Michael Keith Murphy
October 6, 1946-September 27, 2024

Michael Keith Murphy died on Friday, September 27, 2024 in Eureka a few days shy of his 78th birthday as a result of a tragic traffic accident. A lifelong Humboldt County resident, Mike was born on October 6, 1946 at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka to Keith and Laurene June Murphy and he was the second of five children in the family.

Growing up Mike loved the outdoors. He enjoyed many summers camping and fishing with family at Burlington Camp Ground near Weott and Redwood Creek. Mike loved to fish on the Eel River and the Van Duzen River and was often the only one to catch a fish. He spent many summers watching his father work as a logger and one of the highlights for him was getting to ride on the big yellow Caterpillar.

Mike inherited his woodworking and “I can fix it” enthusiasm from his father. He was always up for the challenge of fixing a neighbor’s vacuum or repairing any a piece of electronic equipment. Mike also love to make wooden toy cars, bird houses, and picture frames as gifts for the special people in his life. At Christmas time, he would often build wooden toy cars and trucks to be donated to children in the community through the Calvary Chapel Church in Eureka. He was very proud of his accomplishments and always wanted others to be proud of him too. He was truly a patient and kind soul.

Mike loved animals, car races and the SF Giants. Growing up, he was lucky to have a fox terrier dog named, Boy and he also had a great love for his birds. He spent lots of his time at Redwood Acres Raceway where he cheered on his favorite race car drivers. Mike also loved baseball and would cheer on his favorite team, the SF Giants.

On April 23, 2016, Michael was Baptized at the Calvary Chapel Church in Eureka. He gave his heart to Jesus and attended services on a regular basis at the church. We all find comfort in knowing he is resting peacefully in heaven.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Keith A. Murphy, Laurene June Murphy and sister Carolyn “Penny” Martin. He is survived by his siblings Katherine Lang (Steve) of Great Mills, Maryland, Patrick Murphy (Kristy) of Redding and Laura Suchanek (Brad) of Castro Valley. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thank you to Derek at Redwood Coast Regional Center and Josh at HCAR Summit Support for their friendship, love, support and patience; the members of Calvary Chapel in Eureka for the spiritual guidance, love and friendship; the kind people at Poletski’s Appliance Center, Eureka Ace Hardware and Eureka Housing Authority whom Mike frequently hung out with. And finally, to all those in the community who touched Mike’s life and made a difference, the family is eternally grateful. Our lives are all richer for having known Mike and we have many wonderful memories of him to hold close to our hearts forever. And, yes Mike, we are proud of you.

A memorial service for Mike was held on Oct 12, 2024 at Calvary Chapel in Eureka and he was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Eureka.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Michael Murphy’s honor may do so to the charity of their choice or Calvary Chapel Church in Eureka or Humboldt Community Access & Resource Center (HCAR) in Eureka.