John Henry "Hank" Murray

John H. "Hank" Murray, 61, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his home in Petoskey.  Hank's life will be remembered with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26th at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Mackinac Island; Fr. Jim Williams and Fr. Edward Baafi will act as celebrants.  Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery on Mackinac Island.  Visitation will be held at Stone Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6-7p.m.

Hank was born on June 24, 1954 in Grosse Pointe Farms, the son of Henry Charles and Audrienne (Fredericks) Murray.  He attended St. Paul's Catholic School and later Austin Catholic Prep, where he earned All-State honors in Tennis; he was a graduate of the Class of 1972.  He attended Villanova University in Philadelphia, where he continued playing tennis, before transferring to Michigan State University where he earned his degree in Communications.  He became a lifelong Spartan fan.

Hank lived in Denver, Colorado for many years before moving back to Grosse Pointe, where he met and married Leslie Sago in 1990.  From the marriage, Hank is survived by his daughter, Madeline Alexis Murray who was the inspiration and love of his life.  Hank settled in Petoskey, where he has lived for the last 28 years.  He was a proud member of the Petoskey Club, and it was with the support of that organization that Hank learned to manage the struggles and challenges often faced by those who suffer with mental illness. 

A longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Hank possessed a deep, unwavering faith in God.  He was a true nature lover and never failed to appreciate the beautiful vistas in Petoskey on his daily walks.  In addition to his enormous love for his daughter, he held immeasurable pride in the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews. His heartfelt devotion to them was a staple in their lives.

As mentioned above, Hank is survived by his daughter Madeline Murray of Ferndale, by his sister Renu (Michael) O'Connell of Cambridge, MA., brothers Jim (Trish) of Petoskey, Steve (Anne) of Petoskey, Brian (Colleen) of East Lansing, Joe (Gina) of Denver, CO., and by thirteen nieces and nephews.  Preceding Hank in death were his parents, his mother Audrienne in 1972 and his father Henry in 2002.  The family finds comfort in knowing that Hank will be reunited with his parents in heaven.

While all manner of support is appreciated, Hank's family ask that friends wishing to remember him consider a donation to The Petoskey Club, 555 W. Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770.

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