Murphy Moore “Chip” Palmer Jr. of Suquamish passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, 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 LaSalle University in Chicago and 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, Wisconsin.

In 1976 Murphy joined the Navy, with duty stations on both the East and West coasts, as well as in Scotland. 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.

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.

Murphy is survived by his sisters, Gaylor (David) Rehfeldt of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and Brenda (Robert) Meyer of Beaver Dam, Wis.; brothers-in-law Kevin (Laurie) Pieper, and Keith Pieper of Hartford, Wis.; and sisters-in-law Cleone Huffman of Rome, Wis., and Yvette (Mark) Rauguth of Queen Creek, Arizona.

A memorial and potluck lunch will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27 at the House of Awakened Culture in Suquamish.

A full obituary is available at www.cookfamilyfuneral home.com.