On August 31, 2024, Robert “Boy” Murray was carried out on his feathers and into heaven. He left this world doing what he loved, surrounded by people he loved. Robert was born November 21, 1954 in Poplar, Montana to Robert and Patricia Murray. Out of the six children, he was the only boy and the nickname “The Boy” followed all his life. The Murray kids lived many places in their childhoods, but Brockton and Poplar were always home. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1972. After High School, he lived in Sidney, Montana and Denver, Colorado, eventually settling back in Poplar.
He met and married the love of his life, Theresa Jessepe Murray on May 2, 1977. From this union came their three children Isaac, Jessie and Robert (Bobby). Together they built an amazing life, which included his employment with Fort Peck Tribes, City Police Officer, Oil Rig Worker, Mechanic, Limo Driver and eventually starting his career in the Postal Service in 1984. Boy became Postmaster of Brockton and Poplar, which he served his community for thirty-six years. He worked in may Post Offices in Northeast Montana like Wolf Point, Froid, Scobey, Nashua, Frazer, Culbertson and Plentywood. This made him well-known and respected throughout the Hi-Line, there wasn’t a place he went to that he didn’t run into a friend. He retired from the Postal Service in 2020 and became in his words “full-time Grandpa”.
Our dad was a very talented musician and played in many bands throughout his life. He started to get into music in grade school, eventually starting a three-piece band with friends Wendall and Gary Mail. He spoke often of their band and how they “kicked ass.” They booked dances every weekend all over the state of Montana. Throughout his life he was in many different bands with life-long friends, Don Moran, Ira Darnell, Jesse Kirn, Robert BlackDog and Greg Solberg. Most recently he started to get the music itch and talked about starting up another band. His love of music doesn’t end with him, his legacy continues with his children and grandchildren. He loved his daughter’s singing and often encouraged her singing.
Robert was a life-long educator with obtaining degrees from Fort Peck Community College with an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in education from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. He led by example and encouraged his children to further their educations. Boy was an avid outdoorsman, taking his sons and nephews hunting, fishing and cutting firewood. Always serving his community he also was a Poplar School Board member for many years.
Boy loved his culture, and he loved the Lord. He was a man of God and would pray with anyone that needed it. Robert was a member of the Catholic Church in Poplar and a member of the Nationwide Prayer Warrior Society. Many years were spent as a Eucharistic Minister and gave communion to the home bound sick. The powwow circuit became his home and danced at every powwow he could attend. He made many friends on the powwow trail that he considered to be his family. He was truly happiest dancing in the powwow circle and in the end, he was with his beloved granddaughter Madelyn dancing when he was called to Heaven.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia and father Robert D. Murray Sr., sisters Dallas Falcon, Barbara Murray and Billy Gayle Murray Bemer. He is survived by his wife Theresa, sons Isaac (Cira), Robert D Murray III, daughter Jessie, granddaughters Gabriella and Madelyn, sisters Kathy Murray and Patricia Murray, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Our Father’s life was a celebration of the things he cherished most: the Lord, hid family, culture, nature, the simple joy of living for which he became our family’s beacon of tradition, pride and love. He passed away on Eagle’s wings and was carried to Heaven. We take comfort knowing he was greeted by his mother, father and sisters. His love for us will continue to guide us, just as his dance steps will forever echo in our hearts. Dad, we love you forever. Rest in peace.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Joel n Marcella Grey Bull says
To Theresa, Jessica and all of Boy’s family and friends: There’s no heartfelt words to humbly say how sorry we are about Boy’s leaving so soon but just in our Prayers for all to try to take comfort in all the precious memories you share. May Jesus touch your heart at this difficult days ahead…Boy was a compassionate, loving, incredible, man whom I’ve had the honor of knowing with our daughters being best friends. Fly High with the Angels dear friend..you certainly earned your wings..Hugs to you all…Marcella Eder-Grey Bull and family..
Margarett H Campbell says
My condolences to Boy’s entire family. This is pretty shocking to me. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Sydne Campbell says
My Sincere prayers and condolences to the families, friends, Community of Poplar and all who knew him. He will be missed. 😞💔
Barbara Perry says
Theresa and family: this was Boys time to go, the creator wanted him home! I offer my sincere sympathy to you and your family 🙏 Rest in peace Boy!
Mickey McAnally says
Rest in peace, Boy. Condolences to the family.
