Michael Murphy Obituary

Forever in our hearts as you played at out wedding.

Love and miss you
Jeff and Maureen Minor

MURPHY YOUR SO SORELY MISSED.I TRUST YOUR IN A FAR BETTER PLACE THAN US LIVING IMMORTALS.AS YOUR SOUL IS WANDER IN THE BIG GIG IN THE SKY,PLEASE KNOW IM WITH YOU SPIRITUALY EVERDAY,THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A BIG PART OF MY LIFE & YOUR INFLUENCE WAS SUCH BEAUTIFUL GIFT.GOODBYE FOR NOW MY FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXO..D.D.

Mike, I attended the benefit tonight in honor of your musical scholarship fund. I think that you would have been so pleased with the turn out. Looking around I was amazed at how many people's lives you have touched and how many others that you will continue to touch through this GREAT gift. I am honored to have you as a friend and I would like to thank you for the gift of music that you gave to me. ATTWDA.

We never met, but I heard stories about you from your friends. It's odd how months later I find myself hoping that all your loved ones have found the peace I picture you wanting for them. You seemed like a good guy from everything I've heard and the world is a poorer place for lacking you.

I am Howard Hoover, grandson of Edwin Murphy.
It is a shame to find out about this side of my family under these circumstances.
I wish I could have met Mike
I am so sorry about this tradedy happening to such a wonderful human being
God Bless.

Murph, I met you a few years ago in Liverpool at the Cavern Club. We talked for a while and you offered to buy me a drink. I know we only knew each other for a short time, but you seemed like a truly amazing person. I am sorry that in all of these years, I didn't take time to get to know you better. I only found out what happened now as I was searching to get in contact with you. I am so sorry.

Murph, wishing your parents peace on this Christmas Day. Be with them and shine your light into their hearts...

Murph- missing you with all of my heart. Thanks for hearing my prayers and looking over us!

Murph- you are forever in my heart- I cherish the songs, impressions, and kindness you have left in our lives...

michael,
I never got to meet you, but I did through a special person we both know. You seem to be very special just like my little boy I gave up a year ago. I'm sure you're very much missed through friends and famlily. And I will pray for your parents to send them strenght as the years will go on without you. Please give them a sign because their love for you will never fade. God bless.

Mike, I miss you so much. I would do anything to have you back. The wedding was beautiful, but not right without you there next to me. Our life will never be the same without you.
frank

Murph,
You are an angel- thanks for continuing to shed light on me!

Dear Murphy family,
My deepest condolences to you at this time. We lost our 24 yr. old daughter Kathy last summer in a boating accident. She was missing for 5 weeks. Mike Murphy played at a fundraiser last summer to help the search. He was so gracious to let my brother get up and play a couple of songs with the band. In our horrible time of need, Mike was there for us.
Please know that we are here for you if you ever need us.
Marian Garrigan

Sue-
Remember that Mike and Bruiser are watching over you. Keep the memories close to your heart and you will never forget that smile of Mike's when he looked at you. God will help you through this.

Murph,
Still misisng you and not wanting to believe that you have left this world. Think of you often-

Although there has been along time between my last words with Mike,he will be missed. My deepest sympathy to all he loved.

Murph,
Keeping you in my heart and my soul. Your spirit and light will forever guide me to a better place.
Susan

I'll miss ya Murf..You helped make my childhood memorable, I can never thankyou enough..scouts honor

To: Mr.&Mrs. Murphy, family,friends
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Mike had a heart of gold, may his memories shine within us always

Murph, I have thought about you nonstop- please share your peacefulness with those you love-

A truly beautiful person, a beautiful life. My heart aches for Michael's family and friends. What an asset he was and will continue to be to this world through all of the contributions of his beautiful musical talent. God Bless all of you!

Words cannot describe who Michael was to me. He was so much more than a cousin. I only lived 102 days of my life before he was brought into this world and now I can't believe it has been 14 days since he left. Our bond was like no other, a look from him would tell me he understood whatever I was thinking. Whatever I was feeling, he got me, he knew. There is no other person on the face of this earth that I have that with, and there never will be. I love him and miss him and my life is forever changed because he is not here to give me his look of understanding and his smile of knowing what I'm thinking and thinking how I feel. I love you Michael and I will treasure every memory of you.

I haven't quite figured out what to say. Michael was as much my family as my immediate family is. I am lost for words which is weird.

