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Paul Murphy Obituary

Paul Mark Murphy died August 23, 2010 from a rare cancer. A lifetime resident of San Pedro, Paul was born on November 12, 1939 to John and Esther Murphy. Paul was a graduate of the CA Maritime Academy, where he received his education as a maritime engineer. Serving in the capacity of port engineer for almost 50 years, Paul was one of the most dedicated and respected members of the industry. Paul remained active in his retirement as a member, and last year's president of the Society of Port Engineers. He also volunteered for L.A. Maritime Institute and helped organize the tall ships events in L.A. Harbor. More recently, Paul volunteered his knowledge and expertise aboard the S.S. Lane Victory. He was very proud of the work done onboard the Lane Victory by all involved, and considered her his second home. A man of great integrity and vitality, Paul is survived by his beloved wife and daughter, Merry and Katie - as well as by a host of dear friends, colleagues and extended family...all of whom will take forward a bit of what Paul Murphy gave to them. Services will be held at a later date. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Aug. 25, 2010.

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Ron T Nisbet

August 21, 2025

Paul Murphy was a dear friend and college. He will forever be in my memory and my heart. Meny memories of work and play, You are sorely missed my dear friend.

Merry Murphy

August 22, 2022

My Paul , you are still in my thoughts and always in my heart. Thinking of our time together brings me a smile. Thank you, your Merry

Ronald Nisbet

August 19, 2022

Dear friend and colleague Paul lives on in my fond memories of the time we spent together.

Ron Nisbet

August 19, 2020

I lost a dear friend, business colleague and a man with a great sense of humor. His work ethic and his technical abilities were immense. Paul was my witness when I was interviewed for US citizenship. I miss im dearly.

Jan Keizer

September 17, 2010

A man of good humor and mirth was he, be the job fair or foul. A friend to men of the sea. Well done Paul, Well done.

Jennifer Arnett

September 16, 2010

I love my Uncle Paul and his free, wise spirit will always be in my heart. <3

September 16, 2010

The Parable of Immortality says:
"...She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side...
Her diminished size is in me, not in her..."

Of course the "she" is a vessel but I think this fits Paul very well!He is not diminished in our hearts & never will be. I knew Paul from the Portland area shipyards & was in charge of caring for his Shore Based Spares for many, many years. Paul taught me so much about the industry over the years and was one of few who made me feel I belonged in the male dominant world of ship repair. Whether it was a middle of the night call to air freight parts to one of the ships,the craziness of a dry docking period, hanging out at the Alibi or taking him out boating on our little 16' jet boat on the Willamette; each moment was special. Paul always made me feel special & I will miss him terribly. May his family feel the love of all of us who will miss him & know they were lucky to have shared Paul's life. Janice Greiff

September 14, 2010

THE SUN & MOON SHINED TOGETHER
THE DAY YOU PARTED OUR EARTHLY WEATHER

SAIL ALONG THE BEST OF SEAS
WITH THE BEST OF EASE
TRAVEL WHEREVER YOU PLEASE

AND IN THE MONTH OF ELEVEN
THOUGHTS WILL BE OF YOU UP IN HEAVEN

UNCLE PAUL

Kevin Lyons

September 9, 2010

Happy memories of clinking glasses and many laughs in "Olsens", San Pedro. You were always good company Paul and a fair man of Great Integrity --Sadly Missed by all at "Marcon Engineering" !

A little VO after a hard day of cruising

September 8, 2010

Paul & Ivan at the helm

September 8, 2010

September 8, 2010

Thank you, Paul, for being my Wonderful Husband,

And for being Katie’s Wonderful Dad.

You are a man who has touched so many lives in so many good ways.

You are a Man who will always be remembered –

In our hearing – for your laugh
In our sight – for your smile
In our senses – for your very presence
And, in our hearts – for forever

Paul, You and I were given love instead of time.

And, If love could have saved you,

You would have lived forever.

Darling, You will be Forever in my Heart.

I love you

Lane Victory

September 7, 2010

Italy

September 7, 2010

Marisa Smith

September 7, 2010

Papa Paul,

Thank you for the stories, laughs and adventures, I will cherish these memories forever. I will love and miss you always.

Bob Gavin

September 7, 2010

Some of my fondest memories come from my time spent working in the marine industry. The men and women I worked with were the very best. And Paul, you were always a stand-out guy in that group, and never without an entertaining story at "Happy Hour." May you rest in peace, and enjoy the big "Blue Room" in the sky.