Britney Cloud says
Kindest man I’ve ever met, the smell of patchouli will forever remind me of him. My heart, prayers and condolences to his family.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Our condolences to all of Boy’s family and friends. A good man, tribal member gone too soon. May his life lessons carry on with all that influenced. May the Creator wrap loving arms arms around everyone for all in mourning for his loss. We will miss his friendly greeting and positive words.
Brenda Bauer says
My sincere condolences to Theresa and family
Carolyn and Buddy Adams says
Our condolences to the family, he was always so polite and kind, he’ll be missed. From Buddy and Carolyn Adams
Jim Pstch says
Truly saddened to learn of Boy’s passing. May he rest in peace. Prayers for your family.🙏🏼
Ethelene Whitehawk says
Boy was a kindhearted man may he rest in peace fly high
Amen
David, Chong Ae and Donald Boyd says
Theresa and family sorry for your loss of Robert (Boy). Our prayers are with all of you. When we were young they lived a block over from us. Friday night he told Donald to watch out for gopher holes (always caring).
Tara says
Sending our prayers and condolences to Theresa & Murray family! We will Missing seeing Boy on our daily walks! God bless you & family! Tara and Carter, & Longtree family
Connie Bird says
Sending Prayers to his Family
Sherry & Robert Eder says
Boy used to go to school with my wife and they stayed friends for a long time 😞
Julia Young says
RiP Boy Murray I knew u 4 many many yrs . U cared about the less fortunate, always helping who u could.My Condolences to Teresa n kids .U were my fren way bak in the day. Going to miss seeing u around Sending Prayers to help thru the sorrow
Marian & Bruce Johnson & family, says
Oh my gosh! still reeling from the news about Boy, makes a person realize that life is so sweet and short, and that we should enjoy each day that the Lord hath made, and be glad in it, especially ones family, we don’t know anything, except when Jesus calls,whether we are ready or not, rest assured Jesus knows when. He was such a kind, thoughful considerate person that he will be missed by all, especially his family and sisters. To all of the loved ones of Boy, may the Lord send the Holy Spirit to comfort each and everyone of you in your time of need. Boy went home to the big pow-wow in the sky, what a cool way to go, if your an Indian dancer, they wouldn’t have it any other way, right? i think so anyway? No disrespect to the family or any one else.
Deanna Dahlberg says
So very sorry to hear of Boy’s passing. He was always such a kind and positive person. His smile and laughter brought joy to all who were lucky enough to get to know him. He will be greatly missed.
Gina Bearfighter says
Rest in peace Uncle. Missing you too Uncle Boy. Hugs and prayers Theresa & Jessica and family & friends.
Rita Weeks says
Condolences and prayers to all the family. May t you find comfort and peace in your memories of the life he lived. Bless each of you.
Marilyn K Bread says
May the Holy Spirit of God comfort all of you. Boy was a great prayer warrior and he loved his Lord, his lovely wife, children, grand children and friends. He was a man of great knowledge and integrity. He leaves a great legacy for all to model and he will be missed. Prayers for his home community, family and tribe. God give you all peace.
Grandma Patt says
God bless Boys’ family and all of his friends and acquaintances who love him. He was so easy to love. God bless his beautiful wife Theresa avd children and beautiful Takojapi. DOKSHA Ake Waciya KINk’TE dear BOY. 😭😭😭🥹🥹💙💙❤️❤️🌹🌹🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Families Are Forever. Please give Barbara Jean a hug from Grandma Patt
Larry Reinlasoder says
My condolences to Boy’s family. I knew him well and his family too. He was a friend
o
Susan Dodd says
My Deepest condolences to Boy’s Family
Marshelle Lambert says
My deepest condolences to Boys family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of memories from when we were in high school. Rest in Eternal Peace Boy.
Rod & Ilene Standen says
So sorry about Boy. He was one of the first people we met when we moved to Poplar many years ago. Our condolences and prayers for Boy and the entire family.
Jonny BearCub says
Boy’s journey home was one of joy, being greeted by relatives and friends who came to walk with him as he crossed the Star Road. I believe that and it brings peace. Boy was a good and kind man. Many will miss his smile and kind love. Prayers of comfort and peace to the Family as they prepare to say farewell.
Tim/Iva Zimmerman says
My condolences to the Murray family! My thoughts and prayers to the family in your time of sorrow, May the Lord help you through this difficult time. Remember to hold on to the memories!
Royleene Trottier Baracker says
Deepest condolences to the Murray family 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Patricia Eder says
Prayers for strength during your time of grief. May the Lord guide you and your family through this difficult time. Much love and prayers for the family.
Jerome Taflan says
Condolences to your family.