The ups, downs, and in betweens, Michael was and always will be very special to me.

I have loved Michael for as long as I can remember. I had some very special years with him. Having had him in my life for almost 17 years has made me a better person. Michael has always had a piece of my heart and vice versa ... only thing is, my heart hurts.

I am having a hard time with this loss as is my daughter, and two nephews. We miss Michael as does everyone else whose life he has touched. And he certainly did touch a lot of lives. The kids so adored him. He was so good to the three of them.

I can only imagine how you Maryann and you Mr. Jim Murph, are feeling. God Bless. As Always, with peace.

Murph,
I admire your graciousness, peaceful ways, and open heart! Thank you for sharing your whole being. Love always...

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. I did not know Michael, but I share this loss with you through the recent sudden passing of my son Todd, age 32. What wonderful tributes given to your son. I am here for you if you ever need to talk to someone who knows the heartbreak of losing a child. My prayers are with you.

Mike "Murph",
You will be missed greatly. It seems like yesterday we were in the Chartrands back room and watching SLAYGROUND rehearse (with Mullets Proudly worn).
It seems like it was just yesterday that you were in my bedroom playing and recording "Rock you like a Hurricane" on guitar to a Rap song that I made called "Hurricane" Wow that was 1992....
And I remember us chatting about your "experimental" projects you were doing and being so interested hearing how my DJing was going.
I know I didnt see you for a long time, but you were and forever will be in my Mind and in my Heart.
There a lot of people that will miss you and I know the whole music world will too.
My prayers go out to your Mom, Dad, Sue and all the rest of your family.
Rest in Peace
Mike and Bruiser!
Love,
Rick Medel
Dj Seven Chicago.

Mike i will miss you so much.
That sweet face,kind eyes and beautiful smile.I will remember you always.

Love and prayers to all who are missing Mike and Bruiser.

Sue

my thoughts & prayers are with you, mike & bruiser are in a better place and are watching over u.

I met Mike at IPO in Liverpool, where he was kind enough to give me copies of Leave's first two albums. He was a complete gentleman both in person and via messages on MySpace. God bless you - I will treasure those CDs forever.

Murph,
Please look over your dear sweet parents and Sue. Help them to find peace and purpose. You are a light that has touched the interior of our hearts.
Love always...

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, Jim, Terry, Joe, Sue, and everyone else who loved Murph,

I will never fully recover from Murph's sudden passing. Intention instead of poetry was the only thing fueling what I had written before; intention is still the only thing that still guides my pen and fingers across the keyboard.

Forever will I remember Murph's smile, sense of humor, hugs, kisses, and, of course, amazing music. He was the rarest of artists - intuitive, humble, sincere, remarkable, unconditional. The adjectives could go on. Artists are supposed to be selfish and stingy with their work and time. Mike never was. At 31 he touched more lives through his talent, personality, teaching, and love than most who live to 100. I know I share the following sentiment with others: Bill and I will never find another like him.

When I e-mailed Terry the other day, the more I wrote the quicker the tears came and eventually spilled over my eyelids. It's beginning to happen now. As Bill said to me this morning, "That demonstrates how much Murph touched and impacted everyone."

For the rest of my life I will miss Mike like hell, but I will also go throughout my days knowing how blessed and fortunate I had been that God graced my life, albeit briefly, with Murph's love, friendship, and music. My memories of him will never fade. Because of him, I am a better person than when I met him nearly 13 years ago.

God bless you Mike. God, the angels, and saints are so lucky to have you among them. I love you.

Love always, Laura

Murph, if only we could turn the clocks back- we are going to miss your physical presence. Thank you for sharing your spiritual presence with us! We certainly feel blessed that you came into our lives- love always...

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you now. I remember Mike was nice enough to take a picture with me after one of the shows about 2 yrs ago. He was actually my favorite. : ) I don't know why God takes some of the greatest people unexpectedly and what we think is to soon, but I'm sure he's up in heaven.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Murphy Family and Sue. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Murph was an extraordinary person and musician. He will be in our memory forever.

Sue and the Murphy Family,

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in your prayers. Mike was a great person.

