Supporting buttons that read “I love International Falls” a large crowd gathered Thursday at the Jack Murray Seaplane Base within the James Oberstar Riverfront Complex to honor Jack Murray, dedicate the base in his name, and celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday.
Murray died June 28 — one month shy of his birthday and the dedication.
Shawn Mason, mayor of International Falls, and members of the city council each said a few words highlighting the man Murray was and how much he loved his family, church and city.
Murray served the Falls as a councilor for 14 years and as mayor for 14 years. He always wore his “I love International Falls” button on his chest.
“Thank you, Jack, for all you were and all you did,” said Councilor Gail Rognerud. “We will miss you.”
Murray’s daughter, Patty Murray Christensen, told the crowd, “We all know how much dad loved International Falls, but over the last month, we realize how much International Falls loved dad.”
Christensen called her father “extraordinary” and expressed how much he would have enjoyed the dedication on his birthday.
In closing the celebration, Mason fulfilled a promise she made to Murray by inviting everyone to join her in singing “Happy Birthday” and sharing birthday cake.
