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Earl Murphy Obituary
Earl Murphy, retired City Attorney of Redding, born May 11, 1919, the only child of Earl David Murphy and Sarah Mccullough (Annie Laurie) Denham, leaves a full legacy with five married adult children, 12 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and a great granddaughter "on the way". Marilyn Reit and Denhan Michael (Denny) Murphy reside in Redding, David Murphy lives in Tualatin, Oregon, Marcia Lincoln lives in Richland, Oregon and Mark Murphy lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He served his country in the South Pacific from 1941 - 1945 as Lieutenant/ Captain U.S.N. of first, a rocket gun boat complete with 12 rocket launchers and, finally, an LST (landing craft tank).
After graduating from Occidental College and Harvard Law School, and three cruises through the Panama Canal courtesy of the U.S. Navy, Earl began his private law career in Los Angeles and Alhambra, California. He decided early in his career that public service to the law and to his community was better suited to his ideals and to his personality. He was the elected City Attorney of Alhambra and, in 1962, became the appointed City Attorney of Redding and served in that capacity until 1980.
His career included the development of the General Plan, the Civic Auditorium, The Mall, Redding's search for more inexpensive electrical power (WAPA), waste disposal, and the annexations of the Enterprise and Cascade districts.
Tenacious, assertive, loyal, involved... throughout his life he fought "battles"/ causes for the Lions Club, Order of Masons, Western Area Power Admin., Northern California Power Agency, P. G. and E., Northern California Municipal Electrical Assoc., Shasta Lake Boaters' Assoc., Rivercity Jazz Society, Shasta County Grand Jury and the City of Redding Cable Television Committee.
A love of life, community, knowledge, reading, music, food, sports, the water (especially Shasta Lake), family and friends...each of these is manifest in his beloved children and grandchildren.
May God bless you.
We love and miss you dad, "Big E", grandpa.
Service will be 10:00 am Saturday, September 26th at McDonald's Chapel on Continental St. Redding.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Murphy
Pat Flentye
October 4, 2009
To all the Murphy kids - my mother Betty Lieberg and I send our sympathy on the loss of your dad. Earl was one of my father's (Pres Lieberg's) dearest friend from your Alhambra days when he was city attorney. I had no idea he was living in Redding. How I would have loved having a visit with him, since we lost my dad in 1988. I just spoke to my mom to share the sad news and she also remembered your mother, Mary Margaret, with such fondness since they both had 5 children! Marilyn, I believe our paths have crossed on many occasions through Gateway, as I have just retired from Buckeye School of the Arts. I had no idea you had roots in Alhambra and we shared so much history! Your dad was a fine man. Please extend our love and sympathy to your entire family. Sincerely, Pat Lieberg Flentye
Gregg Claeys
September 28, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Murphy family from Gregg & Greta Claeys. I still remeber playing Chess with Earl and going water skiing when a bear was swimming near by on lake Shasta when Jerry III.(my brother) and I visited their home in 1966.
Alice Hastings
September 27, 2009
Robert and I extend to all of the Murphy clan our deepest sympathies on your loss. Marilyn, Marcia, Denny Mike, David and Mark, Earl loved you and your Mom so much. I know that you, your spouses and children will all miss him, but I also know that you have wonderful memories to comfort you.
I worked for Earl for 15 years, and he was the best boss I have ever had. He was also my mentor and a good friend. I admired his intellect, respected his honesty, and genuinely liked him.
Earl was always on the right side of every issue. He loved Redding and the north state, and this city owes him its gratitude for all that he helped to accomplish here.
While Earl’s work was important to him, his favorite times I think were those hours that he spent with MM and the family, aboard the Blue Goose on Shasta Lake. Earl and MM were the perfect couple, and they worked together to produce a really fine family. He was so proud of all of you, and I know you were just as proud of him.
Like you, none of us who knew Earl will ever forget him.
Jacquelyn Claeys
September 27, 2009
To all the Murphy family. Our family is thinking of you and praying for you at this time, when you lost your "Dad". He lived a long and full life, but that doesn't seem to help the "hole" that he filled for so many people and for so many years. It felt the same way when our Dad died 6 years ago. I still want to pick up the phone and call either him or my Mom, just to talk or ask a question. It's family
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Love, Jacque Claeys/ Harry Kilroy, Abby and Jill
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Dennis Bales
September 26, 2009
Denny and family.I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris Claeys
September 24, 2009
Chris and Patrice Claeys, and their two teenage daughters, Molly and Suzy offered our kindest thoughts and prayers at this time of loss for the extended Murphy family. May Earl rest in peace... and we will join him in heaven someday. God Bless the Murphy clan.
In sympathy, Chris.
Marie Bryant
September 23, 2009
Earl (and M.M.)became close friends to me and my parents when we moved to Redding in 1969. Boating, BBQing, and Politics--mixed with lots of kids coming and going--made hanging out at Earl and M.M.'s beautiful home in Sunset Terrace a big thrill for me. I was always in awe of such a fabulous family willing to open their hearts and their home to neighbors, friends, and of course kids! No one was more kind and welcoming than Earl Murphy!
Much love all the family, Marie Henson Bryant
Kathleen Fator
September 23, 2009
Mr. Murphy was a positive influence in my life when I was a young girl. I remember him as a kind and intelligent man. My sincere condolences to his family.
Katy (Wood) Fator
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