On Jerry Murray’s Passing

We at UP Media are, of course, very sad and distressed to hear the news of of our former colleague Jerry Murray’s passing.

Jerry worked for UPMG and its predecessors for more than 20 years. I came late to that party, but I worked with Jerry for five years and think of him every day. As a matter of fact, just before I received the news that he had died, at age 82, I was making plans for coming to San Diego for the IPC Apex show, and I was thinking about where to meet him.

I think of Jerry almost every day, and I am so sorry that he’s gone. He was one of a kind, in the best of ways. Who else had a life like his? He lived in the hottest places on earth and the coldest places on earth. He wrote and wrote and wrote some more: technical, pulp fiction, you name it. He married the love of his life, Suzie, one of the kindest persons I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was funny and warm and cranky and quirky, sometimes all at once. He knew so much about so many things and was always happy to share it. He had a great life. I’m glad I came along in time to share a little piece of it.

I will be sad, and will cry and mourn my friend. But today I’m just glad he got to live the life most of us dream of.

RIP, my friend.

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About Mike

Mike Buetow is president of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (pcea.net). He previously was editor-in-chief of Circuits Assembly magazine, the leading publication for electronics manufacturing, and PCD&F, the leading publication for printed circuit design and fabrication. He spent 21 years as vice president and editorial director of UP Media Group, for which he oversaw all editorial and production aspects. He has more than 30 years' experience in the electronics industry, including six years at IPC, an electronics trade association, at which he was a technical projects manager and communications director. He has also held editorial positions at SMT Magazine, community newspapers and in book publishing. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois. Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikebuetow

2 thoughts on “On Jerry Murray’s Passing

  1. Mikes comments about Jerry are so true. I did not know of his passing until I read this but I also now feel the loss. Jerry was a true press pioneer in our industry and a true gentleman. He will be missed.

  2. Jerry was a wonderful source of inspiration and support when he and I worked together in my early days on PC FAB. I remember fondly our shared adventures at Mexitronica and Productionica and during the “glory days” of NEPCON West.
    Thanks, Mr. Murray, for all the insight, information, and perspective..most of all, thanks for the memories.

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