Robert “Bob” T. Murdock was the UPS guy, a fitness enthusiast and a great friend.
Murdock, 49, of 156 Lake Ave., Auburn, was killed Thursday afternoon when his package delivery truck was involved in an accident on the New York Thruway in Salina. Eastbound traffic was slowing because of a minor accident 400 yards ahead when Murdock's truck collided with three other vehicles traveling between the Liverpool and Electronics Boulevard exits.
Gerry McOmber, of Baldwinsville, said he had gone running with Murdock every week at the Onondaga Lake Park for the last two years. Murdock would meet McOmber at 6 a.m. on his way to pick up his UPS truck in Syracuse before driving back to Auburn to make deliveries.
They had met during their mutual participation in the Great Race with its cycling, running and canoeing components. The two men were teammates for three years. They were going to participate in the Great Race this year with two other teammates - Murdock as one the canoers and McOmber as the runner. They last ran together Wednesday morning.
Murdock was a “great guy. He was dedicated to running, dedicated to canoeing, dedicated to his job. He loved Auburn,” McOmber said.
In the time McOmber knew Murdock, Murdock increased the total number of miles he ran each week from 25 to 30 to 50 to 55 miles a week.
In the past year, Murdock had reached some of his personal bests at regional races. Murdock clocked 67 minutes and 22 seconds at the 10-Mile Mountain Goat Run in Syracuse May 6 and 60 minutes and 28 seconds at the 15 kilometer Boilermaker in Utica June 29. Murdock also ran several times a week on the streets of Auburn and went canoeing a few times a week in warmer weather.
“He was in the best shape of his life,” McOmber said. “There was a great picture of him in the Utica Observer-Disptach in their Boilermaker special.”
Jim Hanley, one of the Great Race's organizers, said he would hear a beep from a UPS truck and know it was Murdock. Murdock was lean and fit, healthy and athletic, Hanley said.
For years, Murdock has been participating in the Great Race. Murdock's Great Race team number was 21 this year. He walked in town with his wife and his dog. He always had a smile, Hanley said.
“You always left him feeling better than when you first encountered him,” Hanley said.
Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net
Gerry McOmber, of Baldwinsville, said he had gone running with Murdock every week at the Onondaga Lake Park for the last two years. Murdock would meet McOmber at 6 a.m. on his way to pick up his UPS truck in Syracuse before driving back to Auburn to make deliveries.
They had met during their mutual participation in the Great Race with its cycling, running and canoeing components. The two men were teammates for three years. They were going to participate in the Great Race this year with two other teammates - Murdock as one the canoers and McOmber as the runner. They last ran together Wednesday morning.
Murdock was a “great guy. He was dedicated to running, dedicated to canoeing, dedicated to his job. He loved Auburn,” McOmber said.
In the time McOmber knew Murdock, Murdock increased the total number of miles he ran each week from 25 to 30 to 50 to 55 miles a week.
In the past year, Murdock had reached some of his personal bests at regional races. Murdock clocked 67 minutes and 22 seconds at the 10-Mile Mountain Goat Run in Syracuse May 6 and 60 minutes and 28 seconds at the 15 kilometer Boilermaker in Utica June 29. Murdock also ran several times a week on the streets of Auburn and went canoeing a few times a week in warmer weather.
“He was in the best shape of his life,” McOmber said. “There was a great picture of him in the Utica Observer-Disptach in their Boilermaker special.”
Jim Hanley, one of the Great Race's organizers, said he would hear a beep from a UPS truck and know it was Murdock. Murdock was lean and fit, healthy and athletic, Hanley said.
For years, Murdock has been participating in the Great Race. Murdock's Great Race team number was 21 this year. He walked in town with his wife and his dog. He always had a smile, Hanley said.
“You always left him feeling better than when you first encountered him,” Hanley said.
Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net
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