Jeff Murdoch

1969 - 2017

Jeff Murdoch
August 6, 1969 - March 26, 2017
Danville, CA
Jeffrey David Murdoch, a resident of Danville, tragically and unexpectedly passed away on March 26, 2017 from cardiac arrest.
Jeff was born on August 6, 1969 to Phyllis Peterson Murdoch and David Donald Murdoch. He was an intelligent, athletic, sensitive, kind, humorous, adorable and extremely well liked boy. Jeff's family moved to rural (at the time) Alamo, CA when he was very young. He enjoyed the quiet, beauty, and ideal setup for their many animals including cats, chickens, horses and dogs.
Jeff had many interests including playing Little League baseball, soccer and horseback riding. He became a professional model, appearing in a number of commercials including for Coca Cola and a cover photo on T.V. Guide. Most of his vacations were with his extended family and involved waterskiing and camping at Lake Shasta or Trinity. He became an excellent skier and wake boarder and his younger cousins and friends will always fondly remember the countless hours he spent teaching them to ski and drive safely. Jeff was also fond of snow skiing and boarding, 49ers games, and often took friends and family with him.
Jeff graduated from Ca State University at Chico with a BA in business administration. After college he worked for the Sun/Netscape Alliance where he was a very successful salesman before starting his own business, Tech Confidant. He specialized in remote IT management for home and small business clients. Jeff was especially focused on providing his clients with advertisement-free email, web serving, cloud storage, and computer security. He will be remembered and missed by his clients for his valuable assistance and generosity of time and effort to help them.
Jeff leaves behind his wife Melissa Sue Murdoch and infant daughters Carter Nicole and Sadie Rae. At the time he passed, Carter was only 16 months and Sadie 3 weeks old. He loved his family dearly, was a natural teacher and an outstanding father. He was always gentle, attentive, and loving. In the short time Jeff had with his kids he spent every minute he could loving and nurturing them. He found joy in taking Carter many places he loved to share his enthusiasm and quietly teach her about nature, water, animals, parks, and playing with balls.
Jeff also leaves behind: his parents Phyllis Lager and David Murdoch, sister Nadine Pestana, brother-in-law Jim Pestana, niece Jamie Pestana, step-father Darrel Lager, step-mother Suzanne Murdoch, five step-siblings, twenty cousins, seven aunts and uncles, and many loving friends. Jeff is preceded in death by grandparents, Lee and Lela Peterson and Don and Donna Murdoch.
Jeff's family wishes to thank the many people who mentored, loved and supported him along his journey. In lieu of flowers, Jeff would be comforted if friends and family keep up on regular medical exams, and work to obtain health care for all.
A separate fund has been set up for each of Jeff's daughters and donations can be made out to Carter Murdoch or Sadie Murdoch, and sent to:
5349 Theresa Way, Livermore, CA. 94550.


View the online memorial for Jeff Murdoch