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Donald Wright Murphy

1918 - 2008

BORN

1918

DIED

2008

Donald Murphy Obituary

April 9, 1918 - July 1, 2008
FOUNDER OF THE PINEWOOD DERBY

Don passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at the Torrance Memorial Hospital after a two week stay for pneumonia. Born in La Porte, Indiana, he moved to California where he met his loving wife Anne. They were married for 57 years. After her death, Don met Muriel Bauer, who he described as "The cutest thing this side of heaven." They were each others loves and companions for the past 12 years. In 1953 Don was the Cubmaster of Pack 280C in Manhattan Beach and created the Pinewood Derby. Over 100 million scouts have participated in the event during the last 55 years. Don is survived by his son, Donn Murphy (Melony); grandson, Blair Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. at The Resurrection Lutheran Church, 330 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA. No flowers please. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Breeze from Jul. 8 to Jul. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Murphy

46 Entries

Stephanie Cooper

November 17, 2023

Hello
My family has a beloved painting which my mother bought (in San Diego or somewhere up the coast) in `59 or `60 which is signed Don Murphy with a note in the back of Manhattan Beach. Was he an artist? We love love this painting (of coastal cliffs, maybe at sunset). Id like VW to know if he did other work. And if this was just a hobby, to send you an image of the painting.

CLARENCE DUNCAN

August 2, 2008

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Sara Guyan

July 15, 2008

Meeting Mr. Murphy at a pinewood derby event at Del Amo Mall over ten yrs. ago. What an noble man, who didn't know what making derby car would effect so many lifes.
I was with my 2nd cousin who was racing and I met Mr. Murphy. That day I learn about him and how derby racing started. I could see how they had touched so many familys in a postive way. Yes a great father/son activity, but with families being so blended. It was a child connecting with an adult in his life who loved him. With sisters wishing they could join along.
After that meeting I saw Mr. Murphy around town, always with a smile and a modest remark. I don't think I will ever meet such a kind man as he was. But he will live on in the joy that those pinewood car bring. And the memories of being a part of making a pinewood derby car.

James D. (Jim) Arnold

July 14, 2008

I wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to you and to all Cub Scouts, past and present. An icon in my world has gone on to finish his final Pinewood Derby. Many a derby have I run from my Pack to my District to that of the Coastal Empire Council. The fun you created will live on, as will your memory in all of us kids, young and old. Rest in Peace Good Scouter. You have earned a permanent 1st Place Finish.
-Yours in Scouting,
Jim Arnold
Cub Scout Pack 510
Hinesville, GA

The Leong Family Troop 700

July 14, 2008

Thank you for the wonderful & enjoyable compeittion of the pine wood derby. Something so simple is so enjoyable to all. Our prayers are with the entire Murphy family during this physical loss. Knowing that Don is enjoying pine wood derby even more in the Lord's house.Peace, The Leong family.

Vince Rodriguez

July 14, 2008

Having known Don Murphy since my high school days with his son Donn, he was always a good friend and great person to visit and chat with when I/we had the chance to visit him. My daughters enjoyed the stories he told about "his boys" (his son's running teammates), and appreciated his gifts from his art collection. He will be greatly missed.

Vince Rodriguez

July 14, 2008

Mark Wright

July 14, 2008

On behalf of the Cubs of my generation and those of my two sons, Scouter Murphy's contribution to the B.S.A. will remain a memory of an event that truly brings families together.

May the Great spirit watch over him, and provide comfort to those loved by him.

Brian Anders

July 14, 2008

The boys in Cub Scout Pack 274 in Dudley MA,and many of the adults, look forward every year to our Pinewood Derby. I have fathers now who still remember racing when they were young. What a great gift to give to the youth of this country, and what a wonderfully enduring legacy. Thank you Mr. Murphy, and our prayers go out to your family at this time. Take comfort knowing that every year, all over the world, boys and parents breathe life into that dream.

Doug Freeling

July 13, 2008

I was informed of Mr. Murphy's passing by an e-mail from a scouting chat room I frequent.

On behalf of the scouts in Pack 664, San Marcos, CA I wish to extend our sympathies to the Murphy family. Because of a single activity Mr. Murphy thought up, millions of Cub Scouts learn new woodworking skills, sportsmanship, creativity, teamwork, and bonding with their fellow scouts and parents.

