(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Murray Gildersleeve was born in Parksville, British Columbia, to Willis and Alice (Wheeler) Gildersleeve on September, 19, 1929. He passed away peacefully in his Kula, Maui, home on April 28, 2017.

He married Elaine Leno on December 29, 1947, and they had five children, cared for two foster children, and dozens more called him ‘Uncle Murray.’

A loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Murray loved everyone with the tender, compassionate heart of a Christian and prayed for each one daily.

A true "pioneer," Murray loved his life in southeast Alaska. In 1953, he came to Alaska with his brother, J.R., to go into the logging business. In 1956, they formed Gildersleeve Logging, and had one of the first logging contracts with Ketchikan Pulp Co. They operated several camps on Prince of Wales Island.

Though Murray and his wife retired to Maui, Alaska called them home every summer where they continued to enjoy the outdoors.

Murray had an unwavering faith in God. He was a member of the Lahaina Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Over the years, he was very involved with the church and served the Lord in various capacities. Murray was also a highly skilled bush pilot, boat captain, outdoorsman, engineer, craftsman, and carpenter. He was also a Member of the Maui Hanger, Anciente and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen.

Murray was proceeded in death by his wife, Elaine, and his sons Ronald and Roger. He was also predeceased by his brothers Gerald, Roger (J.R.), and Clyde, and his sisters Genevieve Michaelson, Gloria McGill, and Claire Crookes. Murray is survived by his children Barbara Bunch of Boise, ID, Susan Gildersleeve of Maui, HI, and Richard Gildersleeve of Wrangell, AK. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Sunday, May 14, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Lahaina Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 655 Waine'e St, Lahaina, Maui. Prior to his death, Murray expressed his wish that in lieu of flowers a donation to his church or favorite charities (Adventist Development Relief Agency – ADRA and Adventist World Radio – AWR) be given in his name.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. – Isiah 40:31

Representations of fact and opinions in comments posted are solely those of the individual posters and do not represent the opinions of Sitnews.

SitNews ©2017
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

Articles & photographs that appear in SitNews may be protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written permission from and payment of any required fees to the proper sources. E-mail your news & photos to editor@sitnews.us Photographers choosing to submit photographs for publication to SitNews are in doing so granting their permission for publication and for archiving. SitNews does not sell photographs. All requests for purchasing a photograph will be emailed to the photographer.