My deepest sympathy to Paul's family.

September 4, 2010

September 4, 2010

September 4, 2010

Love you ...

September 4, 2010

Lane Victory Wedding

September 3, 2010

Paul

September 3, 2010

Roy Zimmerman

September 2, 2010

My memories of Paul go back to a train wreck in South America. He stopped two trains on a mountain side if my memory serves me. We were both cadets at the time and he was respected by both upper and lower classmen. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Tom Maples

September 1, 2010

I always called you Murph. We spent many years working on ships together. You were always straight forward,fair and honest. You will be missed my dear friend. I will toast a V.O. at Tadd's in memory of you. We have all lost a incredible friend and a one of a kind person.

Hardy Scroggin

September 1, 2010

My friendship with Paul is truly an honor and a blessing. I will miss him greatly and think of the times we spent together often. I am very sad to lose a great friend.

Ivan Chandler

August 31, 2010

First a Customer and Friend, then a Co-worker,Friend and Buddy and finally a Buddy and Brother. Paul what a fine time we've had. I miss you dearly. Merry, Katie, John and Betsy, I and Jeanne grieve with you over the loss of an exceptional man.

August 31, 2010

I called you Paulie No-Legs, Wonder why? I should have said Paulie Big-Heart. As I sit here with a tear on my cheek, it hits home that You won't be in Mobile for Mardi-Gras ever again, I am missing you. Our sitting at dinner eating Crab Claws and West Indies salad, and that ever present jug of VO to wash it all down. Your jocular stories going around the table,,,,,I loved you.

Barbara Thompson Daphne, Al

Kerry Walsh

August 31, 2010

My father worked with Paul when he had ships in Portland. As a kid I remember my dad and his co-workers calling him "Pleasant Moments", a reference to his tenacity as a Port Engineer. As I grew into my own maritime career I worked with Paul on many occasions and we became good friends. He was a good man, one of a kind.

Candi Garrett (DeFord)

August 31, 2010

When I worked at NW Marine, I had the honor to work with Paul when he was with West Coast Shipping. He always had that smile going on and something to say. He ran a great ship! Alot of my shipyard coworkers have kept me updated over the years of Paul which I greatly appreciate. I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers go out to Paul's family and friends. I'm glad I had the chance to work with and know Paul.

Patty Young

August 31, 2010

Paul was one of a kind. Full of life and love. It is an honor and blessing to have known him and shared many good times. He will be missed by so many. God Speed. Patty & Ruben

Jon Sandstrom

August 30, 2010

I was lucky to know Paul since about 1980. I really enjoyed working with him, there was no room for less than 100% from everyone on his jobs. Paul had a great sense for knowing what was important and what was not.At the end of the day he could always entertain with a great story.I've lost a great friend, I'm glad I had the chance to know him.

sandy miller

August 30, 2010

I will so miss Paul at our reunions, he was always so happy and witty. Paul and I were from the same neighborhood, and went all through school together. He was a great guy.
Sandy Miller/Morriss

Pete Bonebakker

August 30, 2010

Paul, Fairwinds and Following Seas.

ROBERT NOZEIKA

August 30, 2010

THANK YOU FOR KINDNESS THRU THE YEARS

BOB /MARCON ENGINEERING

August 30, 2010

Paul, you had a great attitude toward life and you will be missed by all. Mark R.

Victor Goldberg

August 29, 2010

It only took but a moment to like the cut of Paul's jib. He was the salt of the earth, a hard-working man that shot straight from the hip. We became friends while he worked in NJ and remained friends upon his return to San Pedro.
The waterfront is not the same without him.
Fair winds and following seas Paul as you head out to sea.

August 29, 2010

It only took but a moment to like the cut of Paul's jib. He was the salt of the earth, a hard-working man that shot straight from the hip. We became friends while he worked in NJ and remained friends upon his return to San Pedro.
The waterfront is not the same without him.
Fair winds and following seas Paul as you head out to sea.

Jennifer Arnett

August 29, 2010

Uncle Paul I will always remember you as one of the most understanding, loving, caring, and devoted uncles in all the world. I will truly miss my Uncle Paul. I will always love you Uncle Paul.

Uncle Paul & Auntie Merry at Hendry's Beach, Santa Barbara, CA after having a beautiful brunch at the Boathouse. Blessed meal...

