SAN DIEGO -- Jerry Murray, the longtime columnist and West Coast Editor for CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY, has died. He was just shy of his 83d birthday.

A chemical engineer who later switched to technical writing, Murray was best known for his unvarnished and unique perspective on the printed circuit board industry and the people who work in it. Based in San Diego, Murray traveled much of the world on behalf of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY, and was a relentless supporter of the PCB industry.

He is survived by his wife, Suzie, his children and several grandchildren.

His longtime friend Bob Davila summed up what many feel: "Jerry was such a unique person, it was almost impossible not to like him. I like all of his friends have many fantastic memories of him that we will always cherish. I will miss the story of your travel adventure and remembering the old days when he truly was a character. May he be at peace now, as he will never be forgotten."

Murray beat cancer in the late 2000s, but suffered from heart problems afterward.

At his request there will be no services. Donations in his name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Ed.: Mike Buetow's thoughts on his late friend are here.