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,…