Dear fellow ECV members,
ECV and the local cycling community lost one of its most devoted members last week with the unexpected death of Thomas Murray, 39 of Gloucester. Tom joined ECV at the club's inception as a mountain bike rider/racer, which is how he and I met. An extremely dedicated rider as well as a talented electrician, Tom and I shared countless experiences both on the bike and deep in the trenches of home renovations as he helped me rewire not one, but two homes - a favor which I never got the chance to return, as Tom never found that ideal little house in Ipswich that he dreamed of buying and fixing up to share with his dog, Max.
Though Tom's racing career closed in the late nineties after a harrowing race crash, he continued to ride an ambitious schedule alongside the likes of myself, Victor Taormina, and Janda Ricci-Munn, as all of us continued to push the envelope of our racing endeavors. Tom was one of the hardiest riders I've ever encountered as he, Victor and I would soldier through 100+ mile days in the dead of winter, even on the most bitterly cold of days when no one in their right mind would consider heading outdoors. Many of the most difficult rides of my career include memories of Tom. He could suffer with the best of them, and as we'd finish up our rides and I'd ask him how he felt, the quick response was always Tom's signature "easy money!". Tom unwittingly pushed me for years as his ability to complete most any ride without being dropped left me feeling the need to train harder to crack him!
Tom was also an avid fan of professional cycling. At the close of his racing career, Tom took a job with Tokyo Electron, an international semiconductor company. His post with TEL afforded Tom the ability to travel for months at a time to western Europe, Asia, and the western US, where he was not only able to cycle in foreign lands, but take in some of the most prestigious races in the world. Tom and I had a tradition of meeting for lunch prior to the Tour de France and speculating over who would win, who would crack spectacularly, and who was doped to the gills. Tom and I were both eternal Ullrich supporters, but one would always concede and back Lance to ensure a debate. Tom's most memorable Tour was the year he witnessed the race as it unfolded in France, where he was situated for the summer with Tokyo Electron. That year he was my on-location commentator and would send back reports and photos from the race.
Tom Murray was one of the most genuine, good-hearted people I have ever had the good fortune to know. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether through his journeyman electrical skills, driving us to a race and sticking around to feed me and wait for my finish, or just listening when I was having difficulties at work. Tom was quick to compliment and ask about my wife and son, and rarely, if ever complained. I lost touch with Tom when I left my job and started my own company, but we crossed paths a few times a year on the road and it was always a pleasure to talk with him and hear about his latest travel exploits.
I will alway miss Tom and am confident that our tight little community lost one of it's most avid members with Tom's death. I know where ever Tom is he's out on a ride, and I wish him an eternal tailwind, a 72 degree sunny day, and a chatty group with whom to debate politics, bike technology, and the latest race news.
In case anyone wants to pay their respects to Tom's family, details on the service are below.
Sincerely,
Christopher Benoit
Thomas Murray, 39, of Gloucester, died unexpectedly January 11, 2008, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester, born October 10, 1968, to James and Sharon (Ryan) Murray.
His parents, along with his brother, Jamie and his wife, Mellisa, will be receiving family and friends during visiting hours on Sunday, January 20th, 1 - 5 p.m. at the Greely Funeral Home in Gloucester. There will be no funeral service. The burial will be held privately.
Contributions may be made in his name to the Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930