Richard ‘Dick’ Thomas Murphy

Posted

(Dec. 3, 1931 - July 26, 2015)

Richard “Dick” Thomas Murphy died Sunday, July 26, 2015. He was 83.

He was born on Dec. 3, 1931, to William “Bill” and Rose Murphy in Powell. Growing up on the family farm in the shadows of the Big Horns to the east, and Absaroka Mountains to the west, Dick always longed for blue skies, clean air and wide open spaces.

After graduating from Powell High School, Dick proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Dick was stationed in Japan during the Korean War serving as a jet mechanic and instructor.

Dick was the ninth of 12 children, three girls and nine boys. 

He was married to Dorothy “Joey” Bruneau on March 2, 1957, in Browning, Montana. They made their home in Missoula, Montana, but soon moved to Arlee, Montana.

Dick ranched at Arlee and worked full-time at Horner-Waldorf while he and Joey raised their family. Dick sold the ranch and then retired from the mill in 1997.

Dick was an active supporter of the youth 4H programs. Countless August days and nights were spent serving as a barn superintendent at the Missoula County Fair. He never missed a sports game when one of his children was playing.

Dick is survived by his six children: Carla Butler (Mike) of Dayton, Nevada, Kathleen Murphy (Susan) of Waldo, Maine, Jeanine Allen (Brad) of Wenatchee, Washington, Richard Murphy (Wendy) of Lolo, Montana, Kevin Murphy (Erin) of Missoula, Montana, and Joseph Murphy of Salem, Oregon. Dick had 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 10 siblings, and his great-granddaughter, Jasmine.

A funeral service and burial will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the St. John Berchman (Jocko) Catholic Church and cemetery located east of Grey Wolf Drive and Agency Road in Arlee, Montana. A reception to celebrate Dick’s life will follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church across from Arlee High School.

Memorial donations can be made to support Alzheimer research or in support of the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Comments