Murray John Washington, 85, of Queen Creek, AZ passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 11, 2023. Murray remained incredibly sharp and
charismatic man through his final months and days. His humor, warmth, positivity, gregariousness, and love of sports will never be forgotten. Murray was born August 6, 1937 in Port Arthur, TX, the son of Frederick and Lois Washington.
He attended grade school in Seattle at Immaculate Conception and high school in Oakland, CA at Oakland Tech. He proudly served in the US Army, stationed in Alaska.
Murray loved his family deeply and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy Hallenbeck Washington and daughters Heather (Toby), Amanda (Lilo) and Samantha (Edmund) along with granddaughters Karmyn, Jasmin and Maria.
He is also survived by his sister Patricia (Ernest) Dunston, sister-in-law Cathy (Wes) Curtis, nephews Derick, Bryan and Tyler, nieces Robin, Lisa, Jenny and Megan and grandnephew Cameron.
Murray will be honored at a military service in Arizona and a special Celebration of Life will be held later this summer in Seattle on a date and location to be determined.
From Murray’s two chess buddies Michael and Gregory.
The King has fallen. We honor our friend Murray.
Oh, how Murray loved the game, always up for a match,
Over the board or online, he'd play like it was a marathon until we threw in the towel.
At the chessboard domain, we'd often convene,
With pieces ready, strategies unseen.
Murray wasn't a Grandmaster, we'll admit,
But his dedication to openings had us all in a fit.
The "Modern Chess Openings" book (MCO), 15th edition in hand,
Obsolete by computers today, Murray recited lines, a chess maestro so grand.
Move by move, he'd quote variations with glee,
Leaving us in awe, wondering how that could be.
His eyes locked on the board,…
There is a special kind of love that grandchildren have for their grandparents.. but something not as common is a granddaughter being able to live with their grandparents their childhood. I had that, being able to wake up every morning and seeing my papa in the same chair at the table eating his breakfast, talking about the plans we have for the day, sharing stories but mostly hearing his, drawing him art that he always put on his wall, and seeing him play chess or talk with his buddies. Not only was he a grandpa but he took the role in being a father to me as-well, teaching me things and made me believe i can do whatever i want…
Deeply saddened by Murray's passing. The King has fallen.