Birth date: Sep 16, 1944 Death date: Jun 23, 2017
Patrick Michael Murphie, 72, was born to Erma I. & Donald W. Murphie on September 16, 1944 in Terre Haute, Indiana. The family moved to Washington in 1954 when his father was transferred to Ft. Lewis. Pat attended Clover Park High Read Obituary
Kathy,
Fran and I were so glad you and Pat were able to visit with us in Westfield. We hold fond memories of that visit.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Fran & Ruth
I've already shared how we feel about Pat, but I need to add one more thing, this is not meant disrespectful, it is something Pat, himself, always said. "When I die, I don't want people to say "He looks good" I want to them say "What a ride he had". This always made me chuckle. Love to all.
In a world of so many uncertainties. You have to wonder what will be thrown at you and in what way.
In 1978 we moved to a small town in Washington. Lakewood.
We took up residence in a small community in that town. Our house was a corner lot, our back door and back yard met up with our neighbor’s back yard.
Soon two shy brunettes became quick friends.
And their parents became quick friends.
My new friends all lived within walking distance, our parents could yell out the door for us to come home and we knew to be home when the street lights came on.
One rule, we could not go to the big park without an adult. Simple Rule.
Trust me me at age 8 we felt we were old enough to go the park with out friends. Still , no big park without an adult.
So my world was small but the Murphie’s grew that world for me. I spend my summers at the race track, either in the center or under the bleachers. Getting dirty, working on cars, (still getting dirty) or just being a kid who was at the race track. I learned to cheer for the right car, I was able to celebrate victories with my new found family. We went to big picnics with the racing association, I learned to have less fear of the world around me. Rode horses, played volleyball with the big kids, and went down water slides.
As the world began to change from the days of summer childhood to looking at more grown up things. I was introduced to books, movies and science.
From Starblazers to Star Wars to Start Trek. To Issac Asmov, Frank Herbert, and Ann McAffrey.
Even though my world was changing there were things that stayed constant. Summers in the pool, 4th of July parties. ( and this is where you insert all the stupid things we did as children and teens) and this dad taught me how.
When my parents divorced Pat became my second dad. When it was time to learn how to drive, of course he was gonna be the one to show me how to make left turns.. ( Ok that was funny) , When I bought my first car, with my grandfather, I was ordered to bring it over right away. Because of course when you have 2 mechanics in your life they both have to approve.. When I got my first boyfriend, I was ordered to bring him over right away to.. Because of course he had to approve.
When I married, when I had my kids. All of this.. When I bought my first brand new only has 50 miles on it vehicle, I drove off the lot and straight to his house.
All of us kids who grew up on Dalton/Haveland Street know this world..
That world just tumbled in my heart this morning… As my best friend/little sister’s dad has passed away..
We don’t talk much, we keep tabs on each other through our parents and they keep tabs on each of us. As we wander around in the world of our own lives.
As I realized this morning, we have grown our lives and our world based on the things we learned in our childhood before we moved on to be adults.
We choose our friends based off the examples that were set for us in our lives.. I don’t think my parents could have chosen a better set of best friends.
Rest in peace Patrick and the summerlands now has one fiesty irishman..
Pat,
You were a wonderful and gracious person to work for. I will always have loving memories of you, Rest in Peace. Thank you for sharing the past 11 years with me as your employee and friend, you will be missed for years to come.
Sharon Mack
