Robert Joseph Murrin

Robert J. Murrin Ojai, California Robert J. Murrin, 89, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012. He was born on January 19, 1923 in North Platte, Nebraska. Following his mother's death in 1924 he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Elizabeth and Charles Murrin in Sterling Colorado. Upon joining the Navy in 1942 he officially changed his name from Facka to Murrin. Robert served his country during World War II in the Pacific theater including service aboard the battleship USS Pennsylvania during the amphibious invasion of the Gilbert Islands. He attended Park College in Kansas City before the war and later finished his education under the GI Bill at the University of Denver School of Architecture. After graduating he founded the Architectural firm of Murrin, Kasch, Kahn & Associates with offices in Sterling and Denver. Robert's architectural achievements include many of Sterling's public buildings: Northeastern Junior College (College Union and Humanities and Fine Arts building, and many others); Hagen, Campbell and Franklin Elementary Schools; the Grandstand and Pavilion at the Logan county Fairgrounds and the City of Sterling Municipal Complex. Many of Sterling's churches were designed by Robert, including the First Baptist Church, First Christian church, Peace Lutheran church, and the Trinity Lutheran Church. His work also included homes, banks and commercial projects. His architectural influence can be seen throughout Northeastern Colorado in the dozens of hospitals, churches, schools, public and private buildings he designed. He was a registered Architect in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and California; was a member of the American Institute of Architects; American Society of Planning Officials; and is a past Director of both the Sterling and Logan county Planning Commissions; Past Member Colorado Governor's Council on Arts and Humanities. He married Pauline Mohan from England on March 30 1951 at Saint Anthony's Church in in Sterling Colorado. Robert moved his family from Sterling to Denver in 1969 and then to California in 1972 where he continued his practice until his retirement in 1988. Robert and Pauline lived for a few years in Arizona before returning to California to be close to their family. He is survived by his wife, Pauline, and his children Timothy, Neil, Denis, Cassie, and 6 grandchildren. For information on Funeral Services or Information on Mr. Murrin please Email denis@horster.com Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is Ojai Valley Funeral Services 805-640-3600