Born March 15, 1935 passed away January 25, 2020 at 84 years old. Dave is predeceased by his parents Hazel and Harold Murdough, brother Dale and granddaughter Sarah.
Dave was born outside of Rome, NY on his Grandparent’s farm. He spent much time with his Grandma and Grandpa Pendorf on the farm. His Mom remarried Ur Harold Murdough when Dave was 8. Harold adopted Dave and became his Dad. His Dad had terrible sinus/allergy issues and was told by the doctors go to a dry climate. They moved to Phoenix in the summer of 1947 when Dave was 12.
Dave graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1952 and from Phoenix College in 1954. During high school he worked in grocery stores and for his Dad. Dave married in 1954 and began working in construction in 1955. He painted houses installed cabinets and countertops and then worked for United Metro Materials and Tanner Construction through 1996. Dave worked for Midway Chevrolet Commercial from that time through 2019. He served Midway in various positions including Commercial Director who was responsible for Sales and Service for Commercial and Fleet accounts. Dave opened the Midway dealership for Commercial and Fleet sales in January 2002. This was the first in the southwest region.
When asked about his proudest family moments he said that the birth of his children Dava, John and Steve. Then in 1984 when he married Ginger and Tammy and Kris became his daughters. He loved having grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all meant the world to him. He enjoyed attending family events and special events for the kids both here and in California. He said it was a wonderful sight to see them grow.
Dave always loved automobiles. In his earlier years he restored 7 Ford Mustangs including a yellow one for his Daughter Dava. As a young man he flagged at the drag races out at Beeline Dragway. In later years he bought and drove a 1982 turquoise El Camino. Also, he restored a 1940 Ford Fordoor Deluxe sedan. He always said it was his “hugger”. He was Chairman of the Chevy/GMC Truck Club for 6 years. Car shows were so much fun for him that he sponsored some and attended many.
He also had a deep desire to contribute to his community and help people. Through Midway he was able to help numerous groups including Sojourner Center, Maggie’s Place, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, New Life Center, Care Connection and Special Olympics.
Dave was a member of the Registrar of Contractor’s Advisory Council for 9 years. He served the Phoenix Union High School 1952 Alumni Association. Dave was elected to the Board of Directors of the Arizona Minority Contractors Association (AMCA) in 2000 and then elected as a Lifetime Director in 2012. This group was his passion. He was completely committed to them and tried to help all that he could.
Some awards that Dave received are: AMCA Hall of Fame 2010; Registrar of Contractors Building Blocks of the Community Award; Special Recognition Award, AMCA, 2019; Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Phoenix Chapter 2004 Spirit of Philanthropy Award and many others.
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