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Christopher Murtaugh Obituary

Murtaugh, Christopher C. age 36, beloved son of Timothy J. III and Janet (nee Fixmer), loving brother of Timothy J. IV (Adrienne) Murtaugh and Mary (Bernie) Lyons, fond nephew of Philip R. (Susan) and Helen Jean Murtaugh and Jack (Gale) Fixmer, dear uncle of Timothy V and Beckett Murtaugh and Conor, Austin, Declan, Patrick and Nora Lyons. Visitation Friday, June 22nd, from 4 to 9 p.m., at the John E. Maloney Funeral Home, 1359 W. Devon Ave. and Saturday, June 23rd, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 2324 W. Chase Ave., from 11 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Margaret Mary School Endowment Fund, c/o of the parish. Funeral Info: 773-764-1617.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Murtaugh

Not sure what to say?





Moon Han

January 22, 2008

Dear Murtaugh Family,
I'm sorry this is so late in coming, but I just heard about Chris. I went to SMM with Chris before moving to Calif and Chris was a dear friend. He always had a wonderful smile, almost mischievious sometimes, was always kind and funny. I'm sure he touched many lives and I will never forget him.

Moon Han (Mindy Moon)

Rob Spatz

September 6, 2007

Murtaugh Family-

I was a classmate of Chris's and remember how special a person he was. Please accept my condolences.

Noel Franus

July 23, 2007

Chris was wholly unique and absolutely unforgettable. Thanks to the Murtaughs for sharing him with us.

Tom Paulson

July 10, 2007

Dear Tim, Susane,Tim,Mary,

I want you to know that our preyers are with all of you. Sorry I missed the services.

God Bless

Tom Paulson

Gretchen Maks

July 6, 2007

dearest Murtaugh family,
I am deeply saddened at learning the news about Chris. I still remember him fondly from our SMM days, though we didn't keep in touch in our adult lives he will always be ingrained in my memory as the kind young boy with rosy cheeks, a bright smile, and like others have said a great head of hair. May God Bless your family at this difficult time.

Gretchen Maks (Ocampo)(Skokie,IL)

Norm Mendoza

July 5, 2007

Dear Murtaugh Family,

I'm so sorry to hear about Chris's passing. I remember playing "Star Trek" with him at St. Timothy's even before we got to know each other at SMM. Our paths crossed again not too long ago, this time playing bocce ball at his brother's place ... It was so nice to talk about the old times. With our dearest sympathy. God bless.

Jennifer Ore

June 27, 2007

Dear Murtaugh Family,
This is a very tragic loss. He was so young. I cannot believe it.

I knew Chris from SMM and I have many great memories of our gang. I wish we did not lose touch. It seems just like yesterday when we would all see each other in Mrs Acciari's class. If only we could turn back the hands of time.

Jenny

Sally and Jack Abrams

June 24, 2007

Tim, Janet and all,
So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with Christopher and those left behind.

Suzanne McMeel Glynn

June 23, 2007

While there is no words which will provide comfort in these difficult days, take solace in knowing your son, brother and uncle was truly a dynamic person. Since the day the news of Chris's diagnosis spread among his wide circle of friends, it has been obvious Chris touched our hearts in a way very few can. His strength, humor, grace and courage, especially over the past few trying months, will serve as an inspiration to all who knew him. We are better people for knowing Chris. I will take long walks for Chris. I will read more, stress less and Christopher Condit Murtaugh will live on in my heart forever.

Barbara Stein

June 23, 2007

Tim, Janet and kids,
Mitchell and I were very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Christopher. Our hearts go out to you at this very difficult time in your lives. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Love Mitchell and Barbara Stein

Carol Cenar

June 23, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep all of your family in my prayers. Carol Cenar

Tim Christin

June 23, 2007

Please accept our condolences and know of our prayers during this time. Playing basketball with Chris at the Rome Center will always be a cherished memory. -Tim Christin & Family

June 23, 2007

Dear Tim, Janet, Mary and Tim - We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love and prayers....Love, Jennifer & David Fritzsche xoxo

Mary Jo Doyle

June 22, 2007

To the Murtaugh family - please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Christopher. My prayers are with him and you.