Mr. and Mrs. Murphy,
I was out of town when I head the tragic news. Murph has been on my mind for the last several days. Words cannot express how awesome Murph was. I'm a neighborhood guy and knew Murph from way back in his heavy metal days. He even filled in with my brother's band for a battle of the bands a decade or so ago. Just a GREAT guy, class act, and always a kind word to say to everyone. No matter what was going on, he'd find you in a crowd and come talk to you before you even spotted him. That's just the kind of guy he was. I'm really gonna miss bumping into him at Quigleys and talking about whatever projects he was working on. I still listen to all his cd's and he'll always live on in music. I'm so deeply saddened and sorry for your loss. I'll always remember "Murph" and will keep your family in my prayers.

God Bless Murph,

I am deeply sorry for the loss of the Murphy family.
I will always remember all the great times that we had while in high school going to the shows w/ the band & working @ the sun-times on the weekends.
I wish I could have been able to attend the services to extend my condolences to the family & friends, but I was out of town.
In this time of sorrow, may all the fond memories of Murph live in our minds & hearts forever.

We will always remember the wonderful music, conversations and laughs we've shared at both Quigleys and The Music School. We are better people for having known you, Murph.

Dear Mary Ann & Jim,

As your friends for over 20 years we know what a truly wonderful son Michael was, all he meant to you and you to him.

When Michael and I would say good-bye he would whisper in the midst of a hug "thanks for being such a good friend to my folks" and I'd whisper back "thanks for taking such good care of my friends".

Mary Ann and Jim, before he was Murph to the world, he was Michael to us. Taking him and Vikki to the Rolling Stones concert, Paul McCartney, dj at Dale's birthday party. He'll always be the charming kid who learned how to love from his parents. We love you.

Sandy and Dale Burkhardt

While i have never met Mike, reading his story in the newspaper has not only touched my heart, but broken it as well. It's clear to see that Mike was a very special person. As the song goes, "only the good die young".

May god be with you all in these darkest of hours.

Dear Mary Ann and Jim,
I can't imagine your loss. I am so sorry I never got a chance to hear Mike perform and meet him. After reading all of the tributes here and at mem.com you can take pride that you raised a wonderful man. I can only hope and pray that time will ease your pain. Mary Ann, I am here for you whenever the need.
God Bless You Both and Comfort you.

Quote by Ray Murphy taken from the 6/10 Southtown Star's written tribute to Mike: "What a warm and generous soul he was." We can all only wish for such an epitaph which is also a compliment to Mr.& Mrs.Murphy as well. Hopefully all the kind words expressed about Mike in this guestbook will somehow provide a moment of consolation to all those touched by Mike and his music during this difficult time. Please take care.

To the Murphy Family,

From personal experience I know that nothing is harder than losing a child. I pray for your comfort during this time. Mike was always very kind and I know he will be missed by his fellow Polaris classmates.

To the Murphy family. Though we only knew Mike while he played in the band it was a pleasure to see someone enjoy his work.

To the Murphy family and our neighbors Jim and Joe. I will always remember Mike's friendly smile and warm personality. In my heart he will always be the greatest neighbor someone can ask for. I will miss seeing him and hearing his laughter and music. I know someone in heaven is a really lucky new neighbor now.

Love your neighbor,
Renee Dainis

We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was always so pleasant & willing to offer some kind of help when we were working in our yard. He & Bruiser are together now looking over you.

So glad to have known you, Mike!

Sue and Murphy Family -
I am sorry for your loss and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve during this time.

To The Murphy Family: I came to know Michael through his music and through a mutual friend, Terry Keating. I simply wanted to share with you that I loved his songs, his singing, and his spirit. He had great talent and the courage and zeal to make the most of it. I met him only briefly but hugely enjoyed his company when I did. In the fullness of time I hope you can take some measure of comfort from his having dreamed-big and lived to the measure of those dreams.

Mary Ann, and Murph,

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Please extend our condolences to Michael's wife, and family for us.

Murph,

The ocean is deeper from the tears that we have shed for your family and friends. We will always honor you by trying to live up to your graciousness- with much love and sadness

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike kept us all laughing and he was such a wonderful person to know. I am truly blessed to have known him and he will be greatly missed. Mike... your fellow classmates of Polaris High School will be thinking of you always. We will miss you terribly.

To The Murphys and The Larkin bros & Moran bros.

I just heard the news on Monday evening.I was shocked to hear the news.I said to myself,there has to be five thousand Mike Murphys on the southside.Well it turned out to be the one I know.I've known Mike for about 11 years.I met Mike for the first time when i was working at the Kerry Piper pub in Willowbrook and he was performing with the legendary Larkin bros & Moran bros.Mike was a down to earth guy who would go out of his way to help anybody.The funniest thing i knew Mike for was I think he was the guy who grew a full beard in about four hours.

