Jan. 3, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Dr. Murray M. Koorhan, a long-time leader of the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA), passed away on Dec. 29, 2005, in Mesa, Ariz., after a long illness. He was 95.

"Doc had one of the longest and most productive lives within our sport of anyone in our history," said Doug Beal, CEO of USA Volleyball. "In his many roles within USVBA he touched and positively influenced almost every leader active today. We have lost a wonderful and significant part of our heritage as well as a marvelous human being."

Koorhan, a practicing dentist for more than 55 years, was born on Aug. 15, 1910 in New York City and was affectionately called "Doc" by his many friends in the volleyball community. Koorhan, who played in his first Open Championship in South Bend, Ind., in 1948, did not get involved in the sport until he was established in his profession.

"Murray went back a long time and was, for me, the real bridge between the founders of the organization – heralded leaders such as Friermood and Wilson and Gibson and, of course, Morgan and Fisher – to my era," recalled USA Volleyball President, Al Monaco. "So losing him, I lose that bridge. It’s a sad day for me. I am going to miss him; I’m going to miss that bridge. It’s the end of an era.

"Doc was a wonderful, wonderful man," Monaco added. "He was very appreciative of those who supported him, worked with him and made him look good. He was a leader in our 'Frier’ Award committee and probably a mentor to many of those who received 'Frier’ Awards. He was a real strong leader of our organization and somebody who we should always remember and honor…He will be missed."

Koorhan earned his doctor of dental surgery degree (DDS) from the University of Michigan. He served in the U.S. Navy for five years, was honorably discharged in 1946 as a lieutenant, and returned to Michigan to continue his dental practice.

"He devoted more time to volleyball and to the Livonia YMCA in Livonia, Mich., than he did to his dental practice," said Hall of Fame official Glen Davies with a laugh. "Doc was one hell of a guy. He had a calm demeanor and the ability to think things through and see every side of every problem.

"He would never make snap judgments," added Davies. "He would examine every piece of evidence. That’s what he taught me. 'Look at the situation, examine it and then make your decision.’ He was my mentor, as well as to a lot of other people, people that mean a lot to the USVBA…He was a mentor to all of us, and we’re going to miss him."

Koorhan retired from dentistry in 1988 and moved to Arizona in 1991.

Koorhan was a member of the USVBA Board of Directors from 1957-81 and an Executive Committee member from 1965-67. He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

He served on several different USVBA national committees beginning in 1952, including: Budget and Finance; International Relations; Officials; Site Selection; Rules; Ethics; Honorable Mention; Leaders in Volleyball; Player and Team Eligibility; and Championship.

"As a new Regional Commissioner in the mid-1960's, I found out quickly that after the President and the Commissioner of Regions, the most important person to know was Dr. Murray Koorhan," said long-time USVBA board member Joe Sharpless. "As National Chairman of Eligibility, he was very much into our business. As I would find out quickly, Doc was most helpful as I tentatively pursued my new duties in the beginning. He was a beacon of light.

"As the years passed and he subsequently became Chairman of Championships, he established new levels of excellence," Sharpless added. "He was firm, but always fair and impartial. He would listen to all sides of an argument. We all knew, though, that if Doc did it, it was the right thing to do. He was a leader among leaders, especially from the early 1960's through the 80's and into the 90's. I was indeed fortunate to have him as a mentor and a friend. The USVBA was extremely fortunate that he chose volleyball as his vocational pursuit. Our friend Doc will be missed by all who knew him."

Koorhan chaired the Player and Team Eligibility Committee from 1969-76 and the Championship Committee from 1977-79 and again from 1982-83. He was also a Region 7 National Referee from 1953-1973 and served as the Referee Chair for Region 7 from 1955-1967.

"Adding age groups to the national championships was probably one of his major accomplishments," said Davies. "He was the guy that got the additional age groups started in the late 70s and early 80s. That was really the start of the recovery of the Open Championships.

"Doc and Harry Pincus and Ann Davenport and Bertha Lucas and Alice Chambers…a whole group of them got those age groups going. But he was the ramrod that started it and I think that’s going to be his legacy."

Over the years Koorhan was a recipient of many USVBA honors, including the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award (1964), the USVBA Golden Whistle Award (1969) and the Wilbur H. Peck Referee Emeritus Award (1974). In 1983 he was presented with USVBA’s most prestigious honor, the Dr. Harold T. Friermood "Frier" Award.

As a player, Koorhan twice earned first-team All-American honors in the Men's 35 and Over Division of the Open Championships (1957 and 1958). In 2002 he served as a member of the USVBA 75th Anniversary All-Era Team Selection Committee.

He was a life member of the American Dental Society and was a charter member of the Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in volleyball as a player, coach, official, technician and lecturer. A community leader as well, Koorhan was Chairman of the Board of the Livonia (Mich.) YMCA and Worshipful Master of the Southfield (Mich.) Masons.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley; their son Gregory Koorhan of Philadelphia; two daughters from a previous marriage, Carole Stearn of Michigan and Louis Toye of Florida; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Koorhan will be cremated, and according to his wishes, no memorial services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please send a tax-deductible donation to the:

USA Volleyball Foundation

'Doc' Koorhan Memorial Fund

715 South Circle Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80910