Mr. Babe M. Murmyluk

Babe M. Murmyluk, age 95, of Lake Orion, passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born June 25, 1928, in Hamtramck, Michigan to the late Olaf and Mary Murmyluk. Babe was preceded in death by his sister, Sonia shortly before he was born, his mother, Mary Kolachyk Murmyluk, who wore mourning clothes his entire life, and his father, Olaf Murmyluk, first wife of 17 years and mother to his children, Dorothy Clark Murmyluk, and second wife of 27 years, Bette Bybee. He is survived by his children, Karen Budai (Blair), Carla Covert, and Ken Murmyluk, as well as his grandchildren, Andrew Budai, Joseph Budai, Evan Covert, Bennett Covert, and Breanna Murmyluk. Babe was a lifelong learner, beginning with his mother teaching him English and Ukrainian before starting school. At age 15, he received an award for proficiency in the use of Continental Code and at age 16, he earned his Radio Telephone Operator License from the Federal Communications Commission. He attended Cass Technical High School, which needed a referral or invitation to attend. He took a bus or streetcar to get to classes and graduated from high school at age 16. He received his Bachelor's and Master’s Degree in Music from Wayne State University. He had also begun working on his doctorate. Babe’s first year teaching was in Sebewaing, followed by a year at GM. He then worked in the Lakeshore Public School District; first at Lakeshore HS, then at Kennedy Middle School before retiring in 1991 after 38 years of teaching. Alto Reed, the saxophonist in Bob Seger’s band, was one of Babe’s former band students from Lakeshore HS. During that time, Sgt. Murmyluk received his 6 year medal in 1954 for serving in the 139th Army Band in the National Guard. He also built 2 houses, sold real estate, finished coursework at the Residential Builder’s Institute and for Advanced Reiki, learning about supplements, as well as keeping a huge garden for many years. Babe was a talented musician and conductor. He began violin at age 7, clarinet in 5th grade, and by the end of 11th grade had mastered viola, saxophone, French horn, bassoon, and oboe. While in high school, he played in a Jewish orchestra, the Eastern Symphony, and the Grosse Pointe Symphony. In the 50s and 60s, he played at the Heidelberg in Mount Clemens, as well as in the 139th Army Band in the National Guard. In 1984, the Memories of the My Heart album was produced with Henry Hincherick. From 1981-1998, charter members of Music by Festival, Rob Schwalbe, Erwin Rauschendorfer and Babe, performed all over MI, OH, IN, and WI and recorded an album in 1982. They were even invited to Disney World to perform, but decided to stay closer to home. Robert explained that “Babe never said much, but did admit that he was proud of the band.” In the late 90s, Babe performed with the Vagabonds and the Edelweiss Buam at Carpathia Hall in Sterling Heights. In the early 2000s, he performed with Ted Pavlik and the Melody Makers. From 1998-2020 he played with the SC4 Symphonic Band and from 2003-2020, the East China Community Band. Beginning in the early 90s, he played in the pit orchestras for East China Theater Guild, Port Huron Civic Theater, high school musicals, and Little Theater Musicals for St. Clair and Port Huron. In 2003, he joined the Dick Berg’s German Conversation Band and the Enzian for Port Huron Oktoberfests. From 2004-2009, Babe was a charter member of Speakeasy 7 Dixieland Band with David Swain. He founded Sentimental Journey Swing Band of Port Huron and conducted the group from 2001-2019. He was the concertmaster of the Blue Water New Horizons Band beginning in 1998 as well as conductor starting from 2003-2019. He also played Polka gigs with Ray Govaere, at German club monthly meetings, at the Polka Club in Marysville, German festivals at the Renaissance Center and numerous other places, classical duos at the Veterans Hospital in Detroit, gave lessons at Southern Thumb in Richmond, the Port Huron Music Center, and to grandchildren. He gave his last lesson to Nancy Kreusel June 27, 2023. “He always expected the BEST and was a very special person to many who shared his passion for music.” Babe enjoyed music and conducting, but also photography and reading. He was very intelligent and talented and impacted many through his teaching, conducting, and performing. A remembrance and celebration of life will be held on, Saturday July 29, 2023 from noon until 3:00pm at the New Haven Coney Island-57550 Gratiot Ave., New Haven, Michigan 48048. There will be coffee , tea, pop, coneys, etc. Contact Carla at (248) 978-3256 with any questions. Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home - 57737 Gratiot, New Haven.

Mr. Babe M. Murmyluk

June 25, 1928 - July 9, 2023