OLYMPIA – Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following statement on the passing of former Secretary of State Ralph Munro:
“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.”
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Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees areas within state government including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office operates the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, and administers the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees and the Productivity Board state employee suggestion program. The Secretary of State also oversees the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.