Henry Murray, 65, of Townsend, Mont. passed away at his home on Nov. 22 surrounded by his family, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that touched so many throughout his lifetime.

Henry was born Oct. 7, 1955 in El Paso, Texas to Myrtle Ann Pfundstein and Henry Murray Jr.  He was the oldest of six children and accepted the position of role model among his brothers and sisters with ease. That close relationship carried into adulthood, and Henry remained the “go to” when his siblings needed counsel.

In the fifth grade, Henry and his family moved to Sunburst, Mont.  He graduated from North Toole County High School, and while he was there, Henry met his love, Kaylynn McPhillips. At that point, they were just friends, but as time passed, their friendship blossomed into a more serious relationship.  Following graduation, Henry enrolled in the U.S. Army and served in the United States and in Korea.  Henry and Kaylynn maintained a long-distance relationship for two years, then briefly separated ways.  However, they were meant to be and reunited in Arizona. The couple married in 1978, and moved to Columbia Falls, Mont. where Henry embarked on a 13-year tenure at Glacier National Bank. While living in Columbia Falls, the couple started their family. Eliesha Marie was born in 1981 and Brianne Nicole followed in 1984. Henry adored his girls and he and Kaylynn took great pride in raising them to be the exceptional women they are today. Later, he took the same pleasure in watching his grandchildren grow — Tanaya, Ron, and Taylor were always at the top of his list!

In 1991, Henry and his family moved to Townsend where he joined the staff at State Bank of Townsend. He continued to work at the bank for 25 years, retiring as executive vice president. Henry was known as a hard worker in all aspects of his life and was a firm believer in honesty and truth. Henry had a tender, giving heart and was always first in line to help others.

When he wasn’t hard at work at the bank, Henry loved to hunt, fish, bowl and golf.  For several years, he served as president of the Old Baldy Golf Board, and throughout his lifetime, participated in the Lions Club, Legion, Volunteer Fire Department in Columbia Falls, and the Masonic Lodge as a mason, and a Shriner. Henry loved the outdoors, especially camping, but one could also expect to find him spending quiet hours with a good book or puzzle. One of the biggest highlights of his life was going to a Dallas Cowboys football game at the Cowboys stadium.  He was on Cloud 9!

Henry is survived by his wife, Kaylynn of Townsend, Mont.; his daughters, Eliesha Leland (Rob) of East Helena, and Brianne Cartwright (Shawn) of Townsend; his mother, Myrtle Romero of Tucson, Ariz., his grandchildren, Tanaya, Ron and Taylor; his siblings (biological and inherited); and numerous other family members and friends.  A heartfelt thank you to all of the family and friends that have provided love and support!

Until we meet again, we love you!

A remembrance with military honors will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, November 30^th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.  A service celebrating Henry’s life will be held at the American Legion in Townsend at approximately 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend both services.  Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Henry.