Bruce James Murphy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce James Murphy, who was born in Everett, MA and died in Novato, CA.

Bruce was so many things – intelligent, hilarious, eccentric, passionate, ambitious, and loving, a husband, father, brother, and friend. 

Bruce felt at home in Arizona, where he graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Geological Engineering. He loved rooting for the U of A Wildcats basketball team, enjoying a win in his final days.

Bruce was an avid mineral collector and could spend hours in the field searching for specimens or poring over his microscope to inspect them. He specialized in the mineralogy of Arizona and specifically the mines of Mammoth-St Anthony, Tiger, and Tombstone. He made many important contributions to the field of geology; his data and photographs have been published in the Mineralogical Record as well as the books "Collecting Arizona" and the 4th edition of the "Mineralogy of Arizona". His expertise led him to discover several unknown minerals, and he proudly had one named after him – Murphyite. Visit mindat.org to view photos from his illustrious collection.

In addition to his mineral discoveries, Bruce had many other accomplishments. He founded a successful company, IntelliWaste, Inc. Prior to this, his geological engineering career took him across the United States, from mapping uncharted lands to working at government test sites in places such as New Mexico and Alaska.

Bruce had many hobbies and passions in addition to geology. He was an incredible chef, designed model railroad layouts, loved fast cars and fine clothes, earned a black belt in karate, enjoyed Tai Chi, adored science fiction books and movies, camped out in the Arizona desert, and so much more. 

Bruce's final days battling COPD were spent with his family, recalling memories and sharing stories, giving advice and hugs. He died surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife Lisa; children Lindsay (Josh), Ashley (Eliot), Colton (Erica), and Savanna (John); and grandchildren Declan, Shiloh, and Simone. We miss him greatly.