Dennis Murphy

DENNIS GRANT MURPHY A native of Los Angeles, passed away on April 6, 2004, quietly at his home after a long illness. He was 76 years old. Dennis is survived by his sister, Annette Gahret; brothers, John Murphy and Jerry Murphy; and six children, Michele Bridge tts, Michael Murphy, Carol Sansevero, Grant Murphy, Jean Perry and Denise Puerta; and eleven grandchildren. He was born on June 26, 1927, in Los Angeles. In 1932, his family moved to North Hollywood where he attended Lankershim Elementary School and St. Charles Elementary School. He attended Loyola High School and graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1945. Dennis enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1945, received an Honorable Discharge and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal in A ugust of 1946. He attended the Chouinard Art Institute and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design. During his tenure as Executive Vice President and board member of the design firm Cannell and Chaffin, he was appointed project director for the interior design work at President Nixon's Western White House known as "Casa Pacifica." From 1972 to 1974 Dennis held the position of Editorial Director for Architectural Digest Magazine. In 1974, he established DGM & Associates, his design firm, a nd Stratford House Publishing Company to publish his books. DGM & Associates projects included many private residences across the United States including Bob and Dolores Hope's residence in Toluca Lake. Stratford House Publishing Company books include "The Business of Interior Design", "The Materials of Interior Design" and "Business Management of Interior Design", which were required textbooks by over 200 colleges and universities. In 1977, DGM & Associates and June Given Associates formed a joint ven ture. Some of their collaborative projects included the Governor's residence for George Deukmejian in Sacramento, the corporate offices and company jet for Tutor Saliba, design and renovations at San Joaquin Community Hospital, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Glendale Adventist Hospital and Desert Hospital. Professional accomplishments include: Adjunct Professor of Interior Design at UCLA and the Fashion Institute of Interior Design. He lectured at Western Washington State University and University of Colorado, and was Past President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID). In 1992 he was appointed as a Commissioner for the California States Building Commission. Dennis Murphy enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling and will always be remembered for his practical jokes, incredibly quick wit and love for laughter. He was in every sense of the word, "One of a Kind" and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services will be held at Saint Charles Church, 10:00 a.m., on Friday, April 30, 2004. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Care Hospice (800) 535-9446. J.T. OSWALD MORTUARY N. Hollywood (818) 769-0021