Thomas Murray (1936 - 2017) Thomas Murray -- dear husband, beloved father, and even more beloved grandpa & great-grandpa -- returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, while surrounded by his devoted wife and family. Tom began his earthly sojourn on December 3, 1936, in Mahinepua, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. He was the 3rd of 13 children born to Henry Arthur Murray and Esma Paora Hoori. As a young boy, Tom and his family relocated on horseback to beautiful Whangaruru at Ohawini Bay, still considered "home" to the Murray whanau. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris McDonald, brothers Henry, Willie, Peter, and Peter, and half-brother Louie Hohaia. At 12 years old, Tom was awarded a rare scholarship to Wanganui Collegiate, traveling solo over 24 hours to attend school. He exceled academically and athletically, especially in Latin, French, track & field, and tennis, and had a knack for reciting poetry from memory, such as his favorite "Abou ben Adhem" by James Henry Leigh Hunt. Look it up and you'll understand why he loved it. When Tom's mum unexpectedly passed away in 1952, he left Wanganui and returned home to help his dad and younger siblings. Thus began his life-long passion for loving and serving fellowmen. While serving as a postman, Tom was called to serve a labor mission in 1955. He accepted the call and left his job to voluntarily build the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. When the House of the Lord was dedicated in 1958, Tom returned to civilian life where he began his dream career in the police force. That career was short-lived. In 1960, Tom received another mission call, this time to travel across the sea and construct the now world-famous Polynesian Cultural Center. Again, he answered the call to serve, not knowing whether he would ever return to his cherished homeland. Tom's missionary service blessed his life in countless ways: he learned valuable skills to become a general contractor, solidified an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ, and forged unbreakable bonds with missionaries whom Tom fondly refers to as his brothers. Oh, and one huge blessing... It was at a campus dance on September 23, 1961, that Tom first saw Norma Naomi Ku'uipo Nemoto. He didn't dance with her, but he thought she was the most captivating woman he had ever seen. Norma first noticed Tom when he taught her Sunday School class. She thought he was "putting on airs" by using a fake British accent. And the chase was on. Luckily, Norma didn't run very fast. On February 16, 1963, Tom was honorably released from his mission. That very same day, he and Norma were married in the Laie Hawaii Temple. As a newlywed couple, the Murrays were called back onto a labor mission until 1965. It was the first of two church missions they would serve together, the other being the Temple Square Mission in Salt Lake City from 2007-2009. In Hawaii, Tom and Norma welcomed two daughters, Ku'uipo and Pania. In 1967, Tom moved his family to the San Diego area where two more children -- son, Tamaiti, and daughter, Lani -- were born. Tom loved the people he met in California while serving in several leadership callings. The Murrays then moved to Boulder City, Nevada, and made dear friends there, too. Another move back to Hawaii, then to Utah, back to San Diego, and back to Utah to stay...all of these moves allowed Tom to magnify his church callings as bishop, high councilor, high priest group leader, elder's quorum president and priest quorum adviser, which enabled him to cross paths with numerous people, and develop enduring relationships. Survived by his beautiful companion, Norma, of Saratoga Springs, UT; daughter, Ku'uipo (Manuele) Laumatia of Wahiawa, HI; daughter, Pania (Lakei) Heimuli of Woods Cross, UT; son, Tamaiti; daughter, Lani (Falema'o Jr.) Pili of Saratoga Springs, UT; 28 amazing grandchildren; 12 wonderful grandchildren-in-law; and 28 (and counting!) energetic great-grandchildren. Tom's legacy is one of love and devotion to his faith, family, and friends. His brilliant smile and genuine interest in people endeared him to others immediately. Tom always saw more in them than they saw in themselves. It's not possible...but if it were possible to sum up Tom's life in a single verse, Mosiah 2:17 comes to mind. Funeral services for Thomas Murray are being provided by Walker-Sanderson Mortuary of Orem. Viewing will be on Friday, July 28, 2017, from 9am-10:30am in the LDS Stake Center located at 1075 S Geneva Rd in Orem UT. Service will follow from 11:30am-1pm. Interment will be from 1:30pm-2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please find someone to serve.