Obituary: Lyle William Murray 1941 - 2012

Lyle William Murray, 70, formerly of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2012 in Cottonwood.

Lyle was born November 18, 1941, in Idaho Falls to Floyd William Murray and Verda M. Simmons Murray. He was a member of the LDS church. He was raised in Idaho Falls and attended schools in the area.

At the age of 14, he left home and had a contract with Willard Cranny in Idaho for a jockey apprenticeship. He completed four years of intensive training. Lyle raced horses for years in Idaho at fairs, rodeos, minor tracks and in other states. In 1952, he was king of the War Bonnet Roundup in Idaho Falls.

With the training behind him, he won his first major race aboard his racing horse at Mexico Caliente Race Track. He was now eligible to go astride to complete a national racing competition and participate in horse racing throughout the world.

Lyle had a near-fatal racing accident in New Mexico and was voted “comeback jockey of the year.” He had a racing career with Willie Shoemaker, Eddy Arcaro, Johnny Longdon and Jerry Lambert, who were also his good friends. After Lyle’s racing career he retired and had a string of his own horses that he trained.

Lyle had a very adventurous and exciting life. He was very witty. He could make you laugh so hard you would cry.

Lyle is survived by his sisters, Denise Farnes, Connie (Pete) Steed and Debbie (Rich) Katseanes; and brother Farrell Murray, all of Idaho Falls. He had many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many great friends in Cottonwood and Cornville. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Blaine Cook and Larry Farnes.

Cremation has taken place in Cottonwood. His remains will come home to Idaho Falls for a private family memorial. Burial will be at Ucon Cemetery.

We know you are in the “winning circle” again. We love you and will miss you. Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.

Information provided by survivors.