Robert K Murphy

Robert was born on April 27th, 1933, in Stillwater Minn. His Mother moved to Renton, Washington with her son Robert in the early 40’s. There Robert met his grade school and lifelong friend Jack Lindquist. Those two would hunt and fish together for the next 70 years…

In 1951 Robert graduated from Renton High school where he ran track his senior year. After graduation Robert was drafted into the US ARMY where he spent two years in the Chemical Corp. and 6 years in the reserves.

1957 was a magical year, in January Robert celebrated the birth of his daughter Joyce Murphy from his first marriage. Later that year he married the love of his life Rita Smith in Idaho on the opening day of Elk Season. The only Elk season opener he missed for several years.

Two years later Rita and Robert had a little boy they named Michael. Needing more space, they purchased their first home in Bellevue. In 1963 Robert and Rita welcomed their daughter Monica.

In 1972 Rita and Robert focused their energies and built a 3000 sq. ft. home in Issaquah. In the mid 70's Robert began working with a close friend Don Buffum in the Drywall Trade. Their friendship expanded into hunting and archery and even though Don moved to Idaho they stayed close friends through phone conversations and letter writing.

Robert was blessed in 1976 with a grandson, Jozef Alena from his first daughter Joyce and her husband Joe. Many happy holidays have been spent together since then.

In 1977 Robert built his second home on a 6-acre parcel in Carnation. Their son Michael graduated from Issaquah High School that same year.

In 1981 Monica graduated from Tolt High School, we celebrated Rita and Robert’s 25th Wedding Anniversary and Michael married the love of his life Pam Hamilton. Together they blessed Rita and Robert with three granddaughters Laura (30 yrs. now) Lisa (28 yrs. now) and Julie (28 yrs. now).

Perhaps their closest friends, were family; Rita’s sister Ruth and John Selzler and their children. Time spent on holidays, camping, boating, and celebrating family events meant so much.

Robert and his son Michael enjoyed many years deer hunting on Funk Mtn. with Robert’s friends Bob Cowan, Tex, and his sons Matt and Bob. In the 90's Robert hunted with Jack Lindquist, Dan and John Gutschmidt, and Ron Munder on Thompson Ridge.

When the sockeye salmon were running in Lake Washington, Robert and his daughter Monica enjoyed fishing with his longtime friend Tex and his wife Donna.

After 2000 Robert fished for Steelhead with his buddy Jack in the Hoh and Skykomish River. Over the years Robert collected over 20 Fishing poles.

After Robert’s wife, Rita passed in 2009 he decided to sell his home and move to South Cle Elum. He enjoyed spending time with his friends Steve and Eva and participating in a hiking club.

Robert loved to go hiking and berry picking with his friend Kevin and making berry pies...

A big part of Robert’s life was at the Senior Center where he met many new friends. He liked eating meals, playing cards, and talking with everyone.

Robert also enjoyed breakfast and dinner dates with his neighbors Sheena and Paul, those included holiday meals or trips to Robert’s favorite local restaurants.

Robert is survived by his Daughter Monica, his Son Michael and Wife Pam, Granddaughters Laura Murphy (Brock Husband), Julie Von Rotz, (Andrew Husband) Lisa Sosa, (Frank Husband) and 5 great grandchildren Sophie & Max Sosa, Leo & Jonah Von Rotz, and Alexis.

Robert’s son–in-law Joe Alena, Grandson Jozef Alena, and 3 great grandsons Damion, Jonathon & Dylon.

Margaret Harding (Sister) and (Duane Husband).