The following is a statement by Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy on the passing of Mike Murphy, an 18-year public servant with the state auditor’s office, past president of the Washington Association of Counties and former Grays Harbor county commissioner:

“I was saddened to hear of the death of Mike Murphy, who had spent a lifetime in service to the people of Washington State.

“When I was the Pierce County Auditor, Mike and I worked closely together for a number of years and I have many happy memories of him from that time. I’ll remember Mike as a kind and caring person who strongly believed in civic duty and public service.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Cheryl, and his family, friends and colleagues.”