Jennifer Arnett

August 29, 2010

Uncle Paul & Jenny, love him forever and ever.

Jennifer Arnett

August 29, 2010

Eddy Mascitto

August 29, 2010

Paul, my best friend in life, you will always be in my heart and prayers; I am lost without you.

MaryAnn and Joe Mardesich

August 28, 2010

Dear Katie and Merry,
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May you be comforted by knowing he touched so many lives for the better and the sweet memories you have of him.
God Bless you
MaryAnn and Joe

August 28, 2010

Paul, you were a good friend & we had a blast @ mardi gras here in mobile, al. i will cherish the lovely earrings you sent to me. taff liked you immediately as you & he shared the engineering bond, he thought of you as a very smart man. You will always be remembered here, condolences to your wife & daughter. love, jean & taff jones, stapleton, alabama

John Donahue

August 28, 2010

Merry & Katie, Our sincere condolonces, thoughts and prayers on the loss of Paul. He was a true friend and shipmate of mine at CMA and he will be missed by all of his classmates in both '63 & '64. John Donahue, CMA 1963, Coronado, CA

August 27, 2010

Merry and Katie, I didn't know Paul very well, but I admire and respect his engineering knowledge and dedication to our work aboard the Lane Victory. I especially enjoyed a conversation we had about mutual friends we had at Richfield Oil. He will be missed on the Lane.
Heartfelt condolences, Norm Bolas

August 27, 2010

Ray Mann

August 27, 2010

Merry, Katie, Betsey, and all Paul's circle of family and friends. I wish you the most sincere thoughts, wishes, and prayers that with the loss of Paul, his memory and legacy will live on. He was a true seafarer and a friend. His current voyage may be over, but I am certain he will sail on forever. Rest in peace my friend.

Carri Olguin

August 27, 2010

To my husband Bert & me, he will always be our "Uncle Paul". He was a true friend to Andy Kustich & my mother Carolyn. We will miss dancing with him at the Elks. It's your dance now, Paul.

Manuel, Manny Rordiguez

August 27, 2010

Paul you will missed,I remember all the
shipyard periods that we, went thru, with Hendy intl and then west coast shipping, then with the Coast Range.
I will truely miss you my friend.

August 27, 2010

Paul I remember you throgh all the times
when we started at hendy Intl. and then west coast shipping and all the yard periods that went thru. You wiil be my friend. My condolences to your dauther and wife.
Manny Rodriguez ex.chief engr. coast range.

HEATHER & APRIL

August 27, 2010

Uncle Paul,
We all will miss you, and hold you close in our memories....
"you girls should do a double mint commercial"

Thanks for being you.

Merry& Katie WE are sorry for your loss, may his spirit live with you both.

From the AMBLER TWINS

August 27, 2010

Merry & Katie, I did not know Paul personally - only through my freindship with Merry - but every time I saw him he wore that same beautiful smile, and that is how I will remember him. My deepest condolences to both both of you and the rest of your family.
Cheryl Ferreira, San Pedro CA

Ken Passe, '69E

August 27, 2010

It was an honor to meet Paul at the 2009 Cal Maritime Homecoming, through our mutual friend Randy Sautner. To my graduation group, Paul was something of a legend because of that crazy train wreck in Colombia 'way back then. My best to Merry and Katie in this difficult time.

Duncan McClure

August 27, 2010

"You are greatly missed my friend", I am very sad.

With Great Respect,
Duncan

Don Gutleben

August 27, 2010

We are going to miss you Paul. You are one class act. There will always be fond memories. With a heavy heart, farewell. Don Gutleben

Sean Colbert

August 26, 2010

Dear Paul,
I wanted to start by giving you a hard time, because that't the way you would want it. For those of you that don't know I am Paul's Stepson. Paul, I will will miss the easy smile, the loyalty that you showed and exuded and the (i think we can all agree) the way you made everyone you talked to feel special. As Merry's son and Paul's Step-son, thank you all for your well wishes. My Mom, Katy, and Myself thank you.

Sean Colbert

Bob Piazza 65E

August 26, 2010

As midshipmen at the California maritime Academy in the early 60's, Paul and made many a trip together from school to LA and back on holidays. He was always a great friend and humorous travel companion.
Most importantly Paul was a decent and kind person.
I hope we meet again at the last port of call.

August 26, 2010

"At Fiddler's Green, where seamen true
When here they've done their duty
The bowl of grog shall still renew
And pledge to love and beauty."

