Murray George Dearborn, 89, of Canaan Valley, WV passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 5, 1927 in Belmont, MA a son of the late Horace George and Helen Constance Tooker Dearborn. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey Roberta Custance Dearborn and one brother, Newell Cummings Dearborn. Survivors include his wife, Judy Ann Nelson Dearborn, four sons; Andrew M. Dearborn, Franklin, TN, John E. (Amanda) Dearborn and Calvin S. (Barbara) Dearborn both of Harman, WV, four daughters; Sandra (Randall) Schmiedeknecht, Davis, WV, Tina M. (Gary) Nelson, Dry Fork, WV, Anne E. (Richard) Longenecker, Huddleston, VA Rebecca L. Dearborn, Canaan Valley, WV, 14 grandchildren; Stephen James Coe, Sara Jo Carr, Andrea M. Dearborn, Scott A. Dearborn, Darrah G. Whittaker, Matthew Dearborn, Ashley Nelson, Gary Nelson, Jr., Austin Longenecker, Alex Longenecker, Chris Veal, Travis Veal, Kristin Toman, Jeremy Schmiedeknecht, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Murry was a veteran of the US Army 39th INF REG. He was always very involved in his community. He was a mentor to many who worked with him. Though not a native born Tucker Countian, he chose to be one of us. Beginning in the 1970’s, he was contracted by the state of West Virginia to open and operate Canaan Valley Resort State Park and was the first concessionaire there. He had a vision of the tourism industry in Tucker County. He has received the Anita and Bob Barton Award, which recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the ski industry. He has received the Distinguished West Virginian Award and the Community Service Award by the Chamber of Commerce. He was past president of the Ambulance Authority, past president of the Tucker County Visitor and Convention Bureau, past president of the Alpine Festival Association, past president of the Development Authority, past president and charter member of the Tucker County Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow, past president of the WV Hotel/Motel Association, past president of the Blackwater Civic Association, a founding director of the Blackwater Watershed Association, a founding member of the Potomac Highlands Travel Council, past director of the Southern Innkeepers Association. He has served the Board of Tucker County Chamber of Commerce since its formation. He was previously the general manager of Black Bear Resort, a broker for Davis High Valley Realty, and an associate broker at Timberline Realty. He was an active member of the Buena United Methodist Church. He and his wife Judy are the parents of seven children. He was chosen as 2006 Tuckineer, and was a member of the Rotary Club for 68 years. Memorial donations may be made to: Murray Dearborn Scholarship Fund, Rotary Club of Tucker County C/O M&M Bank P.O. Box 189 Thomas, WV 26292.
Friends were received at Hinkle Funeral Home, Friday, May 27, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services were held, 10 a.m., Saturday, May, 28, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Neil Parsons officiating. Interment followed in the Buena Cemetery. A luncheon was served at Canaan Valley Fire Dept. from noon until 4 p.m. Hinkle Funeral Home wass in charge of arrangements. www.hinklefuneralhome.com
