David G. Murdock

David “Gary” Garfield Murdock, 85, died on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013.

Gary was married for 48 years to his loving wife, Florence (Brouillard) Murdock. He was the son of the late Gladys (MacDonald) Murdock.

Born and raised in Boston, Mass., Gary served in the U.S. Air Force as an ammunitions handler in Korea, and was a lifetime member of Post 697 VFW Whitman.

Gary studied at the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, and began his career as an Architectural Illustrator. A gifted wildlife artist, he enjoyed working at his Plympton studio over the past 45 years. His paintings, lifelike woodcarvings and sculptures are admired for perfectly capturing the natural wildlife they represented.

In the wake of the Challenger Disaster, Gary donated a sculpture of an American eagle to the White House, which was graciously accepted by President Ronald Reagan.

An avid outdoorsman, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He enjoyed old-time country music, especially Johnny Cash. His family and friends have great memories of sing-alongs while Gary played his Gibson. When not spending time with family or creating art, Gary enjoyed time with his buddies at the Upland Club.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Laurie Suk of Plympton, Mass.

A devoted father, Gary was “Daddy” to: Linda Murdock Compian of Adkins, Texas, Lisa Fitzsimmons of Duxbury, Mass., Jamie Murdock of San Antonio, Texas, Heidi Reid-Healey of Bridgton, Robin Reid Johnson of Carver, Mass., Raymond Todd Reid of Bridgton, Lisa Murdock Crowell of Boston, Mass. and Julie Murdock Lynch of Kingston, Mass. He is survived by 21 grandchildren and 21-and-a-half great grandchildren; his sister, Helen Raso of Billerica Mass; and three cousins.

Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Shepherds Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, (Route 106) in Kingston, Mass. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. at Shepherds Funeral Home. Services concluded with interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Plympton, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to Mass Art Foundation, 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360.