Daily Sitka Sentinel

Murray LaCour Jr. Dies; Former Sitkan was 77

Murray Emanuel LaCour Jr.

On Jan. 6, former Sitkan Murray Emanuel LaCour Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his favorite chair, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 77.

Murray was a devoted husband, father of three children, and grandfather of one. 

Murray was born Oct. 21, 1945, in Sitka.

His life was one of service and adventure. After graduating from Sitka High School in 1964, he served in the Army National Guard. He married Hannah Jenkins in 1966, and began to serve his family.

His work ethic allowed everyone in the family to live a life of quality. A prime example of his work ethic was in full display from 1977 to 1979, when he built the family home. Given he was already working construction five days a week, he would work on the house during the weekends and holidays, rarely taking a day off.

When he did have free time, Murray was an Alaska man to his core, with a love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Hobbies included panning for gold, competing in the Backhoe Rodeo at the Alaska State Fair, and exploring the Alaskan countryside. 

Murray, affectionately known as Dickie, Demolition Dick, Husky, Uncle Santa and MooMoo, is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Hannah LaCour; children Chris LaCour, Lisa LaCour and Juliette LaCour; grandchild Elijah LaCour; and sister Cheryl Easley.

His memory also will live on among a number of extended family members and friends, all of whom were touched by his gentle, kind and jovial demeanor.

“His legacy is the foundation of our family and our rock during turbulent life trials,” a family member wrote.

There will be no funeral service, but a celebration of Murray’s life is to be held in the summer, in Palmer.