Gordon Wallace Murchie

Gordon Wallace Murchie, age 86, born October 2, 1932 in San Diego, California, resided in Alexandria, VA. Married 63 years to Anita Murchie. Their children are Tia Murchie-Beyma, married to Eric Murchie-Beyma, and son Scott G. Murchie. Grandchildren are Maddie and Megan Murchie-Beyma. Murchie was a Foreign Service Officer in the United States Information Agency and US Agency for International Development for 35 years with assignments in The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Costa Rica, as well as traveling extensively as Senior Inspector for USIA. On retirement he became active in the Virginia wine industry, helping to create the Congressional Wine Caucus, and was instrumental to the creation and success of the Mount Vernon wine festivals, now in their 23rd year. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army’s Military Police Corps. He received Superior Service Awards from both USIA and USAID, was awarded the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant from the Royal Thai Government, and was bestowed the prestigious Commemorative Bust of George Washington by Mount Vernon. He has been involved in Department of State activities since retirement, was a Supreme Knight in the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, a member of the Virginia Wineries Association and President Emeritus of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. A reception is scheduled for April 13th at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gordon's memory to the Virginia Tech Foundation, c/o Dr. Bruce Zoecklein, Food Science and Technology Building, Virginia Tech, Duck Pond Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0428.