In Memoriam: Service Ideas’ Patrick Murray

Patrick Murray, the second-generation owner of Service Ideas, died of cancer July 30. He was 72.

The Woodbury, Minn., manufacturer of beverage servers and tabletop products was founded by his father, Art, in 1946. Patrick Murray’s lifelong role in the foodservice industry officially began in 1960, when he joined his parents in running Minneapolis’ signature downtown steakhouse, Murray’s Restaurant (founded in 1933 as the Red Feather Café). Among his foodservice industry honors, Murray was an original inductee of the Minnesota Restaurant Association Hall of Fame.

Murray is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons Timothy and James; daughters Christina Brandt, Jill Kummings and Megan Blohowiak; 10 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Services have been held. Contributions in his memory can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.