Ranger and historian died in February
Daniel F. Murley lived most of his adult life in the northwest corner of Sonoma County and was a familiar face and voice at Fort Ross State Historic Park, where he served as state park ranger and historic interpreter. He served a brief stint as curator at the Healdsburg History Museum and he also wrote his “Ranger Report” column for several local newspapers for many years.
Murley died in February at the age of 70 and at a well-attended memorial service last weekend at Ft. Ross, he was remembered by family, friends and park colleagues for many more things than just being a ranger or museum director.
In fact, the list was as inexhaustive as Murley’s personal enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity. It included historian, archeologist, naturalist, musician, photographer, peace officer, storyteller, cannon master, bird lover, writer, Red Sox fan, father and fierce family man.
His daughter Oona, called him full of mischief and humor with a deep, genuine twinkle in his eyes.
Murley died Feb. 27, 2018 and is survived by his two daughters Oona and Hannah and wife Sandy. He was born Dec. 19, 1947 in Worcester, MA.
Murley’s newspaper columns appeared for many years in the Independent Coast Observer, Russian River News, Sebastopol Times and Sonoma West Times & News.
At Fort Ross, Murley led many historical research efforts that focused on the earliest years of the Russian fur trader outpost, the immigrant population of Alaskans brought here by the Russians and the original coast dwellers, the Kashia Pomos.
Murley traveled to both Alaska and Russia for his historical research and he led many years of “living history” days at Fort Ross.
Murley was eulogized by fellow rangers Bill Walton and Tom Lindberg, with Lindberg paying his ultimate tribute to his friend “Danny.”
“He was just a good guy,” said Lindberg. “In the end, I think that’s the best you can say about a person; he was just a really good guy.”
Murley’s brother Michael recited several lyrics from Bob Dylan songs, a favorite of both brothers who sometimes performed together.
The family is requesting donations be made to the Ranger Daniel F. Murley Memorial Grove with Save the Redwoods League.
