Michael Arthur Richard Murphy

Michael Arthur Richard Murphy, age 95, of Salt Lake City, passed away on February 16, 2026, after complications of acute pancreatitis.

Michael was born on March 15, 1930, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to the late Michael John Richard Murphy and Helen Bernice Choate Murphy. He was the third of five children. He was preceded in death by his wife Ellen, his parents, his four siblings, a great-grandchild, a son-in-law, and two daughters-in-law. Michael (Mike to some, Mick to others), was a natural athlete and competitor. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School where he lettered in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. He also won first place in the Golden Glove boxing competition in his weight division.

Michael joined the service right after high school. He served in the Korean war for three and a half years where he was mostly stationed in Okinawa. He won an award for sharp shooting while in the army. He was honorably discharged on September 3, 1952. After the army he worked for Tooele Army Depot as an Ordnance Inspector until his retirement.

Michael married Ellen Verena Barnhurst on September 6, 1952, in Elko, Nevada. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 11, 1955. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City temple where their children were sealed to them. They were married for seventy-two years. He and Ellen went on two missions for the LDS church: The Singapore Mission which included India and Maylasia, and the SLC Temple Square Mission. Michael held many positions in the church including Bishopric Counselor and Escalante Branch President. Michael’s greatest love and accomplishments were his love and dedication to his wife Ellen and their children: Michael Lee (Rina) Murphy, Laura Rae (Neal) Nickel, Gordon Patrick (Leslie) Murphy, Sandra Dee (Frank) Helland, and John Richard (Mary) Murphy. They have twenty-five grandchildren, sixty-three great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Michael was a devoted husband and father. He was devastated by the death of his wife Ellen a year and a half earlier. She was his everything and he missed her dearly.

Michael was an avid golfer and was proud of having three “holes-in-one.” He golfed weekly until he and Ellen were in a seventeen-car pileup on the freeway in 2017. He was also an avid skier who skied well into his seventies. He was a hunter and fisherman. He was also a great dancer. He fixed all his own cars in his younger days. He was greatly loved by his children and grandchildren. He loved taking his grandkids on bike rides to get ice cream cones or to the mall to people watch. He loved playing games with them, especially dominoes and Rummikub. He loved taking his kids skiing, golfing, motorcycle riding, and sledding. He also loved playing catch with his sons.

Michael is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother-in-law Mike (Carol) Barnhurst, and countless nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and the viewing will be held at the Rose Park North Stake: 1155 N 1200 W, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday February 25th. The viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:45 am. The family meeting and closing of the casket will be from 10:45 to 11:00 am. The funeral will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. The interment will be at 12:30 pm at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123.