The Honorable Pat Murdoch

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of a man who was a beloved brother, a respected figure in the community, and a district court judge for 26 years.  Albert Spencer “Pat” Murdoch passed away suddenly from cardiac complications April 15, 2019. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Pat lived his life with courage, dignity, compassion, and rare insight, while maintaining a humorous and optimistic outlook on the world.  His kindness, thoughtfulness, warmth, and wisdom will be well remembered. Pat had a thirst for knowledge, and a great desire to pass on this knowledge to those he loved- his siblings, friends, grand nieces and nephews.

Pat is a native of New Mexico.  Born in Springer and raised in Albuquerque.  He attended Del Norte High School, received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UNM in 1975, and later attended UNM School of Law, graduating in 1978. Pat had the courage and strength to pursue a visible career in law during a time when disabilities were not welcomed. He accepted the challenge and succeeded against the odds. Pat began his career in the Public Defender’s Office as a felony lawyer.  He promptly became deputy district defender, supervising the Felony Division.  Pat was appointed as the head of the Public Defender’s office in 1983.

Pat became the youngest person in the state of New Mexico to be appointed to the District Court Bench in 1985.  He served the court and public for 26 years with integrity and fairness. He firmly believed in the inherent dignity of people and never stopped looking for the good, especially in the courtroom. Many people who served with him in his court room felt that he ruled with an unwavering passion for justice. His decisions were based on his command of the rule of law, and a strong moral compass.

As a victim of Polio, Pat’s personal life was fraught with physical difficulties and challenges. He accepted and overcame these challenges with the utmost determination and grace. He was an example of character to all people he encountered, and also became an early advocate of equal opportunities for the disabled community in all walks of life. These opportunities included involvement in adult and youth wheelchair basketball programs, pioneering pairing of disabled individuals in the Big Brothers of America program, all the while being a role model for the disabled population. The most noticeable things about Pat were not his crutches, but all of things he did, and accomplished, and the ways he loved and served people.

He is survived by one brother, two sisters, a nephew, and two nieces.

Friends may visit Monday, April 22, 2019 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming.  Services will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 2:00 p.m., also at FRENCH – Wyoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Pat’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.