Michael Edward Murphy, loving father and grandfather, amazing brother, and loyal friend to many, passed away on October 8, 2022, at the age of 66. Mike passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends.
In 2015 Mike was diagnosed with brain cancer; he won that battle. Mike cherished life, family, and friends even more after this battle. He faced some challenges following this, but he overcame them with his strong faith, determination, and a little help from his family and friends. We were heart broken when Mike suffered an intracranial hemorrhage on October 1, of this year. Mike held on long enough to say goodbye to his family and friends. He received the Last Rights and was so thankful and pleased to see the Priest, that he managed a smile.
Michael was born to Martin and Doris Murphy on August 8, 1956, in Helena, MT, the fourth of five children. He attended St. Helena’s Grade School, and later entered the Helena Public School System. It was during these years, that he made friends with a group of boys, now men, who have remained close friends to the present. Mike was part of the Capital High School graduating class of 1975. He then went on to graduate from the Vocational Technical School in Billings, MT., as a diesel mechanic. Mike took great pride in his work, had a strong work ethic, and paid attention to details. He was the Lead Mechanic on most, if not all, of his jobs, and worked his way up at Lewis and Clark County to the position of Shop Manager.
Mike was a lover of people. He never left a restaurant or establishment without telling the workers, “Thank you! Keep up the good work.” While working for John Deere, he taught himself sign language so that he could communicate with one of his employees who was deaf.
Mike also loved the outdoors and enjoyed almost any outdoor sport or activity. He was proficient in downhill skiing. He spent many hours with friends touring Montana on their Harley Davidson’s. He always looked forward to the group’s annual trips to the Tenderfoot, Ruby Mountains, and Glacier National Park. He won awards at steel tip darts, and axe throwing. His sense of humor was unsurpassed; he always joked that, “One shot best between their sixth and seventh beers.” He enjoyed exploring, and traveling, as evidenced by his many Hearts on Google Maps. Mike really lived life to the fullest.
Mike was Baptized, made his First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed at Saint Helena’s Cathedral, where he regularly attended Mass throughout his whole life. He made and worked many Cursillos, and he was always looking out for troubled souls and would offer to sponsor them in the Cursillo movement. He was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). He served in many of their positions and was very proud to have been a past President of the AOH. He thoroughly enjoyed the efforts that he and his fellow Hibernians made for the benefit of others. Michael was very proud of his Irish heritage. He made multiple trips to Ireland and knew more Irish history than most native Irishmen.
Mike’s main love was his son Kyle. He was overjoyed at his birth. When Kyle met and married Tisa, Mike could not have been happier. He would say, “I used to have a son. Now I have a son and a daughter.” He loved Tisa as his own. When they gave him his amazing grandchildren, he was speechless. Mike could not believe how blessed he was to have such a beautiful family. He thanked God for them every day.
Mike is survived by his son Kyle and Tisa (Repnak) Murphy, his grandchildren Etney, Fae, and Eoghan Murphy. his brother John Murphy. his sisters: Cathy, Mary (Rogers), and Joan (Cassidy) Murphy. beloved brother-in-law Paddy Rogers. numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends, that he loved dearly.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Doris Murphy, his niece Heidi Murphy, brother-in-law Joseph Cassidy, grandniece Ashley Flynn, along with too many good friends.
Memorial Donations Suggested To: Kyle and Tisa Murphy, 1610 Boulder Ave., Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 26, 2022
Cathedral of St Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, MT 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday October 26, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday October 26, 2022
Family Roots (formerly Jorgenson's Lounge)
1720 11th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 26, 2022
Cathedral of St Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, MT 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday October 26, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday October 26, 2022
Family Roots (formerly Jorgenson's Lounge)
1720 11th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
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Teresa Lightbody says
Such a good man! Rest in peace my friend.
Dan Mattfeldt says
I worked with Mike for years what a great guy prayers and thoughts to his family R.I.P. my friend
Jane LaMoure says
I’m so sorry to hear this. We’d catch up when I’d see him at the Broadwater. RIP Mike.
