Obituary: Murray Armstrong

Murray Armstrong, an Ace Hardware executive who helped build the co-op’s international division during his 21-year tenure, has died at age 63. Armstrong passed away peacefully in his home in Winfield, Ill., on Dec. 14, according to a notice posted on the website of the North American Retail Hardware Association.

Armstrong held several titles at Ace, but spent most of his career developing the buying group’s overseas business, which now has a retail presence in more than 50 countries across the globe. In 2002 he served as director of international merchandising and marketing, but was then promoted to managing director of Ace International and then president and general manager. Armstrong left Ace Hardware this past May.

In 2009, Armstrong was the recipient of the award for outstanding achievement in the hardware industry from the Midwest Retailers and Manufacturers Association.