Murphy M. (Chip) Palmer

Murphy Moore Palmer, Jr. of Suquamish passed away suddenly at home on Monday, May 12, at the age of 65. He was born May 4, 1954, in Columbus, Mississippi to Murphy M. Palmer Sr. and Patricia (Carr) Palmer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Yvonne (Pieper), his daughter Tirza Marie and grandson E. He was predeceased by his parents.

Murphy's education included a primary school in Columbus, MS, a secondary school in Beaver Dam, WI and LaSalle University, in Chicago. Continuing education included extensive training in nuclear power and materials handling through his time with the U.S. Navy. Later careers were in real estate investment, satellite and business consulting and agricultural business. He was currently the managing partner of MRP, a research company.

Murphy and Yvonne were married in 1975 in Rubicon, WI. Within two years, and with a toddler in tow, the family was headed for Virginia and a new Navy life. Duty stations in cities to include Virginia Beach, VA, New London, CT, Strone by Dunoon, Scotland and NSB Bangor in Washington State. They moved to Bainbridge Island in 1985, spending the next 28 years there before finally moving to Suquamish in 2015.

Murphy was first and foremost a loving father, husband, and grandfather. He was known for breaking off a conversation to relate the latest home news, even with colleagues, partners, and associates. He treasured his friendships and was always ready to assist with even the smallest needs or requests.

A dedicated Green Bay Packers and Mariners fan, regalia was worn with pride and oversized flags were flown for every game. A wonderful neighbor and friend told us that one of her favorite memories is Murphy on "winter Sunday mornings in rubber boots, PJ bottoms, and robe, raising his Green Bay flag."

Throughout his youth and early twenties, he was heavily involved in Boy Scouts, the Badger Council of Wisconsin, attaining Order of the Arrow and finally an assistant Scoutmaster. Also a proud member of DeMolay, Murphy was awarded the Degree of Chevalier in 1976.

As a 10 year Navy veteran, Murphy served on the fleet missile submarines SSBN Grant and USS Michigan. Shore commands were at NSB Bangor and the USS Holland in Scotland. Citations for excellence ran into the dozens, as an individual and part of the overall crews. Murphy was especially proud of the Battle "E" for the Grant after sea trials off the East coast. Among the tales of submarine life, a favorite was the secret locker onboard for the purposes of storing certain beverages while in dry dock. The Captain maintained a need to know/not know attitude.

It would be impossible to say what Murphy's first choice in "down time" was, music or fishing? On a certain sunny day in 2014, at Long Lake, he caught the WA State record largemouth bass. We have pictures and witnesses to attest to his "Walter" but didn't realize his achievement until his daughter looked at the State record and called him to give him the news. Unfortunately, by that time Walter was nestled in the freezer.

The love of music, an audiophile of the first degree, Murphy was never as peaceful as practicing a difficult riff or picking a favorite tune. Early on his album of choice could be heard at a distance of three miles down the length of his first home on the lake.

Murphy is survived by his sisters; Gaylor (David) Rehfeldt of Rhinelander, WI; Brenda (Robert) Meyer of Beaver Dam, WI.

Brothers-in-law; Kevin (Laurie) Pieper of Hartford, WI; Keith Pieper of Hartford, WI.

Sisters-in-law; Cleone Huffman of Rome, WI; Yvette (Mark) Rauguth of Queen Creek, AZ.

Special friends; David and Leslie Ritchie and their children Daniel, (Murphy's godson), Claire and MacKenzie of Hastings, MN.

Murphy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be offered on Saturday July 27, 2019 at 11 am at the Suquamish House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Parkway, Suquamish, WA 98392, where services will be followed by a potluck meal for all to share. Donations graciously accepted.