Well Mike we will all miss you very much,we had fun while you were with us.
My thoughts and prayers to the Murphy Family and also to the Larkin and Moran bros.

Philip,MaryEllen,Philip jr,Declan & Gavin Quinlan

To the Murphy family-
We were deeply saddend of the news about Mike. We have seen him many times perform with The Larkin and Moran Brothers. He was a great musician and will be missed by all that knew him. Please know you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry again for your loss.

I barely knew Mike, having only seen him at L&M gigs, but have been touched deeply by this tragic loss. My heart goes out to his parents, Sue, the Larkins, the Morans, his students and all the lives he brightened and influenced with his gift of music. Ray's "Open Mic" tribute poem below was brilliant as well as touching. If there is an open mic night in honor of Mike, I hope you'll let us know, and make it a benefit to the scholarship fund in his name.

Dear Murphy Family,

It was heartbreaking to hear of your loss. I will pray for peace for Michael and your family during this difficult time.

Sue,
Our paths may not have not crossed in a long time, but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I realize there is nothing anybody can say or do to ease your pain, but hopefully you can find comfort in your memories. Always remember there are people praying for you and the Murphy family. May God bless you and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Colleen Doyle Konagel

To The Murphy Family:

On behalf of the Katie Sullivan Band, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies for this tragic loss.

We shared many a stage with Murph. My favorite memory of Mike is at Irishfest at Gaelic Park, when we were about to jump onstage. He caught us backstage as they climbed off from their performance, and cracked a series of witty crowd observations that sent us wailing in laughter. He caused us to climb on stage trying to compose ourselves.

Please know that we would like to avail ourselves to your family for any benefits or fundraising initiatives that may develop in Mike's honor.

On behalf of the small-knit group of neighborhood bands in this great city, I offer you prayers, and wish for you peaceful memories of Murph, a wonderfully spirited fellow musician.

God Bless.

Katie Sullivan
(THE KATIE SULLIVAN BAND)

To Mike's Friends and Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Murph was a great guy back in the HUGC days, and judging from all of the wonderful notes and memories his kind heart and wonderful spirit stayed with him all of these years. My God bless you all.

Jim Manthey

Dear Murphy Family,
I never got to know Mike, but through Bobs stories he sounded like a very remarkable person. I wish I would have had an opportunity to hear Mike play his music. I am truly sorry for you loss. You are all in our thoughts!

dear murphy family and sue,
i am very sorry for your loss. i only met mike a few times-at quiqley's performing and the last time on new year's eve-he was a wonderful man and musician. my prayers are with you and your family.

Sue I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers I only wish there was something i could do for you. Please take care.
Kelly

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Murphy family, Sue, the Larkin & Moran Brothers, and all who had the honor of knowing Mike (Murph). He was a genuinely sweet and good person, and I was lucky to know him.
I was sad that he wasn't at Gaelic Park to open the Irish Festival season. At least Mike & Bruiser are together.

You were a great neighbor. I recall hearing your band play in your basement and my brother and I would listen. You guys were spectacular. You will be missed.

Sue and Murphy Family, I am extremely sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mr & Mrs Murphy - I am truly sorry for your loss; as we say in ireland "May he rest at God's right hand"; he was a delightful young man and I really enjoyed listening (and watching) as he played with the band...my deepest sympathy.

My prayers and condolences go to Mike's Family and Friends. Mike was a great guitar teacher. I was always eager to learn more and more from such a fun, light-hearted guy; I feel priveleged to have been taught by him. Rest in peace Mike, I'll always keep you in my mind and in my axe (guitar).

To the Murphy Family and Sue:

May Mike live on through the music he created and the love of life he shared with all. Although I did not know him very well, he always had a smile to share and laughter that was contageous. He does not go alone but with his friend Bruiser.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

"Sometimes, right now, and I am here and I am no where, still in the meantime I forward my soul back to where it came from."

Mike Murphy - Shine

-----

It was an honor to have you as a friend and to be part of your life. You will forever shine in our hearts and memories.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was my guitar teacher and had a profound impact on my life as a teacher.He was one of the greatest guys I have ever met.

