Michael William Murphy

Michael William (Harris) Murphy, United States Air Force career veteran, great husband, loyal friend, and exceptionally dedicated employee, died at home early Saturday morning, September 16, 2017. This was just five months after the discovery of an aggressive malignant brain tumor. Cheerful and optimistic throughout the treatment, he took strength from his firm belief that God continued to be his partner and advocate, and from his memories of a life well-lived—if a bit too short.

Michael was born November 1, 1948 in Martinez, California; the son of Marion F. and Phyllis E. Murphy. After his parents divorced, Phyllis married Bryon K. Harris. Michael was then raised, with his sister, by his mother and step-father---partly in a small adobe house on property that was also the home of the well-known environmentalist John Muir. He graduated in 1967 from Alhambra High School, and on January 17, 1968 he enlisted in the Air Force, which was to be his home for twenty-three years. Trained as an aircraft mechanic, Michael became a Crew Chief, and then Flight Chief. He often recounted stories of working on planes in both searing heat and bitter cold as his duty tours took him from Vietnam to Plattsburgh, New York. Michael earned an Air Force Commendation Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal; as well as the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. In addition, he took pleasure in sharing beers with his fellow soldiers at the NCO Club whenever the opportunity arose. He retired on January 31, 1991 as a Master Sergeant; and remained a person with a great love for this country and its flag—so much so that he was willing to speak up whenever he felt that American principles and actions were unduly criticized.

His personal life was enriched in 1972 when he met and married Gerry Van Wagoner, the young and vivacious daughter of the fellow military career family of Leslie G. & Ruth M. Van Wagoner. Michael and Gerry moved to various Air Force bases until his final duty post at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. After his military retirement, they remained in Spokane, and Michael joined the maintenance team at the Spokane Country Club, where one of his least favorite tasks was wrapping thousands of Christmas lights on tree branches.

In May 2000, Michael and Gerry relocated to Gerry’s hometown of Yakima, and in August of that same year Michael joined the staff of the Yakima Valley Museum, to which he brought a military precision and strong work ethic. For the next seventeen years, Michael took pride in keeping the building in tip-top condition, supporting all the museum’s activities and events, and becoming the go-to fellow whenever there was a need—including the care and feeding of the museum turtle and the museum cats, Kabuki and Smokey. He never failed to return late in the evening—without being asked—to clean up after a special event and prepare the museum for re-opening for its regular visitors the following day.

Even though the stars did not align for Gerry and Michael to have children of their own; they became second parents to three nieces, Sheena, Ashley, and Amber, as well as a succession of four-legged furry felines upon which Michael lavished as much (or more) attention as he did upon his Corvettes, cartoon collection, and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia.

Michael is survived by his wife, Gerry; his sister Ellen; his cousins Kay (Rick) and Ward; Gerry’s siblings Lynn (Paul Austin), Les, JoAnn, and Paul (Kari); numerous nieces and nephews; his long-time best friend and brother-by-different-parents Tom Mishich; and his current four cats—Murphy, Maggie, Zeva, and Tobias. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Michael’s dear friend John Baule, Yakima Regional Hospital Emergency Room’s Dr. Zambato and rest of the staff, Dr. Atteberry, Drs. Zeil and Mannem and their staffs at North Star Lodge, and the Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital Hospice team.

At Michael’s request, there will be no funeral service, and he asked that people simply remember him as a good citizen, friend, and husband. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. If you wish, memorials may be given to the Yakima Humane Society, the Wounded Warrior Program, the Yakima Valley Museum, or a charity of your choice.