Our founder, Reed Murray, was killed in a traffic accident early Tuesday morning, April 15.
Robert Reed Murray was born on April 23, 1950 to Robert W. and Lorraine E. Murray in Houston, Texas. He attended Richfield High School in Waco and graduated in 1967. His goal as a young man was to build a rocket and fly it to the moon; towards that dream he used a scholarship to help earn a degree in Aerospace Engineering from UT in 1970.
Living in Austin during the 70's he became interested in the natural foods industry there. He founded Purist Foods in 1980 which later became White Mountain Foods, a highly recognized Austin institution and one of the largest natural food manufacturers in the Southwest producing its famous yogurt and vegetarian products. In 1995 he established White Mountain Foods in East Austin to help revitalize an area abandoned by other businesses, and has succeeded in bringing new life and employment opportunity to the area. Other businesses have followed in his footsteps and have participated in further area revitalization projects.
Reed held his products to the highest organic and natural standards, earning his company local recognition many times and a very loyal customer base. He retired in 2001 but continued to play a very active role in the continuation of the business he founded, including ongoing work to have the food manufacturing process powered through solar energy. He was also very active in pursuing sustainable, environmentally friendly technology, community projects, and resource management.
Reed had a passion for life and a never-ending desire to live it to the fullest. He enjoyed hang gliding and pursued that hobby even into his later years. He and his companion Julie traveled often across the country and had many adventures to talk about upon their return. He held the most noble and highest of ideals for the betterment of human life and community, and used his keen mind, good heart, and endless energy to help make the world a better place.
Reed was part of a large, extended family and had many close friends, and was loved and admired by many. He will be sorely missed.
