Neil 'Hurry' McMurry, one of Wyoming’s best-known entrepreneurs and philanthropists, died this morning at age 88 according to emails distributed to employees of the many companies run by McMurry and his family.

McMurry started his business career in Wyoming, spending decades constructing highways as a partner in the Rissler and McMurry Company. He eventually headed an organization that developed vast oil and gas holdings in Wyoming and other states; developed the McMurry Business Park in east Casper and the Swan Ranch business park in Cheyenne. 

McMurry was credited by those who knew him with having great vision for developing raw land into commercial projects. Most recently, his organization built about 2,500 new homes in Williston, ND, in response to the Bakken oil developments.  Just a few weeks ago ground was broken on another similar-sized housing development in that area.

“He didn’t have some fancy MBA, but rose to the top by putting on his boots and overalls everyday and working very hard,” McMurry's biographer Ann Chambers Noble said. “His handshake and his word have been better than any written contract.”

McMurry was to be the honoree at the Casper Boys and Girls Club annual breakfast on August 7. Those plans have not changed, according to the Boys and Girls Club.

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