Fiddler's Green will be a better place now that Paul is there.

Captain E. Norman George
West Coast Shipping Company 1989-1997
Crowley Maritime Corp. 1997-2003

Michael Barnaby Rudge

August 26, 2010

Whether it was crawling through filthy tanks and void spaces with him, having a business lunch with him, or laughing at his endless string of funny sea stories in his own front room, I always felt completely at ease with Paul. His ease with life was inspirational and infectious.

August 26, 2010

Paul was the best,never forgotten.We will miss him
with Love Lonnie and Diana

Paul Matheson E'63

August 26, 2010

Paul has been a great friend since Indoc @ CMA. I have to assume his tasts have matured since 1960 when he introduced me to "Mountain Castle" at $1.06 a gallon. Sleep in Peace Paul, we all miss you..

August 26, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about Paul. We go way back to Pt. Fermin Elementary School, kinder, I think. I will miss seeing him at reunions. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Ingrid Birmingham

John Lunkes

August 26, 2010

Paul was the best of shipmates and a truly good person.
He will be missed by many.

Cindy Gandia

August 26, 2010

Katie and Merry,
Paul will be missed by all who came in contact with him. He had that special and distictive laugh that made everyone laugh. We was a great guy to work with and he could tell a great story. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
Cindy

Amy & Bob Ebbert

August 26, 2010

We are so very sorry, and sad about Paul's passing. He was a warm and loving person, always generous with his volunteer efforts, his comfort or a smile to those in need. God must have a special place for Paul. Merry and Katie our hearts break for you. Paul loved you both so much and cherished all the wonderful times together. He frequently told us of how grateful he was for both of you in his life. We will miss Paul, even though he will always remain close in our hearts.

William Riggs

August 26, 2010

My sincerest condolences to Merry and Katie.

Yvonne Legge

August 26, 2010

Katie our condolences, may he rest in peace. Yvonne and Matt Legge

August 26, 2010

As an engineer, a loyal crew member, a hard worker and as a wonderful person he will be sorely missed by all his shipmates on the LANE VICTORY.
Don Knight....

August 26, 2010

My sincere condolences to Paul's family and friends.It was always good to see him
when we were at the shipyard at the same time. May he rest in peace.
Bob Tompkins

Colette Michaud

August 26, 2010

Merry and Katie - My sincere condolences to you both. Although I knew Paul only for a short while - what I knew of him will always make me smile. He was such a funny, gentle man. He certainly will not be forgotten.

Colette

August 26, 2010

Katie and Merry,

Paul was a very wonderful and decent person. My family joins me in extending our condolences on his untimely passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne Pritti

August 26, 2010

Katie and Merry,

Paul was a wonderful and very decent person.All of my family sends their condolences on his untimely passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.He will be greatly missed.

Joanne Pritti

T.S.G.B.

Randy Sautner

August 26, 2010

It appears Paul met all of life's challanges "Laborare pugnare parati sumus" ~ Sileo puteus carus amicus!
Merry, Katie and family -
Brooks and I send you our sincere condolences.

August 25, 2010

Paul Murphy a product of the San Pedro waterfront when it was great and part of a vanishing breed of American Merchant Seamen. Always part of the crew Paul...

Jim Gillen Lane Victory

August 25, 2010

I knew paul only from telephone conversations in regards to some prints borrowed from the redoak victory
he was a great guy I'am sorry to here about his passing.
Greg P Blasquez.C/E Redoak victory

Cal Mock

August 25, 2010

My since condolences to the Murphy family. I was a classmate and close friend of Paul. We studied together and partied together. We had many mutual friends and shared adventures and mischief. Paul will not be forgotten. It is sad to lose an old friend. May he rest in peace.

George Conrad

August 25, 2010

Just a good , old friend . He could laugh at anything . Doesn't seem possible that he's not just a phone call away anymore . I miss him .

Brian Morris

August 25, 2010

Paul will be greatly missed. He was a strong, hard working man loved by all.

David Winter, E-'62

August 25, 2010

Paul asked me to relieve him when he had a ship go into SFDD and his mom, then in her 90's, fell. It was an honor then, and not nearly as much fun as when we both snuck out of the SFPHS Hospital and played pool and drank beer all afternoon and then tried to sneak back in, with limited success. He was my friend and will be sincerely and deeply missed.

