Merwin "Murray" R. Hiatt

Merwin was born in Payson, Utah on October 15, 1933.

Merwin graduated from Payson High School and immediately joined the US Navy during the Korean conflict. He served aboard the USS Dixie. Upon honorable discharge he attended BYU in Provo, Utah where he received his BS in Political Science.

He married Priscilla Dorothy Hiatt on December 4, 1973 in Phoenix, AZ.

Murray worked for AVCO Financial Services for 30 years and frequently transferred to other states, namely Utah, Illinois, Connecticut, and California. He became self employed as a mortgage broker doing business as Abbey Mortgage Corporation in the greater San Diego area. In 2004 he retired and moved to Gold Canyon, Arizona.

Murray's legacy includes the restoration of Memory Grove in City Creek Park in Salt Lake City Utah in 1995. He created the Memory Grove Foundation so that perpetual funds were available for the upkeep of the memorials dedicated to military service men and women dating from WWI through the Vietnam War.

Murray was a member of the Rotary Club. He also loved to sing and was a member of the choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Ramona, California and at St. George Catholic Church in Apache Junction, Arizona. He was also a part of the Mountain Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus and Cactus Crooners Barbershop Quartet.

He loved reading and writing, having authored two books of his own. Murray also enjoyed playing pickleball, hunting, fishing, traveling, and sports such as watching BYU football, NBA, NFL, and NASCAR.

Murray is survived by his wife, Priscilla Hiatt; his children Terrie Calland (Tim), Michael Cote (Shanna), Tammie Rouse (Rex), Murray J Hiatt, Denise Cote, Christine Sellars (Andy), and Anne Comer (Tom), and his sister, Gayle Hodson (Wayne).

Murray was a proud grandpa to 22 grandchildren and a great grandpa to 34 great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, James L Hiatt and Ruby Kerr; his siblings, Don Hiatt, Edith Koyle, Doris Shepard, Myra Lazenby, Laverne Stark, and Lynn Hiatt; his children, Ruby Rose Hiatt, Steven Cote, and Marc Cote; and his granddaughter, Adrienne John.

A service will be held January 19th at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 South Power Road, Mesa AZ 85206.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Hiatt family.