Murray Jr. He was the oldest of six children and accepted the position of role model among his brothers and sisters with ease. That close relationship carried into adulthood, and Henry remained the “go to” when his siblings needed counsel.
In the fifth grade, Henry and his family moved to Sunburst, Mont. He graduated from North Toole County High School, and while he was there, Henry met his love, Kaylynn McPhillips. At that point, they were just friends, but as time passed, their friendship blossomed into a more serious relationship. Following graduation, Henry enrolled in the U.S. Army and served in the United States and in Korea. Henry and Kaylynn maintained a long-distance relationship for two years, then briefly separated ways. However, they were meant to be and reunited in Arizona. The couple married in 1978, and moved to Columbia Falls, Mont. where Henry embarked on a 13-year tenure at Glacier National Bank. While living in Columbia Falls, the couple started their family. Eliesha Marie was born in 1981 and Brianne Nicole followed in 1984. Henry adored his girls and he and Kaylynn took great pride in raising them to be the exceptional women they are today. Later, he took the same pleasure in watching his grandchildren grow — Tanaya, Ron, and Taylor were always at the top of his list!
In 1991, Henry and his family moved to Townsend where he joined the staff at State Bank of Townsend. He continued to work at the bank for 25 years, retiring as executive vice president. Henry was known as a hard worker in all aspects of his life and was a firm believer in honesty and truth. Henry had a tender, giving heart and was always first in line to help others.
When he wasn’t hard at work at the bank, Henry loved to hunt, fish, bowl and golf. For several years, he served as president of the Old Baldy Golf Board, and throughout his lifetime, participated in the Lions Club, Legion, Volunteer Fire Department in Columbia Falls, and the Masonic Lodge as a mason, and a Shriner. Henry loved the outdoors, especially camping, but one could also expect to find him spending quiet hours with a good book or puzzle. One of the biggest highlights of his life was going to a Dallas Cowboys football game at the Cowboys stadium. He was on Cloud 9!
Henry is survived by his wife, Kaylynn of Townsend, Mont.; his daughters, Eliesha Leland (Rob) of East Helena, and Brianne Cartwright (Shawn) of Townsend; his mother, Myrtle Romero of Tucson, Ariz., his grandchildren, Tanaya, Ron and Taylor; his siblings (biological and inherited); and numerous other family members and friends. A heartfelt thank you to all of the family and friends that have provided love and support!
Until we meet again, we love you!
A remembrance with military honors will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, November 30th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A service celebrating Henry’s life will be held at the American Legion in Townsend at approximately 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend both services.
Val Hornsveld says
Dear Kay, Eliesha ,Brianne and families,
My heart is aching for you and your loved ones with the loss of your dearest Henry. May your memories get you through the tough times ahead. Prayers for your peace.
Val and Roy
Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
Dear Kay and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Henry. We will always remember the fun times at the bowling alley. May your memories help to carry you through.
Clayton & Sheryl
Valerie Millet says
Dear Kay,I was so sorry to hear that Pinky had been so ill. I know it had to be extremely hard for you and the girls to watch him suffer the way he did. He is sitting with the angels now and no more suffering. I am sending hugs to you and the girls. I pray that you can all find the strength you need during this time Take care of you. Hugs, Val Miller
Cindy Lee says
Pinky as we knew him was our cousin, and friend. He joins our cousin Lenny Atkinson, and we pray for God’s peace and comfort for you, his family. Cindy Lee (East Helena)
Barry L Atkinson says
To Kay and Family, Prayers to you all. I will always remember Pinky as I knew him I am his Uncle and have very found memories of growing up with the gang in Sunburst and used to babysit when my brother Burgey and Mert would go out, and we would stay up and play until I knew they were on the way home. He was a great friend and relative who I will always remember with a smile. Uncle Barry.
Joan Hunsaker says
Dear Kay, Eliesha, Brianne
I was so shocked to see Henry ‘s obituary on Facebook.
I didn’t even know he was sick! I am so sorry! Wish I was there to give you all a hug! I am so glad you all live close to each other, that will be such a support for each of you! I didn’t know Henry that well but I could see and feel the love you each had for him! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please
Taylor a big hug from me!!! ❤️
Jim & Lori Boltz says
We are so sorry to hear this – our deepest condolences to you and your family. What a full rich life Pinky had. A life of service and giving. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy & Kim Martinson says
Dear Kay, Eliesha, Brianne & Family, We are truly sorry for the loss of Henry. Please know you are in our prayers and hearts. Henry was the truest fan of the Cowboys, but an even bigger one for his family. I will miss his smile, his laugh & that twinkle in his eyes❣️ Godspeed, Henry🙏🏼
Jody & Hallie Arvidson says
Dear Kay and girls, we are so sorry to read about this on Facebook. As the years go by and people move away from your town, unfortunately the ties that bind seem to loosen. Know that even though we no longer saw you regularly as in days gone by, we thought of you guys often. We are so sorry to hear that Henry had to suffer but know that he did it as he did everything, as a true hero. He will be missed by many but also remain in the hearts of just as many. All our love and prayers.
