Michael Murphy

Michael M. Murphy Was a man known for his love of family, friends, sailing and music, as well as for his generosity, sense of humor, questing faith and delight in learning new things. Michael had a zest for life that touched all those around him. With courage and perseverance, Michael battled cancer for close to two years. But on Thursday, October 28, 2010 in his home in San Carlos with his beloved wife, Linda, at his side, Michael finished his journey in this world to begin "the great journey" in the next. Michael was 69 when he died. He was born on August 3, 1941 in Seattle, Washington to Margaret McCormack & Robert John Murphy. Michael is survived by his wife, Linda L. Murphy; his sisters: Ann Patrick (Fresno, CA), Sister Mary Augustine O.P. (Los Angeles, CA) and Maryknoll Sister Chris Ortis (Monrovia, CA). His children and spouses: Timothy & Helen Murphy (San Mateo, CA), Kelly & Robert Moore (McLean, VA), and Kevin & Theresa Murphy (Portola Valley, CA); and grandchildren Brandon Moore; James, Max, and Lauren Murphy, and Melissa, Ellen and Travis Murphy. Michael attended the University of California at Los Angeles, California State University at Long Beach, and Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Executive Program (1975). Devoted to community and personal development throughout his life, Michael was a natural teacher who was actively involved in the education of his grandchildren and anyone to whom he came in contact. Combining one of his life passions with education, he volunteered for several seasons as part of the United States Naval Academy Offshore Sail Training Squadron, instructing midshipmen in seamanship, navigation, life on the sea, and small-unit leadership. Professionally, Michael spent forty years in the transportation industry; his last years were at American President Lines (APL) as Vice President of Government Affairs in Washington, DC, from which he retired in 2000. Mike was with Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and Hughes Airwest/Northwest Airlines. Remaining connected to the sea during retirement; Michael supported and volunteered with the San Francisco based Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS). His spirit of community was also demonstrated with his service to Junipero Serra High School Board of Regents, St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Parish Council, and the Coyote Point Yacht Club. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 6th, 2010, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, on the corner of Alameda de las Pulgas and Crystal Springs Rd., San Mateo, CA 94402. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Michael M. Murphy to: Dr. George Fisher Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, at Stanford University, Attention: Phyllis Bussey, Division Manager, Division of Oncology, 699 Campus Drive, CCSR 1115, Stanford, CA 94305-5151.