Bruce Murray

MADISON

Bruce H. Murray, a professor devoted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and to his wife of 55 years, Liz Murray, died Wednesday at University Hospital. He was 83. Professor Murray taught and mentored in the Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), for 29 years. He retired in 1998. He served as Department Chairman from 1975-1978, and later held posts as Assistant Dean and interim Associate Dean of CALS.

But beyond formal titles, Bruce expressed throughout his university life a passion for building personal relationships. He took great joy in his nurturing work with students, faculty, and staff, including with his mentor Professor Phil Lewis. During retirement, Bruce continued to use his leadership skills serving Downtown Madison Kiwanis and his planning skills serving St. Benedict Society. Bruce was a prolific artist in retirement. His woodland watercolors included many Wisconsin landscapes, which he generously shared with friends and family.

One of his favorite activities was roaming the Wisconsin countryside with Liz, capturing images with a camera, then returning to their home studio where he painted while Liz worked beside him, patiently weaving her own artful rugs.

Bruce was born April 28, 1933, in Chicago to Marion and Charles Murray. The family soon moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Bruce lived until going to college.
He interrupted his education to enlist in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. For the rest of his life, Bruce took great pride in his service to the nation.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he resumed his education and graduated from Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. Bruce met Elizabeth (Liz) Wyman while working as a medical illustrator at Milwaukee County Hospital. They married March 25, 1961, and settled in Madison.
Bruce earned two Master's degrees at UW-Madison, in Art and Art Education, and in Urban and Regional Planning.

In addition to Liz and her three siblings and their families, he is survived by five cousins and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Oakwood, University Woods, Arts Center, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, with Chaplain Martha Nack officiating. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Charitable contributions in Bruce's memory may be made to the University of Wisconsin Foundation, 1848 University Ave. Madison, WI 53726: (Payable to UW Foundation, Our UW Health Transplant Fund - In Memory of Bruce Murray: US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278) or to the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Madison, WI 53703.

Please share your memories of Bruce.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434