Joseph Murphy

Dr. Joseph J. Murphy

GREAT FALLS —Dr. Joseph J. Murphy, 84, of Great Falls, a retired dentist, died of natural causes April 24, 2016 at Peace Hospice, Great Falls, Montana.

"Dr Joe," as he was affectionately known, enjoyed life to the fullest, whether it was flying down the ski slopes, putting the Porsche to the test on the turns between here and Helena, or spending time with his beloved friends at the horse racing track. But most important to him was family time. In the Murphy tradition you can never get too much good old family time. He always made a point to regularly visit not only those getting up in years but to make sure all of the little ones were loved, cared for, getting good grades and going positive places in their lives.

Dr. Joseph Murphy attended Gonzaga University 1949-1951, and in July 1952, he married the love of his life, Carol Vaskey, Great Falls High School graduate class of 1951 (widowed 1987), and then dedicated support to his country as a US Army Paratrooper, 11th Airborne Division 1952-54. Attending College of Great Falls to further his studies from 1954-56. With outstanding grades and leadership accolades he was bestowed a listing in the 'Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities' 1955. Driven with the desire to always help and assist others, he completed his studies at St Louis University School of Dentistry in June 1960 so he could return to Great Falls and establish his private practice by opening up his dental office in August of 1960. He contributed in many ways to the community of Great Falls and to the state of Montana. He was President of the Montana Society of Dentistry for Children 1963-1965, President 4th District Dental Society 1964-1965, President of the College of Great Falls Alumni Association 1969-1970 and continued to be recognized for his professional skills and community support, by being named to the 'Who's Who in the American West' 1972-1973. He was proud to be named President of the Montana Dental Association in 1975-1976.

His love of Frank Sinatra, cars, skiing and horse racing runs deep. He was a member in good standing of the Porsche Club of America since 1973. He tirelessly supported the development of skiing for citizens of Great Falls by being President of the Great Falls Ski Club 1970-1971, Director of Ski Lift Inc (Kings Hill now known as Showdown Ski Area), was a very active member in the Alpine Committee of the Northern Division, United States Ski Association, Alpine Officials Committee for 3 years, and Great Falls Ski Bum for 20 years. He deeply enjoyed the time spent with his dear friends at the horse racing track and he was the Vice President and Board member of Big Sky Horse Racing 1971-1983, Montana Board of Horse Racing 1978-1983 and an active owner of thoroughbred horses.

Survivors include his companion of 21 years, Bobby Whempner; his children Kerry Ann of California, Deborah Murphy, Sean Murphy and Matt Murphy all of Sun Valley, ID, Joey Murphy of Wyoming and Maureen (Matt) Murphy Mosteller of Calgary, AB; brothers Timothy M. (Debbie) Murphy and Dick (Patty) Shanahan both of Bozeman, MT; sister Margaret Olson of Great Falls; cousins Chuck Olson of Great Falls, Nancy Davis of Helena and Paulette Dayton of Great Falls; sister in-law Doreen Vaskey of Raynesford, MT; very proud to have six grandchildren; and as well, very proud of the over 11 nieces and nephews.

Dr. Joseph Murphy was preceded in death by his parents, Ann Karaffe Murphy and Joe Murphy of Great Falls; beloved wife, Carol Vaskey of Great Falls; brother Donald Murphy of Helena; grandparents; numerous uncles, aunts and loved ones.

A special 'Thank you!' goes out to all who were involved in providing care for him during the last couple of years. He deeply appreciated all of the care and support from these caregivers and for the many family and friends who visited during this time.

Please join us Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls for the Rosary at 9:00 a.m. and funeral liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. We would like all who knew Joseph to join in a celebration of his life at the City Bar, Great Falls, 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 and to assist kids in supporting Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, operationsmile.org.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.