Rick Murray died on June 13, 2007 at his home in Jacksonville. Murray was a retired Navy commander and will be buried at Arlington Naitonal Cemetery.

City, State: Jacksonville, Florida

Age: 66

Family:
Wife – Sherry
Children – Allisen Hastie, Scott Murray and Mark Murray
Grandchildren -  Logan and Liana Murray, Katelyn, Ryan and Aaron Hastie

Hobbies/Interests: Sports, boats, planes, motorcycles, classical music and travel.

Date of ALS diagnosis: June, 1999

Life before ALS: The major part of my life was spent as a career Naval flight officer.  Aside from flying, my life has been spent enjoying my family, staying physically fit and enjoying the great outdoors.  I coached JV tennis at the Naval Academy and completed many endurance athletic events, including marathons, triathlons and bike races.  We have traveled extensively, both in the US and abroad, especially for three years while we home schooled our youngest son.

Life with ALS: As the disease has progresses, I have gradually been forced to give up many of my life’s great pleasures, but after nearly ten years I have not given everything up.  Over five years into the illness I was riding a three-wheeled Harley Davidson: for the last four years I have attended every Jaguars football game in my wheelchair with respiratory assistance.  Through it all, I have been sustained by my loving wife Sherry, a supportive family, many superb caregivers and a cadre of friends who come from around the country to visit me.

How has ALS brought new significance to your life: The adjective most people would choose to characterize me before and during ALS is “persistent”.  My persistence, along with my never-say-die attitude and my sense of humor, have served me well and given me the courage to never give in to this opponent called Lou Gehrig’s disease.  I have been on a mission to try to help others with the disease, by speaking at events, such as MDA fundraisers and walks, and appearing on local television.  Perhaps my most significant accomplishment is my book, Rick’s Reflections, an inspirational work of 66 thoughts that have helped me with my daily battle.