Melvin Jack Murdock Funds Long-Term Trust Upon His Untimely Death
Actively funding programs that serve the public good for more than 44 years, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has awarded more than $1 billion in grants since 1975. With a mission of enhancing the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska, the Murdock Trust takes time each year to honor its benefactor, Melvin Jack Murdock.
Born in 1917 in Portland, Oregon, Mr. Murdock co-founded Tektronix, a company that manufactures testing and measurement equipment. During his life, he shared his wealth with a variety of organizations and causes, including universities, Boys & Girls Clubs, mental health organizations, and faith-based groups.
Although he had an introverted nature and never married, Mr. Murdock would often host barbecues at his home. He also enjoyed skiing, fishing, hunting, and flying small planes. One of his passions, aviation, ultimately took his life. He perished in a seaplane accident on the Columbia River in 1971 at the age of 53. The formation of the Murdock Trust was part of his last will and testament, which he completed just a few months before he died. Jack Murdock was the type of person who “wanted to see people really fulfill their dreams and do well,” said trust executive director Steve Moore.
Born in 1917 in Portland, Oregon, Mr. Murdock co-founded Tektronix, a company that manufactures testing and measurement equipment. During his life, he shared his wealth with a variety of organizations and causes, including universities, Boys & Girls Clubs, mental health organizations, and faith-based groups.
Although he had an introverted nature and never married, Mr. Murdock would often host barbecues at his home. He also enjoyed skiing, fishing, hunting, and flying small planes. One of his passions, aviation, ultimately took his life. He perished in a seaplane accident on the Columbia River in 1971 at the age of 53. The formation of the Murdock Trust was part of his last will and testament, which he completed just a few months before he died. Jack Murdock was the type of person who “wanted to see people really fulfill their dreams and do well,” said trust executive director Steve Moore.
