Kathy Pinna
Leif Myhre, 83, entrepreneur, philanthropist - May 9, 2006
Leif Myhre, 83, of Bedminster Township, died on Friday, April 28, 2006, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Born in Arendal, Norway, he came to the United States in 1928, settling in Staten Island, N.Y. He had lived in Mendham and Bedminster Township for the past 40 years. He also was a winter resident of Boca Raton, Fla., for many years. Mr. Myhre was an entrepreneur and philanthropist for most of his life, beginning his career as a real estate developer on Staten Island. He constructed the first free-standing mall and built about 500 homes there. He was also involved in shipbuilding at Staten Island shipyards. A biblical scholar, Mr. Myhre was involved in Christian missionary work throughout the world. He was active with the Billy Graham ministry and took part in the Billy Graham Crusade in the New York metropolitan area and the Campus Crusade for Christ. He donated money and helped build churches and worship centers in Staten Island and childrens Christian camps in New York and New Hampshire. He was also involved in equine activities, having driven horse and carriages and served as a judge with the United Sates Equestrian Team in Gladstone. He maintained fruit orchards and raised honey bees on his properties. He served on the Board of Directors of the Market Street Mission in Morristown and was a member of the Christian Businessmens Club of Morris County. Mr. Myhre was a former member of the Long Hill Chapel in Chatham and built the recreation center there. He had a passion for woodworking. Mr. Myhre was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Judy Haugen Myhre, who died in 2003; and by a brother, John Myhre, who died this year. Surviving are two sons, Jeffrey A. Myhre and his wife, Marla, of Bedminster and Gary L. Myhre and his wife, Eilleen, of Boca Raton, Fla.; two grandchildren, Liv and Connor Myhre of Boca Raton, Fla.; three brothers, Bobby and Andy of Frenchtown and Arvid of Stockton; and two sisters, Liv Olson of Toms River and Meriam Edkins of Philadelphia. Services were held at the Somerset Hills Memorial Park in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township on Thursday, May 4. Memorial contributions may be made to the King of Kings Worship Center, 55 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, N.J., 07924. Arrangements were by the Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main St., Bedminster.
From the New Jersey Hills Media Group
From the New Jersey Hills Media Group
