GLEN HADDON "MURPHY" DOBERS

1914 - 2015

Glen "Murphy" Haddon Dobers, 101, of Anacortes, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Rosario Assisted Living in Anacortes. He was born in Anacortes on April 2, 1914, came from a pioneer family, and was the son of William and Elizabeth "Lib" (Haddon) Dobers. Murphy's commercial fishing career began when he was in high school, during the depression, when it was hard times for his family. Murphy was asked if he would choose between finishing school or go fishing with his father. He chose to quit school and began his journey fishing for salmon and halibut in the local waters. During World War II, Murphy served in the U. S. COAST GUARD as a Chief Petty Officer, patrolling the Puget Sound Region with a 6 man crew, ensuring that the citizens were protected from harm. He used the family's fishing boat, the Sandra Jo to carry out his duty. After the war in 1946, Murphy built his own fishing boat, the 54 foot Vicki Lee. He continued commercial fishing and traveled to the Alaskan waters and fished for the plentiful salmon and halibut. A few years past and he modified the Vicki Lee for king crab fishing in the Bering Sea and fishing for tuna as far south as Mexico. Murphy told stories of enduring seas with waves as high as 60 feet. He had stand offs with the Russians in the Bering Sea, when they would come to American waters and hunt for whales. On June 26, 1965, Murphy married Cora Ames; she was the love of his life and they shared many happy times together. He was devastated when Cora passed away and took solace in his fishing trips up north. Murphy was an avid hunter and told humorous stories of close encounters with hungry bears and angry moose. He would often share stories of his hunting dog Old Bider, who would retrieve an old rusty can and leave the duck. Murphy was well known for his famous crab salads, and his family whole heartedly agreed that he made the most delicious crab salad, and kept them well supplied during the family gatherings. Murphy was a reflective soul who never complained or spoke ill will of anyone. He was preceded in death by his wife Cora, his sisters Mae Stump, Barbara Michal and Betty Knudson. He is survived by his sister Jean Copeland, step daughter Kathy Wiggins, step son Mike Ames, his nieces Vickey Baker, Sandra O'Brien, Suzie Byford and Laurie Pratt, his nephews William Copeland and William "Knute" Knudson, and many grand nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2015 at Grand View Cemetery in Anacortes, with a reception to follow at the Farmhouse Inn, 13724 La Conner – Whitney Road. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Murphy please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.