Lisa Larson says
Kay, Elisha, Brianne & families,
My deepest condolences in the passing of Henry. Our hearts are hurting for you all. May the dear Lord wrap his arms around you and bring you peace in the coming days. Much love!💕
Cathy Viores (WinCo) says
Kay, there are no words to express our sorrow for your loss. You’re in our thoughts. Sending love and prayers.
Carla Stewart says
Dear Kay and family. I’m so very sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. May your memories give you all comfort. Thank goodness you are all close to help one another. Much love to you all.
Barbara Monroe says
MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO PINKY’S FAMILY.
He was such a wonderful person, he will be missed.
Barbara Atkinson Monroe-
Debbie Hallenberg says
Kay and girls. I’m so sorry to hear of Pinky’s passing. It breaks my heart for all of his friends and family. 🙏🙏💗
Susan (Linnell) Cunningham says
Sending Hugs, Love & Prayers- Pinky as we knew growing up was so much fun & enthusiasm & sparkle in his eyes💫✨ You two were the vision of high school sweeties that get married & are lifetime soulmates with family & faith to reflect your Love💔🙏🏻So Sorry for your loss- Forever in your Heart & Memories 🙏🏻🙏🏻💫✨
Nancy Linnell says
My sincere condolences. Cherish the memories.
Rachel Seidensticker says
Sending our heartfelt love for all of you! I wish I could be there to celebrate Pinky’s memory. My fondest memory of him is his constant smile and laugh. He brought joy whenever he entered the room. And I knew I was loved by him especially on my wedding day when he took it upon himself to inform Charlie he is never to hurt me or he will have to answer to him….the best! So thankful to call him “Uncle Pinky”. Much love to you all!
Chris Mockel says
Eliesha, I had the brief pleasure of meeting Henry on a few occasions and each time was left with the impression of a strong and caring man which makes perfect sense because strong and caring are trates you carry in everything you do. Kasey and I share condolences to you and all your family and we celebrate Henry’s life. He was good and the world is better from him being here. May the blessings pour down upon all Henry’s family and friends!
Cal Simshaw says
The Murray and Simshaw families (nine children total at the time) were very much intertwined when we were growing up in Sunburst in the 60s. As the oldest Murray child, Henry was a driving force in the group dynamic in those formative years. When we would get back together at camping trips in recent years we could talk about those times as if they happened yesterday. We will all dearly miss Henry.
Cal Simshaw
Brad Simshaw says
Henry was a good man. Easily better than most I know or have known. Simply put, he knew what was important. That was love, commitment, loyalty, and trust, for his family, for his community, for his county, and for his friends. That may sound simple but it isn’t. Most men find it difficult to do, or are unwilling to do, or are nothing but talk. Henry did all of it and made it look simple. And he always managed to do it with that engaging smile, a smile that made you feel welcomed. And with that twinkle in his eyes that I must admit sometimes left me wondering ‘Dang, does he know something that he isn’t telling me’. Anyone who heard him laugh knew that it was genuine. If I had a nickel for every time he had a good laugh I bet I could purchase his beloved Dallas Cowboys. By the way, I’m sure if I would have told Henry that what ever price was paid to buy the Cowboys was a price far to high, I am sure he would be the gentleman and good sport that he always was, look at me, and have a good laugh (boom, another nickel!). Then he would have given me that twinkle in his eyes, leaving me to tell myself ‘Dang, I thought I had him’.
That laugh was the same since being kids in Sunburst where we all spent countless hours hiking, running around town, playing sandlot baseball, doing all the things we could do until the either the town siren blared signaling curfew or our mothers shouted from respective front doors telling us time to come home. Many a good game of hide and seek was cut short due to Mert or Candace.
I am saddened, deeply so, that a friend known for so long is now gone. But I am more saddened for the seemingly impossible burden that now confronts Kay, Eliesha, Brianne and their families, Mert, and Henry’s siblings. The pain, emptiness and grief of their loss I cannot imagine. I can only hope that eventually the memories of the joy, comfort and care that was Henry will become stronger than that burden.
I will miss Henry. But I am grateful to have known him and I feel lucky to have spent time with a good man and a good friend. Henry just being Henry could teach you a lot. Like, don’t make things more complicated than they have to be, keep things simple, and what is really meaningful and gives you happiness and joy is right there in front of you, your family and friends. Now that I think of it, I suspect that is what the twinkle in his eyes was telling me all along. Rest in peace Henry.
Debra Gillies Sampson says
Fondest memories of Pinky and Kay in high school. There was always a smile on Pinky’s face. The Lord must have needed a very special angel. God Bless.
Margaret Moffatt says
Dear Kay and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I do hope all your memories help you thru.
Pinky as I remember was a pretty darn nice kid who worked and it sounds like he continued that mode throughout his life. Happy that he also had time to enjoy his family and have fun while doing it.
With heartfelt Sympathy to you all.
Margaret Erickson says
Kay & family,
Just now seeing about Henry’s passing.I am so sorry for your loss. Losing the love of your life is extremely difficult. I only knew Henry from the bank but Kay you did my hair for quite awhile. I have pleasant memories of our associations and will keep you in my prayers. Take care, Stay well and God Bless you and your family