Harry Thomas Murray

Harry Thomas (Henry) Murray, age 91, of Bellingham, Washington, passed away on October 28, 2025. He was born on May 7, 1934, in Port Angeles, Washington, to Stella and Henry Murray.

Henry began his education at Queen of Angels primary school and later attended Roosevelt High School. In 1952, at the age of 17, he left school to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge in 1955, he continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve for an additional 15 years, retiring with the rank of First Lieutenant.

In 1956, Henry enrolled at Saint Martin’s College under the GI Bill and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He went on to pursue graduate studies at Gonzaga University and the University of Washington, where he completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on psychiatric social work.

In 1957, Henry married Barbara Grinnell. Together they raised seven children: Colleen, Sean, Brian, Terrence, Patrick, Barbara, and Catherine. He was also a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Henry dedicated much of his professional life to serving others as a social worker. He worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and Western State Hospital, Child Protective Services and various other social services agencies before concluding his career at The Sun House in Bellingham, retiring at the age of 77.

Outside of work, Henry found joy in sailing and nurturing houseplants. He valued meaningful conversation and was an avid sports enthusiast who closely followed college football, especially Notre Dame, as well as baseball and the NFL. He was a committed member of several organizations including the Catholic Church, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Army of American Irish Society, reflecting his dedication to Irish culture and independence.

Henry is survived by his former wife Barbara and their children Brian, Terrence, Patrick, Barbara, and Catherine. He was preceded in death by his son Sean Murray and daughter Colleen Murray Gulbranson.

He held firm beliefs about dignity and equity for all people, believing that everyone should have choices rather than chances and access to life’s basic necessities.

A graveside service with military honors, will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, 5977 Northwest Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248 on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 1:00pm. Memorial donations may be made in Henry’s name to the Bellingham Food Bank.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.