Mary Jo Behrendt Doyle

Donna Moncivaiz (Hicks)

June 22, 2007

To the Murtaugh Family:

My Dad shared the news of Chris's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. We lost a nephew to pancreatic cancer at the age of 23. Having been down the road that is just ending for you, I hope you all will find some peace in the fact that Chris will suffer no more. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Heidi Tansley

June 22, 2007

Dear Murtaughs,
I met Chris nearly a year ago when he came to work at Thresholds. His amazing sense of humor endeared me to him instantly. He was a perfect fit for our team and brought a gentle, sweet element that was felt by all of us. In his short time at Thresholds he touched so many lives. Chris was one of those unique individuals that just made the world a better place. He will be missed so much by everyone.
I am so very sorry for your loss.

Maya Symonanis

June 22, 2007

Mr.Murtaugh,
I am so sorry that your brother passed away.
From Maya Symonanis and family

Kelly Nee (Nix)

June 22, 2007

My thoughts are with you all as I learn of this sad news. I only knew Chris a short while, when I attended SMM until the fourth grade, but who could forget his good looks and beautiful hair? So sorry to hear of his suffering, but it's comforting to know he is now peaceful. My prayers are with you.

Colleen Ryan

June 22, 2007

I was very saddened to hear of Chris' passing, my thoughts are with the entire Murtaugh family at this difficult time. I've known Chris since I was a 5 year-old first grader back at SMM...a long time, but definitely not long enough. I only wish we had not lost touch in our adult lives, he was a fun person to be around and always had a smile, shy and sweet. May you find peace with the end of his suffering.

Bud Hicks

June 22, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear son Chris. While we were not privileged to know him well, we were very aware of the profound love of his parents for him.

Please know that Lois and I are thinking of Chris and the wonderful family he left behind.

Sara Cook

June 22, 2007

Dear Tim and Janet,
I was so sorry to hear about Christopher. I know this has been a long road. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Heidi Tansley

June 22, 2007

Dearest Murtaugh Family,

Chris applied for the Case Manager position at Thresholds Humboldt House almost a year ago. During the interview we finally had to address the pitiful salary he would be offered. Fearing that Chris would immediately exit the premises laughing at the lack of zeros, he instead stated so sincerely with the most endearing smile:

"Well, that's okay. I have low overhead."

I could not stifle my laughter and instantly knew that he would be a great member of our team. And also a great friend.

When I really got to know Chris I realized just how low that "overhead" he spoke of was:

One day I asked him about his apartment, guessing that perhaps it may be furnished somewhat spartanly. He laughed and told me that he had NO FLOOR.

He also told me that when it would get really, really hot outside that his 1950s metal fan (without a guard, nonetheless) had a dual function as a toenail clipper.

Instead of watching TV, Chris told us stories about "Hunter", a neighborhood squirrel with an unfortunate limp. I always looked forward to hearing the latest scoop on Hunter's escapades, whether it meant dodging a car or getting over that girl-squirrel that just wasn't right for him.

Chris helped me to really see the vulerability and beauty of life.

I can't tell you how many times Chris made me laugh so hard that I literally had tears running down my cheeks. I didn't know Chris for long enough but I will always feel that he is with me in some special way.

Chris made such a difference in people's lives at Humboldt House during the time he was there. He will always be remembered and cherished.

My thoughts are with all of your family.

Sincerely,
Heidi

P.S. When I ever hear a Cracker song I will always think of Chris. When I ever hear "When Doves Cry" I will also always think of Chris and that most hilarious car ride home...

