Death Notices Michael, McMurry Baird

Michael Baird McMurry, born in Chicago on April 27, 1941, died peacefully at home in Chicago on March 29 at the age of 82. Mike was the son of Robert Noleman and Doris (Baird) McMurry. The Chicago area remained Mike’s home until he went to the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana. Following graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served from 1964 to 1969, becoming Ship Engineer and Lieutenant Commander on the USS Bayfield during the Vietnam War, stationed at Subic Bay in the Philippines. The ship had a storied history, including as flagship for the Utah Beach landings in Normandy. It remained in service throughout World War II (in Europe and Asia), the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. It was decommissioned and retired in 1968, but long after that Mike remained a stalwart member and organizer of the USS Bayfield Veterans Group. Mike took undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering (University of Illinois), business (University of Iowa), and law (University of Detroit). He started his professional career as a computer scientist and patent agent for Burroughs Corporation in Detroit. He became senior patent attorney at Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford, associate general counsel and patent counsel at Bally Manufacturing Corporation in Chicago, and partner at Jenner & Block in Chicago where he met his wife Gayle Erjavac McMurry. Mike and Gayle started their own law firm in 1994, where they specialized in patents, trademarks, and copyright law. Mike wrote numerous patents over the years for such clients as Honeywell (including the ground proximity warning system), Bally, Life Fitness, and Scientific Games. In addition to his strong attachments to family and clients, Mike was conspicuous for personal enthusiasms. The Wall Street Journal, Economist, and cigars were a daily part of his life. He loved reunions of the USS Bayfield Veterans Group, Chicago sports teams, gathering with family and friends, and travel. He was quick to strike up conversations with all people he encountered, and generous-spirited in responding to them. Even abroad, lost strangers would often approach him on the street to ask for directions. Mike radiated a quiet authority.

Mike was the eternal optimist, with an unwavering sense of humor. He was held in high esteem for always being game. Mike was a founding member of the Rockford Rugby Club, the Ravens, and played through 1998 when he and his son Rob, toured with the Club in Scotland. Mike and Gayle frequently visited Hong Kong, one of his favorite cities. When they became intrigued with the hand made rosewood furniture manufactured there, Mike suggested they start their own business importing and selling the furniture, through their showroom, which was their home in Chicago. Thus, Intercontinental Designs Corporation was born. Mike also was a long time casual runner who was willing to demonstrate solidarity with Gayle’s more intense interest in running marathons throughout the world, including training for the Antarctica Marathon which they did in 2012. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Sarah Barker. He is survived by his wife Gayle; four children from an earlier marriage, Elizabeth (Tim) Russo, Sara (Allyn) Dady, Katherine (Jon) Brennan, and Robert (Sarah) McMurry; grandchildren Suzanne (Tanner) Russo LoTempio, Doris Russo, Campbell Russo, Meredith Dady, Robert Dady, Evelyn Brennan, Michael Brennan, Adelaide Brennan, Magnolia McMurry, and Keith Campbell McMurry; niece Mellanie Barker; Gayle’s brothers John (Kimberly) Erjavac and Stanley (Amy) Erjavac, and Stan and Amy’s sons – nephews Benjamin Erjavac and Samuel Erjavac.

Mike’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, caregivers, rehabilitation therapists, hospice workers, and all the relatives, friends, and neighbors who supported him and Gayle through the last months of his life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, 126 E. Chestnut Street (at Michigan Avenue). A Reception will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the 3rd Coast Café, 1260 N. Dearborn Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mike at the U.S. Naval Institute, and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.