Donald Alan Murphie, 88, of Montesano, passed away on May 5, 2023, at Pacific Care in Hoquiam.

Don was born on March 25, 1935, to Arthur and Mildred Murphie in Seattle. He lived in Seattle and Coos Bay before moving to Montesano in 1940. After graduating from Montesano High School in 1953, he went on to Western Washington University where he graduated with a teaching degree and then began his career with the Cosmopolis School District, where he was also a band teacher.

On May 21, 1959, he married Louisa Capriotti, also of Montesano where they lived and raised three children.

In 1989, Don retired from the Cosmopolis School District.

He was a member of the Aberdeen Elks, Montesano Moose Lodge, Montesano Eagles, and Will Walk for Busz, a Relay for Life team in honor of his daughter Mary. He played trombone in the Aberdeen Elks Band, Rainy Day Heros Band of Raymond, Grays Harbor Symphony, Dukes of Swing Band, and the Hume Street Preservation Jazz Band of which he performed in jazz festivals all over Washington, Connecticut, Montana, Oregon and California. He loved cooking and gardening, spending many hours in his gardens. He loved birds and built many birdhouses. He also loved camping, going on picnics and walking. He hiked Mount St. Helens before the eruption.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Louisa, his daughter Mary Busz, and his brother Norman Murphie. He is survived by his daughter Ann Gates, son John Murphie, grandsons Josh Holbrook and Steven Spurgeon-Busz, and great-granddaughters Kendall and Emery Busz, all of Montesano, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

To share memories or express condolences, please visit harrisonfamilymortuary.com. No services are planned.