  I worked at Teague-McKevett in the 80's when Dan and Alan were involved with the JoJoba business in Hyder, AZ  I remember him as being a happy person  and he was always smiling. The corporation would fly the office staff to Hyder the Jojoba business and he usually was already there to greet us in a big Suburban to go to the mobile home or ranch they had set up there.  I also remember his daughter Rebecca and she was always such a pleasant person too, like her dad was.  I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing because a big part of Santa Paula history went with him.  I want to give you my deepest sympathies to all the family of Dan.  Katy Johnson

Deepest sympathies to family and friends of Dan.

Having worked for Dan in the '80s, many thoughts have been in my mind since sadly reading of his passing.

My dad, Vic Glazener, really liked Dan.  They had some things in common, back in their day.  Near to the same age, both being World War II vets who used the GI Bill to study accounting and get their degrees, each trying out early businesses which (oddly!) were literally snuffed out by catastrophic fire, they found themselves busy in the early years of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Paula where each thrived on volunteerism and one traded off to the other as President in the 1970s.  Dad and Dan were both from large families of six kids, country boys who made successes of themselves with work, their own young families and community.

But this is about Dan.  I was hired by him and Alan to work for Murray-Teague Associates, initially as Dan's secretary due to the rapid progress of their jojoba partnerships.  It was one very interesting ride, and Dan was an enthusiastic teacher about the plant and its multi-uses.  He flew me to the main ranch in Arizona and also to Phoenix to meet some partners, all of which enhanced my work for him.  

My dad called Dan, The Expediter.  He'd say, "Dan's a man who gets things DONE!"  There was truth to this but, oh my, there were times when I felt like I was going nuts with his deadlines and revisions!  I say that fondly because, you see, he couldn't help his amazing mind, which was always working overtime.  Controller Shirley and I would be madly packing last-minute express packets of massive spreadsheets and reports (in the days before computers), with me literally running as fast as I could (in high heels no less...it was faster than cranking up the car) to the post office on Mill before it closed for the day.  I'd lean against the wall of the building just as the postal clerks pulled down their windows, completely out of breath but exhilarated to have pulled off the assignment.  You couldn't avoid being part of this kind of stimulating work experience when you worked for Dan Murray.  I suppose if we hadn't been in the middle of the chaos, watching Dan respond to pressure with near glee could have been fascinating!  

As his work became more and more demanding, and after marriage to Joan ended, Dan leaned on me more to manage some of his personal life because he simply had no time.  I had signature authority on his bank account, I paid his bills, gassed up his car, picked up his dry cleaning, bought holiday gifts for those near and dear to him...and then there was the task of furnishing his new condo.  At first, my feminist influences balked; however, taking the broader view, it was important to assist someone doing such fine work.  His preparation for, and trip to The Sudan for the UN was bigger than me, it was bigger than Santa Paula...it was A Big Deal.

I can tell you that Dan Murray never spoke one harsh word to me in the six years I worked for him.  He, in fact, often spoke quite eloquently...and elegantly.  He did  not use bad or inappropriate language or behavior in the office; he was a polite man with good manners.  He was sentimental.  He adored his children.  I also admired that he treated their mother with respect and always wanted what was good for her.

Dan also loved Santa Paula.  He was very pleased to have worked for Limoneira.  In fact, we had a good talk about it the last time I saw him.  In a strange and surreal occurrence for me, my dad and Dan, as well as Bill Colborn, were all in the ICU at Santa Paula Hospital concurrently as 2007 gave way to 2008.  Three vibrant men who all knew each other, with me sandwiched between them in some of the worst nightmare hours of my life.  Dan wanted so much to go into my dad's sick bay but Dad was too ill for visitors; I felt badly to turn Dan down.  

I like to remember Dan on the occasion of my parents' 50th wedding anniversary party at The Glen Tavern Inn.  I hadn't seen Dan in a dozen years.  He arrived with beautiful Marilyn on his arm and, wow, they made a lovely entrance.  He was stately in a well-cut gray suit.  Who would have known he was age 71?!  Dan was always interested in health and wellness...and it showed.  When I worked for him, he'd share news on new vitamins; he'd jog in the lemon orchards.  I think he liked vitality...vigor.  

I will do as he asks...and celebrate his long life.  It's in my bucket list to return to New Orleans.  This time, when I hear that Dixieland music on the Mississippi River, I'll smile and imagine Dan playing his sax in soulful accompaniment.

Rest in peace, Dan Murray.  You did good.

Marilyn and entire Murray family..we are
very sad to hear of Dan's passing...He
was one of the GOOD GUYS in this world..
Loved playing golf with him regularly
in the old days at SCC and being his
accountant for many years..Our thoughts
and prayers go out to all of you..

Dear Becky,
I am so sad to learn of Dan's passing.  It's been a long time, but I can remember some wonderful times over in Santa Paula with your dad.  I know you have some wonderful memories to help sustain you now.  My love and condolences to you and your family.
Love,  Barbara Shipley

OBITUARY

Daniel Murray

June 15, 1925 – September 28, 2013

Funeraria del Angel Santa Paula

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