Who knew so much could come from racing little wooden cars down a little wooden track?

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Murphy, his invention of a simple race brought joy to my childhood and taught me life lessons in the process. It is with great pride that I now partake in his race with my own son and watch him expirience the same joy and life lessons.

God Bless to Mr. Murphy and his family. What an extraordinary legacy to leave to this world !

Doug Freeling
Cubmaster
Pack 664
San Marcos, CA

Craig Tessendorff

July 13, 2008

Pack 65 in San Carlos, CA sets up our Pinewood Derby track each year to attract new scouts. It continues to be a strong influence on our new youth scouts.
Thank you!

Tim @pinewoodderbyden.com

July 13, 2008

Don has touched a lot of people and
Can take credit for a lot of kids involved in Scouting.
Don & I had a conversation about a year ago, He still loved the Pinewood Derby as much then as he did fifty years ago.
He will be missed but not forgotten.

Debbie Cerquozzi

July 12, 2008

What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. We are so grateful for all you have done for Scouting. Our prayers are with the family at this time. God Bless You All. From the Cerquozzi family of Pack 42

Kari Sabins

July 12, 2008

Bless You! As a District Pinewood Derby Chair, all I can say is Thank You for creating an activity that has given myself, my husband and our 4 boys many incredible memories.

Ida Lively -Nittany Mountain District Committe, Juniata Valley Council

July 12, 2008

Your loved one (Don) changed the lives of millions of boys. Sorry for your loss, thank you for his life.

Michael Vollmers

July 12, 2008

My prayers are with your family. Thank You for creating an chance for Fathers and Sons/Daughters, to work together in the fun that is pinewood derby.

Michael Choquette

July 12, 2008

Our thoughts will be with him,
when we race again.

Derby Master

July 12, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

DeAnna Whitlow, Pack 50

July 11, 2008

Thank you Mr. Murphy for your commitment to God and country. The Pinewood Derby and the preparation that goes along with it is an invaluable lesson for so many. Our thoughts are with your family and friends.

Lisa Donigian Pack Trainer, ASM

July 11, 2008

My condolences to the Murphy family. Don touched so many lives, and we are all so grateful. His name will long live on through the pinewood derby.

Sherri Askew

July 11, 2008

Dear Family,

I hope every Cub Scout has been able to experience the "Pinewood Derby"! My scout still has his cars; one making best in show (red, white and blue), he was so proud. Mr. Murphy has helped so many boys; including my son. Thank you Mr. Murphy and my sincere condolences to your family. I know they are so proud of you.

Sherri Askew
Scout Mom
Committee Member
Philmont Coordinator '08'
Troop 23
Orlando, Florida

Daniel Gross

July 11, 2008

What a wonderful legacy to leave behind! Thank you Don for your creativity and willingness to share that has positively impacted boys around the world for so many decades. With two young boys, I'm sure we will continue to enjoy the Pinewood Derby for years to come. From Pack 324 in Wisconsin, to your family in California, and all over the Scouting world... Thank you.

Bonnie Grizzzrd

July 11, 2008

God speed Mr. Murphy.

Jim Krzyzanowski

July 11, 2008

Sympathies to the family.

THANK YOU Don for bringing us the idea of the Pinewood Derby. Thank God you were able be here for the completion of the "Down & Derby" movie.

You have touched millions and millions !!!

Jim Krzyzanowski
Pack 3333 Committee Chairman
Fort Wayne, IN

Randy Lisano

July 11, 2008

Don's legacy extends far past the Boy Scouts of America. Other organizations like Awana, Royal Rangers, Royal Ambassadors, Christian Service Brigade, YMCA, and many others put on the same type of race. This race and the principles that it seeks to instill has touched so many boys and girls and the adults that have helped them build and race their wooden creations. Thanks Don, for having such an impact. Our prayers are with your family and friends.

Rexford Ricker

July 11, 2008

Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Murphy. His life has touched millions and brought them joy, including our own.

-Asst. Cubmaster Pack 212

Bob Barga

July 10, 2008

God Bless You Mr. Murphy!!! Also prayers for your family.

Steve Bunning

July 10, 2008

Participating in Pinewood Derby events with my son Max has afforded us the opportunity to spend hours and hours of quality time together... all thanks to Don's great idea!

Thank you Don! Your legacy will live on and on through the terrific Father/Son partnership activity you created.

