A Half-Century of Service
Join us as we reflect on the regional legacy of Jack Murdock, celebrate our nonprofit partners, and look toward a bright future of innovation and impact.
8,800+
grants given
$1.5
billion awarded
3,000+
nonprofits supported
Honoring a Legacy, Shaping the Future
In 1975, four years after Jack Murdock's passing, the three Trustees he appointed established a charitable trust following the directions left in his will. Fifty years later, we remain grateful for the deep and vast ripple effects that can come from one person's generosity and commitment to enable the efforts of those around them who are working for the common good.
This year, we celebrate not just Jack Murdock's legacy, but the impact of all those in the nonprofit sector who have showed up for their communities. Five decades engaged in the nonprofit community of the Pacific Northwest has given our team a vantage point that we hope can be an encouragement to you throughout this year. As we share stories, highlight partnerships, host gatherings, and seek to engage in meaningful ways, we invite you to join us in celebrating the five decades of inspiring work we've witnessed so far, and in looking ahead to another five decades (and more) of working together to make our region a place where all can flourish.
Romanita Hairston
Chief Executive Officer
What Does the Trust Do?
Stories From 50 Years of Partnerships
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Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Visionary
Jack Murdock (1917-1971) was born in Portland, OR, and remained rooted in this region his entire life. From repairing radios and starting a business as a teenager to co-inventing the modern oscilloscope and co-founding Tektronix as an adult, Jack was a lifelong learner, innovator, and entrepreneur. Upon his untimely death in 1971, he established a charitable trust that would eventually become the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The ripple effects of his life are still being felt to this day.
Jack Murdock Gallery
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Jack Murdock was an innovative visionary whose legacy continues to ripple throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
An only child, Jack was born August 15, 1917.
Jack grew up in Southeast Portland.
In 1935, Jack graduated high school and opened Murdock Radio and Appliance Company. It was here that he would meet his lifelong friend and eventual business partner, Howard Vollum.
Jack proudly served the United States in the Coast Guard during World War 2.
Jack applied his passion for electronics throughout his service in the Coast Guard, leading a group of technicians and installing radar systems.
Following World War 2, Jack would co-found Tektronix with Vollum, as well as Miles Tippery and Glenn McDowell.
Tektronix would grow to be the largest employer in Oregon at the time, a global brand, and a leader in the technology space.
Throughout his life, Jack loved exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and was dedicated to nature preservation.
Jack was a passionate aviator, even operating his own Piper Cub distributorship.
The Piper Cub distributorship’s service footprint would serve as the regional map where the Murdock Trust would eventually serve.
A lifelong philanthropist, Jack’s estate established the Murdock Trust to continue investing in the common good for generations to come.
The Jack Murdock Story
Thank you, and stayed tuned!
We will continue to add content to this page as we spend 2025 celebrating the good work of our partners in the nonprofit sector, and looking ahead to the next fifty years together!