23 Facts About Martin Durkan

Martin Durkan served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 1957 to 1959 and in the State Senate from 1959 to 1975.

Martin Durkan was born to a Catholic family in Great Falls, Montana, on June 30,1923.

Martin Durkan volunteered for the United States Marine Corps a week after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, soon transferring to the US Navy and receiving training at the Naval V12 program at the University of Washington.

Martin Durkan was commissioned an ensign at Northwestern University in 1943, earning the rank of lieutenant.

Martin Durkan fought with the Navy amphibious squad in the South Pacific Theater of World War II, and was injured in Saipan.

Martin Durkan spent 16 months recovering in naval hospitals in California and Seattle and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon with 3 stars, the World War II victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Martin Durkan earned a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1953 and established a private practice in Seattle.

Martin Durkan began his political career when he was elected the third vice president of King County Young Men's Democratic Club in November 1955.

Martin Durkan has appeared on panel discussion groups in regards to Initiative 199 as a Democratic committee member.

Martin Durkan was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1956, defeating Republican William Crow to win the 31st district.

Martin Durkan was a member of the Subcommittee on Ways and Means, which urged Governor Rosellini to veto Initiative 199 after it was approved by voters the previous year.

In November 1958, Durkan was elected State Senator of Washington's 47th district, receiving 10,319 votes to Republican John B Stander's 5,054 votes.

In 1963 Martin Durkan became chairperson of the Subcommittee on Revenue and Regulatory Agencies.

Martin Durkan drafted legislation allowing the Seattle Center Monorail of the 1962 World's Fair to be owned an operated by the state instead of the city, which Rosellini was against.

Martin Durkan introduced a bill to remove tax exemption from cooperative apartment buildings for senior citizens.

Martin Durkan was the Western Washington campaign manager for President Lyndon B Johnson's 1964 presidential campaign.

In 1965 Martin Durkan organized a public hearing on former Governor Rosellini's tax plan.

The Seattle Times called this Martin Durkan's "first move" towards a run for governor in 1968, and introduced him to eastern Washington voters.

Martin Durkan lived on Mercer Island in the mid-1950s and later Bellevue before settling in Issaquah in 1963.

Martin Durkan was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the Auburn Elk's club, the Veteran of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Washington Athletic Club and was President of the Horseman's Associations for owners and trainers.

Martin Durkan had six grandchildren: Jamie, Danny, Taryn, Colman, James and Teegan.

Martin Durkan suffered a heart attack in November 1996 and was in poor health for the last few years of his life; having another heart attack in mid-May 2005.

Martin Durkan died on May 29,2005, at Maui Memorial Medical Center.