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Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:40 am
by gpraceman
Stan Pope sent me this announcement. Don Murphy created Pinewood Derby and has positively affected countless youth and parents with it. It is sad to hear of his passing.
I am sorry to announce the passing of Mr. Don Murphy,
former Cubmaster of Manhattan Beach Cub Scout Pack 280c,
and the originator of the Pinewood Derby, a parent-child project that has been enjoyed by more than a million scouts and other youths across the United States, and in several other nations, over the last 55 years.

a Celebration of Life will be held for Don at:

Resurrection Lutheran Church
330 Palos Verdes Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Saturday July 12th at 2pm

thanks for all you have done for the PWD.
best regards,
Gary D. McAulay

Re: Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:24 pm
by gpraceman
Here's an article about the "The Founder and the Finder" for you to enjoy.

http://www.pinewoodcars.com/history.html

Re: Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:44 am
by Stephen's Dad
The PWD has become such a major part of Cub Scouting....Whether he expected it or not, his legacy will never be forgotten. For many it has four plastic wheels. We should all be so blessed & can be if we continue the tradition.

Thank you Mr Don Murphy for sharing your vision with us.

Our Prayers are with his family.

Steve, Stephen & Family

Re: Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:30 pm
by Teeeman
I was given this by a friend:

Murphy, Donald Wright

April 9, 1918 - July 1, 2008
FOUNDER OF THE PINEWOOD DERBY

Don passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at the Torrance Memorial Hospital after a two week stay for pneumonia. Born in La Porte, Indiana, he moved to California where he met his loving wife Anne. They were married for 57 years. After her death, Don met Muriel Bauer, who he described as "The cutest thing this side of heaven." They were each others loves and companions for the past 12 years. In 1953 Don was the Cubmaster of Pack 280C in Manhattan Beach and created the Pinewood Derby. Over 100 million scouts have participated in the event during the last 55 years. Don is survived by his son, Donn Murphy (Melony); grandson, Blair Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. at The Resurrection Lutheran Church, 330 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA. No flowers please. Please sign the guest book at http://www.legacy.com/dailybreeze/Obitu ... =112952612.
Published in the Daily Breeze from 7/8/2008 - 7/9/2008.




-Terry

Re: Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:40 pm
by 3 Cub Dad
To All,

I know that you all must get as much enjoyment out of this "addiction" as I do, or else you wouldn't be reading this! Please take a minute to sign the guest book at the link above. I think it's probably the least we could do to let his family know what kind of impact he had and continues to have.

I've also posted this on several other popular PWD boards.

Steve
aka 3CubDad

Re: Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 1:21 pm
by gpraceman
gpraceman wrote:Here's an article about the "The Founder and the Finder" for you to enjoy.

http://www.pinewoodcars.com/history.html
Looks like that domain just expired. You can still see it at http://web.archive.org/web/200512180804 ... story.html

Here's another article of interest.

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_9834624

Re: Don Murphy has passed away

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:52 pm
by gpraceman
I wonder if anyone has contacted the BSA national office. Seems there should be some tribute to Don. At least an article in Boys Life and Scouting to recognize his contribution and his passing.

I also wonder if there are any of those "Pinewood! The Story of the Pinewood Derby" books available anywhere. I had wanted to get a copy. This website http://www.pinewoodderbystory.com/, lists Don as the person to send payment to. I guess I might have procrastinated too long.