My Deepest Sympathies:
I fell in love with his music from the first time Ken played it for me. I'd put that CD in a loop and listen over and over while I worked on my computer.
Mike truly lit up a room with his smile and friendship. You didn't have to be a close friend but he made you feel like you were.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Murphy family, and to every musician and friend that had the honor of knowing Mike. His musical talent and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. But above all, Mike was a genuinely kind and good person, and we were so lucky to know him.

Murph - I was, and always will be a huge fan. Rest peacefully my brother.

Murphys -

So sorry for your loss. Michael & his band are one of the greatest memories we have from our wedding. We love you.

Dave & Vikki (Burkhardt) Duke

My sympathies to Murphy family, Sue, and Larkin/Moran Brothers. I never really talked much to Murph, but I do remember clearly one conversation at Milwaukee Irish festival last August. He had just started playing this huge accordian - almost bigger than him! I think he loved learning it and it was fun to watch him playing it! Also recently at a bar, my friend Kathleen and I were at a table near Murph's side. Um...a cool pint glass I think may have come from him - I will think of him when I see or use it! This is so tragic and he will be so missed!

Mr. and Mrs. Murphy,
My son Kevin, was a student of Mike's. He has had guitar lessons for several years and he sounds so good. The reason is because your son shared his talents with so many young people who loved music as he did. Your son also gave many of his students the opportunity to play with him at Quigleys and gave them the chance to see how wonderful people make them feel for their music talents. Your son, was a wonderful musician, who lives on now through his students who will cheerish the memories of Michael and the many great talents he had. My son Kevin is a student at St. Ambrose University, and he is very deeply saddened by your loss. He loved Mike and spoke of him all the time. When he came in over the summer or any chance he could get in, he wanted to get together with his guitar teacher to learn as much from him as he could. Our entire family send our sympathies to you and your husband.
"Michael is in our prayers"

I only knew Mike through shows that I booked for Leave in the last few years and he clearly touched me. His songwriting was so amazing that I never go long without not listening to one of his songs. He knew this too. In my ten years of working with musicians, Mike was also clearly one of the most genuine and sincere persons, and clearly one of the most talented. I always enjoyed listenting to him play and sing and working with him. His songs will continue to bring me memories of him. Words cannot express my sympathies for his sudden loss.

Dear Sue,
So sorry about the loss of your beloved Mike and Bruiser. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. & Mrs. Murphy,
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you all. Mike was a great entertainer and will be missed by many!!
Sandra & Liam Bartishell

Murphy family and Sue,
My sincerest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Murph, you will be missed by everyone. You and your music made our wedding unforgetable. You will always be in our hearts.

Although our lives only touched briefly - he definitely impacted mine with fun. Our thoughts are with you in this sorrowful time.

In the brief time that I spent with Mike, It was refreshing to be around A person that was genuine, and true to themself. Rest IN Peace Mike.

Mary Ann, Jim, Sue and families - We're so sorry for this tragic loss. Mike will be missed by so many. He is such a wonderful genuine person and his spirit will be with us forever. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for providing me and others with the gift of music. My prayers go out to you and your family.

I am sadden to hear about Mike. He was always a very sweet guy and fun to be around. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Murph,
You are the light, the love, and the grace of life. Thank you for always sharing your gifts and treasures with us. Your smile and kind words will live on in our hearts!
With Much Love, Your OaK Park Family

Murphy Family & Sue,
Our deepest thoughts & prayers are with you! GOD BLESS!

Michael,
Thanks for kindness, laughter and music. You touched so many lives!!!

To Mike,
Thank you for turning our lessons into Jam Sessions. We'll never forget our last one on Wednesday (One Way Out and Whole Lotta Rosie). You are the greatest! We'll miss you forever, but we'll continue on. You taught us well, and you made it fun!

To Mike's family and close friends,
So sorry. Mike will never be forgotten! His spirit will live on forever with us.

To the Murphy family and Sue Pfiefer,
My deepest sympathies in the loss of such a great person. Mike was truly loved by many! May you find peace in that Mike will always live in your memories and will always be remembered by many. He left an impression on many and will never be forgotten. Sue- Mike loved you so much and he always will. Keep those funny, emotional and quiet memories close to your heart. Know that he will always be with you. My prayers are with u all!

Dear Mr.& Mrs. Murphy,
Our hearts ache so deeply for the loss of your son and want you to know how much joy he brought to us through all the years. Words can not express the sorrow we are feeling as a family. We will truly miss his kind, passionate, loving soul and will always cherish the honor of knowing him and having experienced the way he could radiate happiness to all. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.