Mal Murphy

He was born in Hancock, and lived his youthful years on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he enjoyed summers at Eagle Harbor on the shore of Lake Superior.

He studied at Holy Cross, served as an officer in the United States Navy, and earned a juris doctorate at The University of Michigan.

With his first wife Linda, they moved to Seattle, where he worked for the Helsel Law Firm.

In 1969, they moved to Olympia, Washington, where he served as Deputy Attorney General to Slade Gorton. His first years were focused on the Washington State Parks Commission’s efforts to acquire the Washington Beaches for public access. In 1976, he led the State’s legal effort to stop SeaWorld from taking infant orcas from the Puget Sound, resulting in a Federal Appeals Court order prohibiting SeaWorld from ever again collecting Killer Whales in the waters of Puget Sound, an order which is still standing today.

Mal did not follow U.S. Senator Gorton to Washington D.C., but stayed in Olympia, opening his own law firm, and focusing his practice on governmental regulations and actions with local, state and national governments. Most notably was the location of the proposed high-level nuclear waste storage facility in Nye County, Nevada. As legal counsel for the state of Nevada, and later Nye County, he focused on scientific study and regulatory information that would guide future decision making for the people of Nevada, specifically Nye County. Unfortunately, that issue is still not resolved.

In 1986, Mal met Jane Boubel, and they quickly realized that their lives were forever changed. Jane graciously accepted four “boys” at the altar, and they lived the next 16 years juggling two demanding careers, sports, school, and family events.

Mal had a dry sense of humor, had a love for learning and hated losing at Phase 10, Uno and Skipbo.

In 2003 they moved to Sunriver, Oregon, and began a location of service. Mal became an active member of the Sunriver Anglers, Bend Golf Club, and joined the Sunriver Music Festival Board. His focus on family, faith and friends was ever present as he helped lead all three of these organizations over the next 20+ years.

Mal and Jane travelled extensively, served the community, and graciously engaged with their friends. Always attentive to family they welcomed three daughters-in-law, five beautiful granddaughters, numerous granddogs, and many extended families into their circle.

Mal was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Lenore Roche and Maurice Leonard Murphy, and his younger brother David. He is survived by his wife Jane Boubel; sons Eric (Lamia), Brian (Katy) and Kyle (Maureen); granddaughters Grace, Natalie, Anne, Laila and Emelia; brother Terance (Patricia); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who he always looked forward to spending time and conversation with.

The life of Mal Murphy will be celebrated April 5, 10 a.m. at the Sunriver Christian Fellowship, at 18139 Cottonwood Road, Sunriver. Donations in his memory may be directed to the Sunriver Music Festival, (PO Bos 4308, Sunriver, OR 97707) the Sunriver Christian Fellowship’s Local Outreach Ministry (SCF/UPCAP, 18160 Cottonwood Rd. #266, Sunriver, OR 97707) benefitting children, families and the disabled in Southern Deschutes County or a charity of one’s choosing.

The family appreciates the support of Partners in Care, his medical providers, and friends as the vitality of his life was challenged, “May you forever be blessed by a fair wind and a following sea.”