Working with an organization like the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust brings many blessings into your life. In addition to the countless grantees we serve, we have the unique opportunity to partner and collaborate with some of the kindest, wisest and most accomplished people on earth. These relationships can be a source of great joy during our days together, but when one of those lives comes to an end, it can be all the more difficult.
Our organization and the Pacific Northwest lost a great beacon of light recently with the passing of Patty Dyke. Patty was married to Walt Dyke, one of the original three Murdock Trustees, for 50 years and carried the spirit of giving and philanthropy in every phase of her life.
Patty poured herself into her home and family, fully supporting any number of activities over the years from opening her home for Brownies, Girl Scout and Young Life meetings as well as frequently entertaining visiting international scientists. The Dyke’s were devoted supporters of education, offering years of service to Linfield College where Walt started as a physics professor and launched the Linfield Research Institute while Patty was heavily involved in numerous campus development organizations. Beyond their family and work, the couple enjoyed several artistic and creative endeavors. Many local residents will remember reading Patty’s columns on the changing seasons in the local newspaper while Walt was constantly snapping photos around the region.
Patty’s passing also signals the end of an era for the Murdock Trust. After 43 years of operations, Patty was the last remaining member of the original “Trustee family” that was created upon our founding in 1975.
We are forever grateful to Walt and Patty’s dedication to serving the common good in the state of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, as well as their commitment to the mission and legacy of Jack Murdock. They are survived by four daughters, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In memory of Walt and Patty’s passion for scientific education in the Pacific Northwest, the Murdock Trust has made a grant to George Fox University for new engineering equipment that will help inspire future research and innovation to serve the common good.
Thank you Patty for all that you have done to make our lives and community brighter. We will miss you.
By Jim Martin, Chief Investment Officer Emeritus
