Murray Russell Smith

SMITH, Murray Russell, age 85, on March 18, 2014, at Alhambra, California. Devoted husband of Elizabeth (Betty). Beloved father of Wayne (Joy) and Margaret (Gerard Holzmann). Cherished grandfather of Natalie, Hannah, Rachel, Tessa, Samantha and Emily. Predeceased by brother Ivan (Ilene), he is also survived by brother Keith (Maxine) as well as many other in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Murray grew up on a family farm in Wyoming, Ontario, attended Petrolia High School, and worked for Canadian Comstock, before embarking on a 40-year career in purchasing with Ford Motor Company until his retirement in 1996. He started at Ford’s Oakville, Ontario offices, transferred to Dearborn, Michigan in the 1960s, and spent six years with Ford’s operations in Japan from 1985 to 1991 before returning to the U.S. to help coordinate several new vehicle launches. During his years with Ford he received a number of management proposal incentive awards, which included three new automobiles. After retirement, he enjoyed attending car shows and cruises in the Detroit area where he displayed his 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible. He also served for many years as a director and volunteer at the Redford Interfaith Food Relief Pantry, and was active as a member of Crosspointe Meadows Church, where he was involved with missions programs, before moving with his wife Betty to California in 2011 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on April 12, 2014 at the chapel at Atherton Baptist Home, 214 S. Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Murray’s name to American Baptist International Ministries www.internationalministries.org or the Lewy Body Dementia Association www.lbda.org.