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Murray Armstrong Passes Away
Legendary DU coach, Murray Armstong passed away yesterday. It is a sad day for the Pioneer family. I knew Murray very well as I was associated with the team his last few years at DU. He will be greatly missed by all. Hail to the Chief!!!!
In accordance with Murray’s request, there will be no funeral services. His family plans to scatter his ashes on his home golf course according to his wishes. Any of the hockey fraternity that wants to send a card or note to Murray’s wife/family can do so at 607 Mulligan Way, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL (December 8, 2010) -- Legendary DU hockey coach, Murray Armstrong, has died of complications, following a series of strokes. He was 94; just 24 days shy of his 95th birthday.
Armstrong coached the DU Pioneers from 1956 until 1977, amassing one of the most impressive records in college hockey history. His teams won five NCAA Championships and finished as runners-up four times.
After playing junior hockey, he played 9 years in the National Hockey League in the 1930s and 40s, finishing his career with the Detroit Red Wings. After World War II he then coached the Regina Pats until he was hired by the University of Denver.
When he arrived he promised to give DU a national championship in three years or he’d quit. He delivered on the promise in only two years.
Armstrong often said his proudest accomplishment was “all of the fine young men” whose lives he touched. He was in contact with many of his former players to the end.
In 2009, his former players created a book of “Murray-isms” – some of his sayings that live on. They called it “Don’t Think, It Hurts the Club!” Among his favorite sayings: “Excuses are for losers.”
He retired to Venice, Florida in 1977 where he pursued his other sporting passion – golf. He played the game regularly until 2010 when he was 94.
In 2000, he and his wife moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to be closer to his son and his wife.
Armstrong is survived by Freda, his wife of 68 years, and his son, Rob.
Memorial donations should be directed to: Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
In accordance with Murray’s request, there will be no funeral services. His family plans to scatter his ashes on his home golf course according to his wishes. Any of the hockey fraternity that wants to send a card or note to Murray’s wife/family can do so at 607 Mulligan Way, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL (December 8, 2010) -- Legendary DU hockey coach, Murray Armstrong, has died of complications, following a series of strokes. He was 94; just 24 days shy of his 95th birthday.
Armstrong coached the DU Pioneers from 1956 until 1977, amassing one of the most impressive records in college hockey history. His teams won five NCAA Championships and finished as runners-up four times.
After playing junior hockey, he played 9 years in the National Hockey League in the 1930s and 40s, finishing his career with the Detroit Red Wings. After World War II he then coached the Regina Pats until he was hired by the University of Denver.
When he arrived he promised to give DU a national championship in three years or he’d quit. He delivered on the promise in only two years.
Armstrong often said his proudest accomplishment was “all of the fine young men” whose lives he touched. He was in contact with many of his former players to the end.
In 2009, his former players created a book of “Murray-isms” – some of his sayings that live on. They called it “Don’t Think, It Hurts the Club!” Among his favorite sayings: “Excuses are for losers.”
He retired to Venice, Florida in 1977 where he pursued his other sporting passion – golf. He played the game regularly until 2010 when he was 94.
In 2000, he and his wife moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to be closer to his son and his wife.
Armstrong is survived by Freda, his wife of 68 years, and his son, Rob.
Memorial donations should be directed to: Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
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