Patrick J. Murphy

With a kind and thoughtful heart, Patrick Murphy greatly enriched the lives of those around him. He was a hard working man who enjoyed many things throughout his life, yet nothing was closer to his heart than his family. Patrick had an inquisitive and sharp mind, and was constantly looking for new ways to expand his world through his insatiable quest for knowledge. A dedicated man, loyal friend, and kind man, Patrick was a remarkable man whose absence will be keenly felt by those whose lives he touched. The thirties were a time of great distress for countless American families as the Great Depression held our nation firmly in its grip beginning in October of 1929. There was much unrest from coast to coast, too, as evidenced by the numerous strikes as it is estimated that nearly half a million workers took part in sit-down strikes from September 1936 through May of 1937 alone. It was amidst this trying time that there was great joy for the family of John and Luella (Host) Murphy as they welcomed the birth of their son, Patrick, on September 3, 1937. Born in Fremont, Michigan, Patrick was the oldest of five children in his family including younger siblings Carl, Bill, Dan and Mary. His father worked at Continental Motors and also as a farmer while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. From his earliest days, family was established as a cornerstone in Patricks life as the farm was located next to his maternal grandparents. Throughout his life, Patrick was a man of great intelligence, even during his formative years. He attended Dowdd Elementary School and then went on to Fremont High School. Patrick loved books and reading, and he began tinkering with mechanical things at an early age. He remained abreast of world news and learned everything he could about automobiles and radios, building his own ham radio when he was just 16. By the time he completed his high school education, Patrick spoke fluent Spanish. He went on to graduate from high school in 1955, magna cum laude, and as a member of the Fremont Honor Society. Not surprisingly, Patrick earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan. Patrick moved to Muskegon in 1957 where he secured employment with the Norge Corporation. It was also during this time that he went on a blind date that would change the course of his life forever. The young woman who was to be his date was Marcella Burch, and it was a friend named Barbara who arranged for Patrick and Marcella to meet. The couple went roller skating and it was clear to see that it was love at first sight. After falling deeply in love, the couple married on April 25, 1959, in Muskegon. After a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, the newlyweds settled into their first home on Houston Avenue where their family soon began to grow. Their first daughter, Jean, was born in 1960 and during July of that same year, Patrick began working as an electrical engineer at the Brunswick Corporation. It 1961, the family of three moved to the red house that became their lifelong home. In 1962, Patrick and Marcella were overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Julie, into their hearts and home and with her birth, their family was complete. Over the years, family was of the utmost importance in Patricks life. He was so proud of his daughters who both went to the University of Michigan and was thrilled when they both married in 1984. Every Sunday their family gathered at Patricks parents home and holidays were spent there as well. Patrick was deeply saddened with the death of his father in 1972 and several years later, the death of his mother in 2004 was a devastating loss for him as well. Although much of Patricks life involved the family he treasured, there were other ways in which his life was greatly enriched. He cherished the relationships he shared with lifelong friends Joan and Dick Graff, Tom and Kathy OConner, and Mark Anderson. Patrick loved vacationing with his family in the car and took several trips throughout the United States and Canada. He often enjoyed ice cream at Crusoes Ice Cream Shop in Fremont and summer days at Muskegon Ovals on Lake Michigan. His love for tinkering continued throughout his life and even earned some extra income for their family as he repaired televisions, radios, tape recorders, and cameras. Later in life, there were both peaks and valleys along Patricks journey. He retired in 1989 after 32 years, but still kept himself busy. Patrick earned his master mechanics license, and he started studying watches and clocks and the tools associated with them. He enjoyed visiting old, quirky museums and collected unusual and old watches and clocks. The death of his friend, Tom OConner, was a difficult time for him. Life was never the same for Patrick after the death of his beloved Marcella on April 4, 2007, after a lingering illness. He was at her side when his wife drew her last breath and from that moment on, there was a change in Patricks personality. He continued on with life as best he could, frequenting yard sales and flea markets with his friend Mark. There was so much to love about Patrick Murphy. He was curious, thoughtful, and intelligent with a lifelong thirst for learning new things. Patrick was talkative and opinionated, and he was determined to accomplish whatever he set his mind to. First and foremost in his life was always his family, and the legacy of love he leaves for them is unmatched. Patricks memory will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of many. Patrick J. Murphy died on Tuesday, October 12, 2010. Patricks family includes his daughters, Jean (Joseph) Corbett, Julie (Douglas) Maynard; grandchildren, Travis & Ryan Maynard, Joe, John, Jim, & Jeff Corbett; brothers, Carl (Sandra) Murphy, William (Tamara) Murphy, Daniel (Darlene) Murphy; sister, Mary (Jen) Murphy Figa; multiple nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Patrick was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella in 2007. Services will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Patrick's final resting place will be with his wife at Oakhurst Cemetery in Whitehall, MI. Visit with Patricks family and friends on Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the guestbook.