In Memoriam: Ralph “Bud” Murray

Ralph “Bud” Murray, a long-time recycling equipment developer and marketer, died in early December at the age of 86.

Murray lived most of his life in Iowa and was a long-time employee and executive of Cedar Rapids-based Hammermills Inc., Universal Engineering and its successor companies.

In the 1960s, he was instrumental in developing and marketing the “Bulldog” Hammermill shredder around the world. He has also served as sales engineer and sales manager for Hammermills and was named a vice president in 1968. In 1978, Murray was appointed President of Hammermills.

Later in life, Murray continued to work on a part-time basis as a consultant to Svedala Industries, which purchased Universal Engineering in 1995, and then Riverside Newell.

“Bud loved the shredder business and visiting his customers that we all know were his friends,” says industry colleague and fellow Iowan Jim Stepanek. “He lived a great life and we will miss his humor and friendship.”

Stepanek estimates that Murray helped oversee the production and installation of more than 100 Hammermills automobile shredders and several hundred rotors worldwide. “Much of Universal Engineering’s Hammermills technology of more than 45 years ago has been implemented into several of the new shredder designs of today,” he says. “Bud was one of the pioneers in our industry and one of the first members of ISRI. He helped shaped they way our industry is today.”

Murray is survived by Agnes, his wife of 53 years; three daughters and one son; and five grandchildren. He was also a United States Navy veteran and raised show horses as a life-long hobby.

Industry friends and associates can express condolences and share memories at www.lensingfuneral.com.