Donald Edward Murphy

1935 - 2015

DON MURPHY Donald Edward Murphy passed on November 12, 2015 after a short illness, resting peacefully in his home in Durham, California surrounded by his family. Don was born on November 24, 1935 in Oakland, California, where as a kid he rode scooters through the Berkeley Hills and slid down the fire escape tubes at the Clairmont Hotel with his younger brother Mike. Don attended Biggs High School before going to California State University Fresno and was in the Air Force Reserves after graduating from college. The day after graduation, he married the love of his life, Susan Claire Dunham from Lemon Cove. They resided in Northern California in the small farming community of Nelson for 50 years. Don is survived by his five younger brothers and sisters: Mike, Jim, Bill, Jeanne Ross and Anne Origone. He is also survived by his wife Susan and their children Michael, Lynn and Jonathan and five beautiful grandchildren: David, Sarah, Jackson, Joseph and Jorja. Don loved to farm; it's what he dreamed about. He worked hard to engineer, design, and construct any and all possibilities to improve production or efficiency. Leveling land, moving water uphill, harvesting the highest quality crops possible, he was driven to create a new way or improve the old way. He embraced technology, hard work and details. And the day wasn't over until everything was parked in perfect order. Don also loved to fly and began flying as a teenager. In fact, he obtained his pilot's license before passing his driver's license exam. He flew small, single-engine and high performance World War II training aircraft and also enjoyed flying helicopters. Don was also an entrepreneur. He was a founding member of a small, Chico-based bank that focused on providing value to small independent businesses and to the farming communities that he felt were the backbone of our country. Talking about raw materials and valuing the people and farms that created wealth for the economy was his passion. Don donated time and energy to local and national farming organizations as well as lobbying efforts to support the principals he believed in. He was a husband, father, grandfather and he had a lot of buddies. He will be missed. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Our Devine Savior 566 E. Lassen Ave in Chico on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 10:00 am. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Durham Community Foundation PO Box 454, Durham, CA 95938. Share your thoughts and memories of Don at NewtonBracewell.com.