Former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Davies Munro died on Thursday, March 20. He was 81.
His death was announced by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, who issued the following statement about his predecessor.
“Ralph Munro was a dedicated servant of the people during his time as Secretary of State and in various positions in the state government, using his compassion and commitment to improve the lives of people in Washington and around the world. He was a big proponent of improving access for the disabled, particularly in election polling places at a time before mail-in voting was widely used.
“He loved our state and enjoyed talking about hidden gems throughout the area, encouraging people to explore its natural wonders and have fun. Ralph spent many years championing the cause of preserving lands for wildlife, establishing a sanctuary for bald eagles, working to stop the capture and free orcas from Washington’s waters, and making those lands wheelchair accessible.
“Ralph was instrumental in bringing refugees from the Vietnam War to our state where they would become an integral part of Washington’s culture. His acceptance and empathy for other people were important in bridging the plight of the refugees with Washington residents.
“As a proponent of civic engagement during his time as Secretary of State, Ralph wanted to help teachers teach civics better and get students engaged sooner. He established the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education at Western Washington University to promote civic literacy in secondary education and the public at large.
“He embodied the drive and attitude of a true statesman. He often crossed the aisle in a bipartisan effort to serve the people of Washington and put their needs first.
“Ralph spent his life showing how we can care about the people around us and the world in which we live, trying to make Washington a better place for future generations. I extend my condolences to his family for their loss.”
Munro, who graduated from Western Washington University in 1966, went to work for the Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Political Science.
In 1969, then-Gov. Dan Evans appointed Munro as the state’s first volunteer coordinator. In 1972, Evans chose Munro to serve on his personal staff, according to a brief biography on Western Washington University’s Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education web page.
About eight years later, Munro successfully ran for Washington Secretary of State narrowly defeating Ron Dotzauer in 1980.
Munro, a Republican, was reelected several more times. He served as Secretary of State from 1980-2001.
He was married and divorced twice. He is survived by son, George Munro, and daughter, Christi Stoll.
