Keith Thomas Murphy

Keith Thomas Murphy, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, died saving the lives of his children at Big Lagoon on February 22, 2004.

Keith was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, on June 9, 1963. Keith relocated with his family to Arcata in 1971. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary, Sunny Brae, St. Bernard’s and graduated from Arcata High School, Class of ‘81. Keith moved to Oregon where he attended college and returned to Humboldt County -Trinidad in 1998. Keith was instrumental in the acquisition and remodeling of the Murphy’s market in Trinidad and its operation for the past six years. He and his wife Michaela and family have been residents of that community for the past six years. Keith loved Trinidad and was very active in the local community and was a member of the Trinidad Chamber of Commerce and was a board member. Keith was always willing to donate his time to the community. His generous spirit will always be remembered.

A gifted athlete who loved the outdoors, Keith loved backpacking and camping in the Trinity Alps, hiking in Patrick’s Point State Park and ironically Big Lagoon was a favorite place for Keith to gather his thoughts and recharge. Keith also loved music and was known to play the harmonica occasionally. One of his favorite groups was the ‘Grateful Dead’. Keith was proud to have seen over 100 Dead shows.

Keith was a family man. He loved his wife and children and always included them in his life each day. He was so proud of his boys and everyone will remember him saying to daughter Caitlin, “Okay, Cait, whatever you want.” His sisters remember his broad smile and great hugs and unselfish support. He will be missed by his sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends, co-workers and customers will miss his friendly smile and great sense of humor.

Oh, Keith, we did not have you with us nearly long enough. We will miss you every day.

Keith is survived by his wife, Michaela Murphy; children, Tyler “Murph” and Caitlin; stepchildren, Tyler, Sean, and Breanne Butler-Smith and her son Joshua; mother, Carolyn Murphy of Rogue River, OR; father, Patrick Murphy and partner Suzanne Perry and daughters Kodi and Chanti of Arcata; grandfather, Al Ramsey of Rogue River, OR; sisters, Janette Murphy and husband Roy Barnette, Dana and husband Steve Holcomb, Tricia Murphy and her partner Zach; nieces, Jessica Wilson, Lindsay Wilson, Kelsey Dean, Carley Wilson, Bella Storee, Lizziegrace Barnette and Autumn Holcomb; nephews, Ramsey Barnette, Nick Dean, Tait Barnette, Dylan Wilson, Mason Wilson; great-nephew, Jordan Wilson; uncle and aunt, Don and Mary Rosebrook; cousins, Don Rosebrook and wife Jennifer, Shelly Goodrich and husband John, Susie Reeser and husband Bryan, and Debbie Rosebrook and her partner Doug. Keith is survived by many other aunts, uncles and cousins who live out of the area. He is survived by his longtime friends Jerry Hnilo, Ken Jarvela, Jim Wilson, Bill McKenzie, Kelly Carlin, Scott Cahill, Hose, Pif, Broderson, Geoff and many others too numerous to list. You know who you are, and he loved you all. He also leaves his most faithful companion, Peg dog, who helped find our beloved Keith.

Thanks to everyone who has been so wonderfully supportive. We love you. Your kindness in words, gestures, thoughts and prayers will be remembered. A service to celebrate Keith’s life will held this Saturday, March 6, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. at the school in Trinidad. All who would like to share in a celebration of this kind man’s life are invited to come.

Remember to let the people you love know every day. Keith did.

In lieu of flowers we encourage donations in Keith’s name to go to ‘The Humboldt County Search and Rescue’ organization.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.