Mark Murray (1934-2012)

Mark Elliott Murray (1934-2012), business owner, civic leader, and avid outdoorsman died Friday evening, May 25 after a long battle with pulmonary disease. He was surrounded by his loving family.   A native Coloradan, Mark was raised in Denver, attended East High School and graduated from the Business School at the University of Colorado in 1956.  He married his high school sweetheart, Sally Cooper of Denver, who remained his wife and partner for 56 years.  

His lifelong passion for automobiles was realized when he established Murray Motor Imports in 1975 and operated the Mercedes-Benz and BMW dealership for 37 years. His philanthropic interests were many, serving on the governing boards of The Denver Zoo and The Rotary Club of Denver.  His charitable contributions included such causes as:  National Jewish Hospital, The Botanic Gardens, The Susan B. Komen Foundation, The Colorado Ballet, Denver  Boys and Girls Club, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, and Great Outdoors Colorado.

He is survived by his wife Sally, and two daughters, Lisa Haifleigh and Jennifer Bess: his sons-in-law, David Haifleigh and Charles Bess and five granddaughters: Caroline Bess Pearce,  Madelaine Bess, Elliott Rose, Tempel and Isabel Haifleigh; and his grandson-in-law, Tyler Pearce.