Marvin Murray

Mr. Murray moved to Marquette in the early ’80s after he and his brother Joel invested approximately $200,000 into the Marquette County-based airline. At the time, Simmons flew primarily between the Upper Peninsula and Detroit, bringing in less than $1 million annually. Under Mr. Murray’s leadership as president, Simmons expanded its fleet and routes, eventually joining American Airlines’ American Eagle feeder system. In 1983, he was honored as Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News, a recognition awarded to outstanding citizens who help enrich life in the state.

By the time Simmons was sold in 1988 to AMR Corp. for $78 million, the airline operated nearly 40 planes servicing almost 40 destinations across the Midwest.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1946, Marv attended Bronx Science before earning his bachelor’s and law degrees from Northwestern and Yale. A proud participant in the 1960s hippy movement, he attended Woodstock–but left a day early to avoid traffic, beginning a lifelong tradition of leaving concerts and games before the crowds.

Before settling in Marquette, he lived in San Francisco and Chicago. While at Simmons, he met Sandra Richards (Swanson) of Negaunee. They later married and shared over 30 years together, living in California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

After his brother Joel’s passing in 2009, Marv returned to aviation as senior counsel at Santa Monica-based Aerlex Law Group. Notably, in 2011, he negotiated the acquisition of a Boeing 757-200 on behalf of then-future president Donald Trump.

Marv enjoyed traveling, music, boating, motorcycles, skiing, and road-tripping with his Airstream, always accompanied by his beloved dogs. His greatest joy was ensuring the happiness of those around him.

In his later years, Marv enjoyed retirement in Southern California with his partner Denise, whom he met in 2018.

He is survived by his stepchildren Tracy and Chris (from Sandra’s earlier marriage to Bradley Richards of Negaunee), step-grandchildren Ben and Jack Richards, and sister-in-law Suzanne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joel, cousin Daryn, and wife Sandra.

A celebration of life will be held in Palm Springs, CA, with the date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marv’s honor to Marley’s Mutts Rescue Ranch. His dogs, Tiff and Aja, both tri-pawds, lived full and happy lives thanks to his generosity.