Aran Patrick Murphy

1967 - 2017

Aran Patrick Murphy

Aran Patrick Murphy died of cancer Friday, August 25, 2017 at the age of 50. Aran passed away surrounded by his five loving children, his mother, his siblings, his fiance; and many other family members. Aran was born March 10, 1967 in Burien, Washington to Michael Terrence and Sandra Gail (Burks) Murphy. He grew up living in many "hamlets" up and down the I-5 corridor between Burien and Lynnwood, until his family eventually settled in Kent. Fueled by his innate spirit of adventure, Aran spent his senior year of high school studying in Japan. He graduated from Kent Meridian High School in 1985 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in philosophy and economics from the University of Washington in 1995.

Aran began his career in the finance industry specializing in precious metals, first in Seattle then as a Senior Economist for Platinum Guild International in New York. After obtaining an MBA in finance from New York University, Stern in 2001, Aran moved his young family back to the mountains and shores of his beloved Northwest. Aran soon embarked on a career at Russell Investments. He worked in applied research for institutional investors, including his last role as Director, Business Strategy, Capital Market Insights Team. His 10-year tenure with Russell enabled him to indulge in his deep obsession with economics, in all its manifestations, until illness forced his retirement.

An inspiring and loving father, Aran took great pride in his clan. He read voraciously and wielded his considerable intellect as a writer and a studied philosopher. He dabbled as a musician and was fluent in Japanese. Eagle Scout, judoka, scuba diver, and ardent outdoorsman are other titles that defined him. He pursued every interest with wit and passion. Aran's infectious humor, quest for knowledge and bright outlook on the endless wonder that life offers us will be dearly missed by his family and legion of friends.

Aran was predeceased by his father, Michael Terrence Murphy. He is survived by his children, Colin (20), Natalie (19), Ian (16), Evan (15) and Anna (11), as well as his mother, Sandra Berti (Larry), his sister, Sonja Skalbania (Rich), his brother Nathan Murphy, his fiance; Jennifer Burns and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Please join the family at a wake celebrating Aran's life Sunday, September 10, 2017 at

The Arctic Club, Seattle.

The service begins at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Baldrick's Foundation supporting childhood cancer research.

"To a life; which is reason

unto itself." ~ Ayn Rand