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In Memoriam

RADM Philip A. Whitacre (Ret.) (1932-2020)

by Russell Kelley

Rear Admiral Philip A. “Phil” Whitacre passed away at the age of 87. After a meritorious naval career including active service, he managed large performing arts organizations before moving to Palm Beach. He never sought the limelight, but always emerged as the leader of every organization in which he was involved.

A longstanding friend and supporter of the Historical Society, Phil served on the Board of Governors, its Executive Committee, and the Board of Advisors over two decades. Harvey Oyer III, chair of the Historical Society during the restoration of the 1916 Historic Courthouse, noted: “Phil was one of our vice chairs throughout the process of saving the courthouse, from the demolition of the 1969 wrap-around addition in 2004 to the creation of the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in 2008. Phil was part of the core team through transformation of the Historical Society from an archival organization to an organization with a museum and an education program in the schools, and was instrumental in bringing donors to our cause.”

A generous and thoughtful friend, Phil hosted the very best dinner parties, and was a great connector of people. As Harvey Oyer said so well: “Phil was a leader in the Palm Beach community and touched the lives of many. We are a better community because Phil Whitacre was amongst us.”

Martin Ernest Murphy (1940-2019)

by Marty Murphy

Martin Ernest Murphy (1940-2019) was a native of West Palm Beach, born to Dolores Kimmel and Martin Earl Murphy. After elementary and high school at Saint Ann Catholic School, he attended the University of Florida. He was lovingly known as "Chief.”

Returning home after his father’s passing, Martin became a general contractor and, with his older brother, John Murphy, carried on The Murphy Construction Co., Inc., which still operates today. Martin concentrated on heavy and civil construction, often for the state, counties, and municipalities. He also managed Murphy Transfer Company; South Eastern Prestressed Concrete, Inc., and Crackerboy Boat Works.

Martin gave to his community through service and support, especially of St. Mary's Hospital, Marine Industry Association, and Sailfish Club of Florida. When the Historical Society of Palm Beach County built out the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, Martin helped create the Martin E. Murphy and Family donation to honor his father, Martin Earl Murphy, in the Places Gallery.

Martin enjoyed boating to the Keys and Bahamas, rebuilding his Ford Model A sedan or pickup truck, and gatherings at the Sailfish Club, La Sirena, and the Tuscawilla Club with family and friends.

Gina Bowen Sauber (1964-2019)

by Harvey Oyer III

Gina Sauber (1964-2019) was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Joyce and Wallace Bowen. She grew up in Hollywood, Florida, and lived most of her adult life in Palm Beach County.

Known throughout South Florida as the “Pioneer Woman,” Gina portrayed an early Florida settler to teach mostly children to appreciate nature and the privileges of modern life. She filled the role at Yesteryear Village’s Corbett House, where she hosted thousands of people per year in the old hunting shack, during the South Florida Fair and on the three days a week it operates as a living museum. Vicki Chouris, executive director of the Fair, said, “The number of children’s hearts and minds Gina touched is unmeasurable. She was a true pioneer and her footprint will always be with us.”

Gina founded “A Time Remembered,” mobile educational program that traveled in a Shasta camper to schools and festivals, filled with authentic historic relics. She used her talent for arts and crafts to make gifts from animal feathers and alligator scutes (the bony plates on the back of an alligator). Gina is remembered for her extraordinary kindness, beautiful smile, and ability to find joy in all of life’s situations.

Hope Kent Annan Inge Eckert Bowdre

Frank S. Coniglio Raymond F. Murphy Jr. Martin Ernest Murphy

Gina Bowen Sauber RADM Philip A. Whitacres Dean S. Woodman

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