January 22, 1935 – November 5, 2017
Robert L. Murphy, a.k.a. Mark Ensinger, of Novi was born in Detroit on January 22, 1935. He passed away peacefully in W. Bloomfield Township on November 5, 2017. His parents were Lawrence P. and Grace E. (Neff) Murphy. After High School, he joined the United States Navy and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve on January 1, 1995 as a Chief Petty Officer. He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. He was raised a Master Mason (5/20/1957) in Crusaders Lodge No. 564, F.&A.M. in Detroit, Michigan. Robert affiliated with John H. Lejeune Lodge, No. 350, A.F.&A.M. in Quantico, Virginia, shortly after enlisting in the Navy. After the Navy, Freemasonry became his life. He was a member of a multitude of Masonic bodies including the A.A.S.R., Valley of Detroit, Moslem Shrine, and Zal Gaz and Aries Grottoes. He was a member of five Masonic lodges: John H. Lejeune Lodge, No. 350, A.F.&A.M. in Quantico, VA, Zion Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M. in Detroit, Michigan, and Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge No. 262 F.&A.M. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was a Past Master and Past Secretary of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 159, F.&A.M. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a Past Master of Union Lodge of Strict Observance, No. 3, F.&A.M. and a Past Secretary of Milford Lodge, No. 165, F.&A.M. in Milford, Michigan. He was a District Deputy Instructor for the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2010 through 2013. He was the President of the Mid-West Conference on Masonic Education in 2011. He acted as Grand Marshal in over twenty Masonic Installations. He was a member of the Masonic Book Club and the Michigan Lodge of Research. He was also involved with many other diverse social and fraternal organizations. He left behind many close friends and acquaintances. Interment and Military Honors will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI on Monday, November 13, at 1:00 P.M.
Bob was also known in the community as Mark Ensinger. A pioneer and friend in the LGBTQ+ community.
Leather Community Leadership: Known by his leather name Mark Ensinger, he was an active member of Detroit’s Studs 30 and the Chicago Hellfire Club—two celebrated leather/SM organizations.
Recognition & Legacy: In 2018, he was posthumously honored with the Chuck Renslow President’s Award by the Leather Archives & Museum, highlighting his significant contributions to preserving and advancing leather culture.
Robert L. Murphy—known to many as Mark Ensinger—was far more than a participant; he was a cultural pillar. Through leadership roles in Studs 30 and the Chicago Hellfire Club, coupled with national-level recognition by the LA&M, he elevated leather community visibility, fostered mentorship, and helped preserve queer history. His roots in Novi/Bloomfield Township highlight the local impact of a figure whose reach extended widely across states and decades.
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