Dan R. Murphy, a Washington Real Estate Commissioner since 2008 and a key leader with REALTOR® associations at the local, state and national levels, was known as a consummate professional and volunteer by his colleagues.

Mr. Murphy died Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25) at the VA (Veterans) Hospital in Seattle after a brave battle against an infection complicated by kidney disease. The SeaTac resident was 60.

A service celebrating the life of Mr. Murphy will be held next spring. At his request, his ashes will be spread at Molokini Crater, Maui, Hawaii, his favorite scuba site.

At the time of his passing, Mr. Murphy was managing broker at Windermere Real Estate//Fauntleroy, where with his partner, did business as Murphy Brown at Windermere. His real estate career spanned more than 20 years.

“Mr. Murphy exemplified volunteerism by REALTORS,” said Russell Hokanson, chief executive officer of Seattle King County REALTORS®. “Dan was well known and widely respected for his service to our association. He was elected president in 2005 and was the key leader in the purchase of the current REALTOR® building in the Factoria area of Bellevue,” Hokanson stated. Murphy was honored as SKCR’s “REALTOR of the Year” in 2005 and the following year received the REALTOR Achievement Award in recognition of his lengthy commitment to the profession and his involvement as a volunteer.

Among numerous leadership roles, Mr. Murphy served on the board of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and as a member of its Business Issues Committee. He was certified as an instructor of NAR’s diversity curriculum.

At the state level, Mr. Murphy was elected a vice president of Washington REALTORS® in 2008. He served on its board of directors, executive committee and several committees.

In 2008, Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Mr. Murphy to a six-year term as a Washington Real Estate Commissioner.

Mr. Murphy was active politically in the state’s 34th Legislative District, serving as a REALTOR key contact to many legislators in the West Seattle area. He was a dedicated supporter of RPAC, the association’s political action committee.

Prior to his career in real estate, he served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal. After his military service, he managed several restaurants in California, then worked in the food products industry. Upon returning to the Seattle area in the mid-70s, he served as general manager for several restaurants, including Ivar’s Captain’s Table, Big Eddie’s Vine Street Station, and Madison Bar and Grill. He also founded Events Northwest, an event planning and catering company.

Mr. Murphy’s family and friends say he will be remembered for his deep, long-lasting friendships, his sense of humor, tenacity, creativity, passion for life and for “doing the right thing.”

“When I first got involved with the Association, Dan was very instrumental in getting me to step up and consider leadership,” said D’Ann Jackson, who succeeded him as president of Seattle King County REALTORS. “He was always there to support anyone who needed help. One thing I noticed about Dan besides being very smart was his ability to understand the situation no matter what, to give everyone a voice and an opinion. Dan was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and do what needed to be done.” Jackon, the branch manager at John L. Scott/Mercer Island, said she was among those fortunate to not only work with Dan but to also really consider him a friend who would always be there, willing to give it his all, and always with a smile on his face. “He will be missed by many, but remain in many hearts as well. Dan loved the Realtor organization and we owe him many thanks for all that he did.”

Mr. Murphy was born July 1, 1950 in Aberdeen, Wash. He is survived by his life partner of 31 years, Dennis W. Brown of Seattle, daughter, Shannon Webster, of Hoquiam, Wash., son, Collin Elliott Maxfield Clark, and daughter, Eden Emelia Kensington Clark, both of Salem, Ore.

Details on a memorial service will be announced after the holidays. In the meantime, letters for a memory book may be sent to Seattle King County REALTORS®, 12410 SE 32nd St., #100, Bellevue WA 98005.