John Strizich says
Mike,
You departed too soon my friend. I cherished our friendship long ago and your compassion. Also enjoyed getting in a little trouble with you. Rest In Peace my friend!
Doug Erickson says
WHAT A LOSS . such a great guy going to be missed by such a huge amount of people.just blessed to have spent alot of time with him at work,,riding are Harleys, and skiing together.and a occasionally a good micro. YOU HAD A GREAT LIFE . R.i.p mike
Terry & Candee Krantz says
Sorry to hear about your Dad Kyle. He was such a kind person.
Mark Murphy says
Sorry for the family John and Mike and doors and a whole bunch this is the other Murphy family and I’m Mark and I’m younger than Mike but I really missed him I was talking to him at a funeral at one of my friends as York so I sure would love to see you guys if you have any kind of funeral home and memorial anyways thanks a lot. Mark Murphy
Elaine Tuffli says
Was such a sweet man, never saw him get angry. Saw him a lot the past few years and always stopped and chatted. We will miss him in our class of 1975. RIP my friend 🫶❤️
Sara “Margie” Graveley says
Mike was the nicest guy ! I enjoyed our chats when he’d come see me at St. Pete’s and once and awhile The Broadwater. My thoughts and prayers to the family … rest in paradise.
Viv Carter says
Deepest Sympathy to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will miss your smiling face, you were like a son to me Mike! GOD BLESS YOU.
Cathy Christian Ireland says
I was fortunate enough to spend time with you and your family at the cabins @ Canyon Ferry where I gave Kyle his first haircut, and Lincoln. Rest easy Mike. You were a great friend and always fun!
Rick and Becky Casteel says
Mike,
What a pleasure and honor it has been to have you as a friend. We will miss ski season Friday evening dinners. A lot of laughs, beers and wine were had during these dinners. All the stories and memories you have left us with will be forever treasured. Your passing has left a vacant spot at our table and in our hearts. Our memories of all the times with you will live on. A toast to Mike! Condolences Kyle, Joan and family.
Paddy Ferriter says
Who didn’t have a crush on Mike Murphy? Always the gentleman, good to the bone. Slainte Mike.
Joe Carter says
Well, we are all in the 4th quarter now. Wow! It’s been a hell of a ride! Everyone of us, that had rode are motorcycles, skied slopes all over the great state of Montana, snowmobiled in some of the most beautiful amazing back country of Lincoln, Mt and camped out along the blue ribbon rivers, with Murph knows that, We all did have a GREAT and FUN time. So many stories and memories to talk and laugh about. Going to miss you Murph ! I will see you on the next ride !
Tracie Tomcheck says
Mike we had years of fun but most of all we had Kyle who was our biggest blessing. He in turn gave us Tisa and three of the best grandchildren ever. We were blessed and Papa Mike will live in their hearts and ours forever. You’ll be missed by so many!
Jackie Laverdiere says
Feel no guilt in laughter, he’d know how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.
He’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
Rest in peace Mike Murphy. We were lucky to have known you!
Bonnie Rush Andrew says
Mike was such a kind & loving soul. Many great memories! I will miss him!
Dennis Sheehy says
Mike was a special person. A gentle man with a good heart and positive demeanor. A good friend.
Tonna Strasko says
Mike was one of my computer students at Lewis and Clark County.
He was a joy and always had a wonderful smile in computer classes.
God be with all of your during this most difficult time.
Anne Beneventi says
I heard the news today, oh boy. Another high school friend makes his transition. My fond memories of Mike go back to grade school where he showed more courage than most (stood up to nun abuse) and he was definitely more kind (to everyone else). I wish I could have seen Mike in our later years. Rest in peace, dear Mike. You will be missed by many.
Pat Glueckert says
To the Murphy Family,
I am very sad to hear about Mike’s passing. He became part of our family while growing up on the west side. I have very fond memories of him and the Murphy family. I unfortunately missed his service thanks to the I.R. newspaper! My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and your family.
Pat Glueckert says
To the Murphy Family,
I am very sad to hear about Mike’s passing. He became part of our family while growing up on the west side. I have very fond memories of him and the Murphy family. I unfortunately missed his service thanks to the IR newspaper! My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and your family.