Walter B. Murfin

Murfin, Walter B. Walter Bishop Murfin was born on March 28, 1925 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Walter Henry Murfin and Nelle Bishop Murfin. He was educated in the Fargo Public Schools and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy. After graduation, he was on active duty, serving on several vessels, and was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant (j.g.) in 1950. Walter first arrived in Albuquerque, NM in 1959. Since that time he has resided at various times in Karlsruhe, Germany; Mandan, ND; Turlock, CA; Milledgeville, GA and Las Cruces, NM. He received a Master of Arts degree from California State University, and also studied at North Dakota State University, Case Western Reserve University, Mary College and the University of New Mexico. Walter was employed by Mene Grande Oil Company in Venezuela, by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, by Sandia National Laboratories, and by Technadyne Engineering Consultants, Inc. He was a member of the Rogovin Commission investigating Three-Mile Island, and was a visiting foreign scientist in Germany. Walter is survived by his wife of 38 years, Bettyann Cosey Murfin; by a son, John Arthur Murfin of Polvadera, NM; by stepdaughter Carolyn Clara Jay; by stepdaughter Cheri Zoe Masters and her husband Robert; by stepdaughter Larrea Hickey Lavoiscia, all of Albuquerque, NM; by stepson Wayne Clay Hickey III and wife Kim of Lewiston, Idaho. Seven grandchildren, two nephews, a niece, and two great grandchildren also survive him. Walter was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church for many years. He was Active among the Alumni of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a member of the Coalition for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education in New Mexico. Walt has lived one day at a time since 1973. A private memorial was held at San Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church in Corrales on Tuesday February 11, 2014.