Eric Gully

August 25, 2010

Paul was one of those special people you remember all you your life and I will continue to remember him with fond memories. My condolences to Merry & Katie

Dan Gleason

August 25, 2010

Dear Merry and Katie, I was a classmate of Paul's at CMA and we became good friends. We also visited him in the hospital when he was recovering from the train wreck. To say that Paul was a great guy and will be missed by many is an understatement. Everyone at CMA, back in our time, remembers and loved the guy. He will be missed. Dan Gleason (Richland, WA)

Larry Teague

August 25, 2010

Wonderful person. Didn't see him often enough, but when I did, it was always a fun reunion.
Paul was one of the best, and a great shipmate.

Mike McCutcheon

August 25, 2010

I w3as on the train in 1962. I was also one of the few who made it to Cali and talked with the consulate to notify our parents. It was a heck of a time. My condolences to the family.

Charla Martinez

August 25, 2010

Paul was one of the first people I knew when I moved to San Pedro. He sat across the aisle from me in third grade at Pt. Fermin elementary school. I last saw him at our 50th class reunion at the Elks Club. He was a fun, friendly, interesting person, and I will miss him.
Charla Frogue Martinez

August 25, 2010

Paul, We worked and played hard together. It was never dull. You leave a hige gaping hole!
Condolencies to Merry, Katy and Betsy.
Ron Nisbet

Tony Demaria

August 25, 2010

God bless you Paul.

Tony Demaria Electric

August 25, 2010

Merry, My heart goes out to you and your family, you're in my thoughts & prayers. Sometims lift is just not fair

LOL Madelene Noe

August 25, 2010

Why is it that the best seem to leave us too soon? Haven't seen Paul since graduation but the memories are all good. Al Herrick (CMA roommate)

August 25, 2010

"My sincerest condolences to Merry and Katie. Paul was a gentle and giving individual who brought warmth and humor to all he did. His friends and colleagues in the Harbor and on Lane Victory will miss him greatly." Marty Dodell, S.S. LANE VICTORY

Patti Folsom & Mike Medina

August 25, 2010

Dear Merry and Katie,
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. May it help to know that so many people are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. The memory of Paul's wonderfully warm smile and always interesting conversations will be with us always.

With deepest and heartfelt sympathy and lots of love,

Cala Carter

August 25, 2010

We will miss Paul very much, but keep him in our memories as good conversationalist, a great sailor, and such a gentleman. Paul brought alot of happiness to our sister, Merry, and we now have more family, thanks to Paul. Merry and Katie, and all, our love is with you.

Cappy Cross

August 25, 2010

Working with Paul at LAMI showed me a person who was always kind and giving to friend and stranger alike, without exception. I am honored to know that I carry part of his spirit in mine. To Merry and Katie, deepest wishes for peace and joy in having shared his path!

David Ohlson, 64D

August 25, 2010

Paul will be missed. His passing brings back memories of our time together husbanding and working on ships. He was a committed, competent and fun loving shipmate.

Betsy Murphy

August 25, 2010

I will miss you always.

August 25, 2010

Paul, in remembrance of the many wonderful times and good fellowship
we often shared together in the early days of our careers. Rest in peace old friend.

Torrance Parker

Darin J. Denos

August 25, 2010

Paul was a man's man! he had forgotten more than most people will ever know! they dont make them like that anymore! Your husband & Father will be greatly missed. Paul was a true asset to this industry and an all round great man!

Terrance Simkin

August 25, 2010

Paul was a classmate with me from CMA E64. Paul is remembered as a well liked shipmate. My pal Randy Sautner, also E64, sent me photos of the class reunion. I am still teaching so not able to attend. A real missed opportunity.

So sorry for your loss, it is too early for him to have left...

Sandy Lightman

August 25, 2010

I'll always remember Paul for his love of life and knowing how to celebrate it. We had many joyful times. He will be missed tremendously by many.
Some of my favorite memories of Paul are his ingenious Halloween costumes; from the "man in the shower" at La Conga, which was challenging, but oh so fun, to dance with him to his very unique "Organ Grinder". Then he was such a good sport being the devil to our Witches of Eastwick theme! He always added a special energy to everything he did.
I am honored to call him my friend and will miss him dearly.

August 25, 2010

Dear Merry, You have my deepest sympathy.
Love.....John Webster

Pete Peters 64D

August 25, 2010

Paul is in a much better place. God Bless him and his family.

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