Sean Michael Murray

Sean Murray reveled in his relationships with his radio audience and his extensive social network. Born James Sean McKinzie, Mixx 96.1's Sean Murray was truly young at heart at every age. Sean's early years were in Walla Walla, Washington, and he passed in Olympia, Washington, on April 28, 2009, following a struggle with lymphoma.

Sean graduated from Desales High School in Walla Walla, then traveled broadly, living in Seattle, Texas, and southern California before returning to his home town. There he worked for an AM radio station and produced plays for Little Theatre of Walla Walla, including "The Man Who Came to Dinner," of which he was particularly proud, while also serving on the theatre's board of directors.

Sean moved to Olympia in the 1980s, first working in advertising sales for The Olympian, then at Panorama City, and, in 1990, joining the on-air talent team at Mixx 96.1 KXXO.

Sean established himself as the preeminent evening radio announcer for southwest Washington. His warm, friendly voice brought comfort and good feelings to his listeners. Sean had the gift of making everyone feel like they were his very close friend.

Sean's life was the achievement of his youthful hope "to help people and do good things." Indeed. Sean was involved in many community causes, including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and their "Locks of Love" campaign, the Senior Services for South Sound annual auction, United Communities AIDS Network, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation "Great Strides" Walk, PFLAG mullet hair campaign, Capital City Pride Festival, and Habitat for Humanity.

Through Habitat for Humanity, Sean found the joy of his later life, as he worked with his friends to build his own Habitat home, complete with the garden and fountains he loved. Sean had said that he wished for anyone who felt down or disappointed, that they might plant a garden. "It is such a warming experience to dig your hands into rich soil, then to watch it grow. Wow. It changes your perspective on things when you realize what a tiny seed can do. Not just for you but for everyone who sees it. " Sean did that in many ways. His network of friends is testament to this master gardener's social greenhouse.

Sean continued his work in the arts as both director and actor at Olympia Little Theatre, eventually becoming the voice of OLT to callers. Also, he served on a team of snow sculptors that won first place two years running at the White Pass Winter Carnival. And Sean wrote and acted in several "mockumercials" for Seattle-based Utilikilts …Oh my! Whether Sean wore a kilt or one of his seven tuxes, the man was stylish!

Click here for photos of Sean Murray

You may share other photos and personal memories of Sean for possible online use by emailing them to sean@mixx96.com.

Donations may be made in Sean Murray McKinzie's name to: South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity at www.spshabitat.org and American Cancer Society/Thurston County at 1313 Broadway, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402.

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