Salinas

Murray was born in Newhall, California to Winifred and Morris Dill. He was the ninth child of total of 12 and he grew upon a dairy farm inChowchilla, CA., Murray left the farm to attend College at San Jose State and after graduation, began his teaching career in Santa Clara. It was there that Murray met Elsie Jane Garin, who was also attending San Jose state. They eventually were married in Carmel and started a family while living in King City. Murray was ateacher at San Lorenzo school in King City and eventually moved the family to Salinas and worked as a teacher and vice principle in the Salinas city schools for almost 30 years. Upon retirement, Murray devoted more time to sharpen up his golf game as well staying active playing Tennis, playing Bridge, snow skiing and many family activities. Murray and Elsie raised five children, George, Gordon, Henry, Kathy and Cynthia. Between trips to over the San Joaquin valley to visit family, watching his children’s sporting events and his favorite spot, Lake Tahoe, Murray was always busy and it all revolved around family. Coming from a family of 14, which included his parents, Murray was never too far away from a family member.

Combine that with the fact that his wife, Elsie was one of 4children in her family.

Eventually when all the children moved out, Murray and Elsie did some traveling here in the states and overseas and creating the dynamic duo of Murray & Elsie. Married for 69 years, Murray and Elsie were the perfect hosts and loved to celebrate family and friends wherever they were. On their trips, Murray would pack his golf clubs and Elsie would bring her art supplies and wherever there was a golf course, there was certainly a scenic spot for Elsie to paint. They built a vacation home in Lake Tahoe that Elsie named “The Pickle Jar” and it is the gathering spot for the whole family and was the location of several weddings and celebrations. It is definitely one of Murray’s and Elsie’s best pieces of work, as they collaborated on its design and layout.

Murray will best be remembered as being a dedicated educator, loving father and husband and a great friend to everyone that he met. He loved all sports and stayed active, even snow skiing up until age 70, which he really liked because he got adiscount. But his sense of humor and laughter endeared him to his family and friends, as well as his willingness to help when they needed it. He is also remembered as a strong and fair leader as he and Elsie served on my Local school and City organizations. As an educator he touched many lives and the fact that at the age of 80 he could still remember a lot of his student’s names was a testament to his passion as an educator.

Murray reached celebrity status when he celebrated his 100th Birthday. His friends and family marveled at the fact of how could someone at 100 years old still have so much life and energy. Plus the fact that nobody had ever been to a100th birthday party for someone they knew so they all felt special. If there was one word that can describe Murray, it would be “Special”.

Murray was preceded in his death by his parents, Morris and Winifred, his wife, Elsie Jane, and nine of this Brothers and sisters as well as his grandson, Jonathan Dill. He is survived by his sister, Dora Boomer (Turlock, CA) and brother, Robert Dill ( Chowchilla, CA), Sons, George Dill (Rhoda), Gordon Dill ( Carol), Henry Dill ( Lisa), and daughters Kathy Bourne (Mike) and Cynthia McGonigle.

Grandchildren are Garin, Ellsye, Hans, Henry, Natalie, Sam, Kimberly, Kristen, Matthew, Lauren, Annie, Patrick and Reilly Great grandchildren are Katherine, Hank, Emmie, Jonathan, and Lucy. The family also is thankful for Archimedes Rogacion and Grace for taking such great care of Murray during his final time with us.

Regarding services, there will be a public viewing on March 12th, 2025 from 10:00AM-12:00Noon at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St. Salinas, CA. 93901 followed by a private family ceremony at the Garden of Memories.

A celebration of life will also be held March 12, 2025 starting at 3:00pm to 5:00PM at Corral DeTierra Country Club.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Palma school Foundation - 919 Iverson Street, Salinas, CA 93901 and First Tee- Monterey County -1551 Beacon Hill Drive, Salinas, CA 93905 Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com