Warren Lewis Murray

December 2, 1951 to January 18, 2024

Beloved husband and musician, Warren Lewis Murray, age 72, died on January 18, 2024, at NW Hospital (U.W. Medicine) in Seattle. He was born in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle to parents Harold Voyne Murray and Dorothy Louise Murray (nee Eastman). Later his family moved to Shoreline and he grew up with his sisters Marilyn and Catherine Murray.

Warren had a passion for music from his youth. He started playing guitar in junior high school. In college he was a member of the Blood Covenant band (a local Christian band) that played for local churches and events. He played bass guitar and harmonica for the band and wrote songs. He attended the University of Washington and then transferred to Seattle Pacific University receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He later returned to Seattle Pacific University to earn a second Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. It was during this time in 1980 that he met the love of his life Marja Murray (nee Anderson) on an outing with friends at The Inn coffee house at University Presbyterian Church to hear music. Warren and Marja married in 1984.

Warren played all styles of guitar including delta blues, harp guitar, classical, folk, jazz, slide, and rock. He also played Blues harmonica. He taught the Blues Harmonica workshop in Rainier valley for several years. He taught private lessons for adults and children in guitar, piano and harmonica. He was an accomplished songwriter and wrote Christian songs including “Peace” which was recorded by the Seattle Pacific University Choir. He also wrote a number of popular-style songs and folk songs which he recorded himself. In addition, he recorded classical, harp guitar and delta blues albums. He formed the bands Freefall and The Jackson Street Blues Band. He performed guitar and harmonica and sang with his wife, Marja in these bands. Their most loved song was “Lopez Island” which Warren and Marja co-wrote. He also performed delta blues as a solo act. He continued teaching music throughout his life.

He was predeceased by his sister Marilyn and is survived by his wife Marja, his sister Catherine, nephews Lucas and Eric, and several cousins.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 11am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Seattle located at 15 Roy Street.