Katie Hayden

June 21, 2007

It is never a call I like to receive where the message I hear is that of the death of someone, muchless someone I know. Chris was part of a class that is still so young from SMM. What makes this loss even more sad is that we have lost too many of our class too soon. Like some have mentioned Chris had great hair, a wonderful smile and overall gentle kindness about him that I really never had an opportunity to get to know. May knowing Chris is in a place of peace and no longer suffers bring a small amount of comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.
Katie

Tony Cerulli

June 21, 2007

I was deeply saddened to hear about Chris' death this afternoon. My condolences to the Murtaugh family. Chris was unlike any other friend I've known. I enjoyed his company and conversation immensely. I met Chris in Italy at the Loyola Rome Center, and am all the better for the encounter. I haven't seen him in some time, but often I still think of him and the conversations I had with him, the odd experiences we shared in Chicago and across Europe, and the many many laughs we had. He was a truly great guy, and he's sorely missed.

Noreen Carroll

June 21, 2007

I am heart broken to hear of his passing and was equally saddened when I heard of his fight with Cancer. My own insecurities kept me from going to the hospital or his home to visit him for reasons I can not explain. I only wished I squashed those and had a chance to tell him how much I always cared for him and enjoyed the fact I knew him. Chris was one of very few people who I could talk to openly and honestly about the loss of my own brother Jimmy. Chris took a liking to Jimmy when he was struggling with his own illness of schizophrenia. Chris always sat down with Jimmy and talked and more importantly, listened to Jimmy when most turned away bc of they thought Jimmy's thoughts too strange for lack of a better word. When I had my many parties during high school while the folks were away, Jimmy and Chris would sit in the basement and play guitar and again, Chris would listen to Jimmy.
Later on as we all got older, when we would all bump into each other at various parties, pubs or what have you, me and Chris had shared some fun moments together and the conversation would usually turn to Jimmy; and Chris always brought some light to me while I still struggled with Jimmy's death.
Chris was one of a kind and just that: kind.

I am sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family.
Sincerely,
Noreen (McDermott) Carroll

Christina (Sapp) & Lincoln Lounsbury

June 21, 2007

Words can not convey the sadness that we feel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Murtaugh family. Please know that Chris will be fondly remembered by his many, many friends. He was a unique spirit and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Dana Hernandez

June 21, 2007

My thoughts are with your family. Chris was a big part of my experiences in grammar school. He always had that edgy sense of humor. I'll never forget that James Dean hair that he just kept growing and growing! I am glad I was able to talk with him a few years ago - it was too soon for him to leave everyone. I hope you all find peace in this difficult times.

Cathleen Cusack

June 21, 2007

Dear Murtaughs,
My heart goes out to you. May God give you grace and strength to get through this tragic loss. Christopher is in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Cathleen Cusack

Stephanie Edwards

June 21, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Chris was an amazing man and I believe that his humor, wit and grace will live on in the memories of those who loved him.

Jean Purcell Furay

June 21, 2007

I receive the Trib online and periodically check the obits thinking perhaps I'll see a familiar name. Very sadly I did today. I mourn deeply for you and I do know a little of what you are feeling. As you may remember we lost our beautiful 26 year old daughter shortly before our SMMS 50 year reunion. She was hit by a car while out jogging and now even today, almost 8 years later, we still grieve for her. Our kids would have been about the same age. Perhaps it's a romantic thought but maybe they can get to know one another and pray for their parents that our pain will ease. God bless you both, Jean

Stephanie Edwards

June 21, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Chris was an amazing man and I believe that his humor, wit and grace will live on in the memories of those who loved him.

Maria Kiefer (Newman)

June 21, 2007

Chris was such a nice person and a good friend to my brother Peter. He will be missed.
God Bless.

Valerie Miller (Schaefer)

June 21, 2007

May God bless you and your family during this very difficult time. I have many fond memories of Chris when we were classmates at SMM. He always had the most amazing smile. He was sweet and kind, and I will never forget him or those fun times so many years ago.

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