Shawn Stebleton

July 10, 2008

We are blessed that you shared your creativity with your pack in creating the Pinewood Derby. It's a wonderful experience for a boy and his dad to work together to accomplish something. I still remember the times my dad helped me build my cars, showing me how to use tools and teaching me concepts of how to make a car go fast. Even though I never won a race, I still have those wonderful memories, and am trying to do the same for my sons. Your little idea has made a positive impact in families all over the world. May God bless you and your family.

Greg Miller

July 9, 2008

I was 1 of those kids that enjoyed the Pinewood Derby in the first few years, and still enjoy it as District Pinewood Derby Chairman. Thank you Don. We would like to send our sympathy and blessings to his family.

Nitro Dan

July 9, 2008

Your creation is the most attended event of our Cub Scout Pack every year. We will keep your legacy alive and asure that it will be passed to future generations. Espiritu Del Aguila.

sporty sport

July 9, 2008

Thanks for bringing a joy to all the kids in cub scouts who do pinewood derby. I am sure you are also remembered for so many great moments of love with your family.

Lucky 13 Pinewood Racing

July 8, 2008

Thank you for the countless hours of fun that so many kids and their families have shared due to the pinewood derby. My deepest sympathy to the family. Just remember, Mr. Murphy's legacy will live on forever. Every time a child gets their first pinewood derby kit. Every time that sound of little wooden cars racing down the track is heard along with the cheers of happy scouts and their families, Mr. Murphy will be there.

Stephen Jepsen

July 8, 2008

Thank you Don Murphy for sharing your vision with us. The Pinewood Derby is a wholesome, educational & constructive right of passage for Cub Scouts everywhere.

Our Prayers to the family

Darryl Huntley

July 8, 2008

Prayers to the family of Mr. Murphy from a family that has received tremendous joy from the pinewood derby that he created. He has touched millions of lives and I can only say thanks for the wonderful impact he has had on the relationship I have with my son.

Stan Pope

July 8, 2008

Thank you, Don! What a difference you made!

Ken Dunn

July 8, 2008

Deepest sympathies to son Donn, Melony, and Muriel. Thank you from all the cub scouts in Pack 357 Huntsville Alabama for starting the pinewood derby. My two sons competed in the Pinewood Derby for the last 5 years. Thank you, Don.

Steve Herskowitz

July 8, 2008

You brought so much joy and fellowship to millions through Pinewood derby, but none more than to me and my family. Your legacy will endure forever. May God bless your family and keep you safe by his side.

Steve Fluhr

July 8, 2008

My deepest sympathies and most heartfealt thanks to the man who has brought together so many Cubs and their families including myself and my sons. I hope you knew the great impact you have had on so many families.
Godspeed and God Bless you Mr. Murphy.

Cubmaster Pack 112

Tom DeDen

July 8, 2008

Deepest sympathies to son Donn, Melony, and Muriel. We were very fortunate to have gotten to know Don a bit at his son's wedding and birthday bash. My own son competed in the Pinewood Derby just last year. Thank you, Don.

Sincerely,
Tom DeDen
West Valley College
Monica, Connor, and Willie

Terry Wall

July 8, 2008

My personal thanks to the man who invented the most cherished fun activity my son and I have had the joy of doing together.
We'll not forget this man nor his legacy.

-Terry and Travis

MARNIE LUCCHINI

July 8, 2008

TO DON'S FAMILY , FRIENDS AN MURIEL, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN, SO GLAD HE TOUCHED OUR LIVES, HE WILL BE MISSED..
MARNIE AND RAY LUCCHINI

Ginger & Rod Fear

July 8, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to Don's family and Muriel on the loss of a fine man, a fine artist and a fine friend. What a joy he was to know. You are all in our prayers.

Betsy Latz

July 8, 2008

I met Don at Beach Cities Health District, where I work as a Trainer. He was such a dear man, with his big smile and his great attitude. I'm sure grateful for having known him and will really miss him!

July 8, 2008

From Cub Scouts and Cub Scout leaders everywhere, THANK YOU for your contributions to the dreams and happy times for millions of Cub Scouts everywhere.

-a former Cubmaster in Alabama

Rudy Schollée

July 8, 2008

My family's deepest sympathy to Muriel. We were stunned to hear of Don's demise. He was my favorite "old" student. If there is anything I can do for you, Muriel, please let me know. May God rest his soul.

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