Michael David Murphy passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19th, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Michael, or Mike, as many of us knew him, was born on April 27th, 1953 to Joseph and Donna (MacDonald) Murphy in Aberdeen, Washington. He spent most of professional life working along side his family and serving the Olympia community as owner and head chef of Ben Moore's Restaurant.
They say that eating is a necessity, but cooking is an art and Mike certainly was known for his culinary masterpieces. Whether creating new interpretations of old favorites like Macaroni and Cheese, catering events with a variety of fan favorites like Chicken Marsala and Chicken Marbella, or preparing new dishes that now live in infamy like Oysters al Pesto, Fried Razor Clams, and Grilled Geoduck, food was his expression of love and he was generous in sharing it with so many of us.
His moodiness was simply part of his charm and charisma. He had a wicked sense of humor, sharp wit and even sharper tongue as many of us can attest. Oh, the stories to be told. Mike was a passionate man that enjoyed politics, crossword puzzles, reading, music and the arts. He was strong in his faith and his convictions. Above all, he was a tender hearted soul that looked out for others and loved his family, even if his three-legged beagle, Hunter, was the recipient of more than his fair share of Mike's attention.
Michael is survived by his sister Felicia Backowski, brothers Tim Murphy and JD MacDonald, Aunts Virginia Haataia and Pam Carter, Uncle Johnny Farris, his nephews Jake Murphy, Dominic Murphy, Adam Murphy, Jarred Murphy, Michael Backowski Jr., Nicholas Backowski, Andrew Backowski, and JD MacDonald Jr., his nieces Hester Holtz, Ami Holtz, Ashlee Holtz, Desiree Tarpeo (Backowski), Kristin La Londe (Backowski), Amanda Newman (Backowski), Anna Lovett (Murphy), Tyler MacDonald, Sabrina MacDonald, and Dakota MacDonald, as well as many cousins, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Dominic Murphy, Matthew Murphy, Melissa Murphy, Theresa Holtz, and Marcy Scheelke, as well as his niece Tina Pittman (Murphy).
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 27th, 2020 at Mills and Mills located at 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512 with a reception to follow at the VFW Post 318 located at 2902 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98506. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to help the family cover funeral expenses. A GoFundMe has been established and can be accessed at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/te6caa-michael-murphy
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