Murray Pond

Murray Pond passed away peacefully at his home in Palmdale the morning of June 25, 2013, at the age of 89. Murray was born December 31, 1923, in Los Angeles, Calif. He spent his younger years in Highland Park, later moving to Quartz Hill and graduating from Antelope Valley High School before attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After serving in the U.S. Navy as a Motor Machinist's Mate in the Philippines, he married Mary Hutchinson in Pasadena, Calif., where they settled for the next 8 years. In the early 1950's Murray became manager of the Palmdale Irrigation District. During the 1960's he owned and operated two Union Oil service stations and an auto repair and tire service. In the late 1960's, Murray became a licensed real estate broker, ultimately earning the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation and serving several terms as President of the Palmdale Board of Realtors. He also served on the Palmdale Planning Commission. Murray was an active member of Palmdale Presbyterian Church, and in his later years, Palmdale United Methodist Church. As a member of Palmdale Kiwanis Club, he served as President and other officers and enjoyed volunteering on the 'chain gang' for Highland High School's Football team. Murray was the happiest serving the community, having coffee with his buddies, tinkering in his shop and watching politics on television. Murray is survived by Mary, his wife of 67 years, daughter Kathie and her husband Paul Beckman and their daughter Lauren, daughter Shari and her husband Joe Ciasulli and their sons Rocky and JD, and son Larry. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, June Pond, June Hartwell and Bobbie Garland, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Palmdale United Methodist Church, 39055 10th St W, Palmdale, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Murray's name may be made for ProCare Hospice to ProCare Foundation, 1700 N. Lombard St, 3rd floor, Oxnard, CA 93030.