Brian Patrick Murphy

1945 - 2017

January 31, 1945 - March 29, 2017 Brian Murphy of Discovery Bay, Washington passed away March 29, 2017 at the age of 72 from lung cancer. Brian was born in San Francisco, California to Jeremiah Murphy and Agnes O'Toole Murphy. He graduated from high school in Sacramento, California He attended Sacramento City College where he met friends that would be life long friends. He worked for juvenile correction for a time that left a lasting impression upon him. His big adventure began in the 70's that would shape his life. He and a friend hitchhiked to Alaska. They rode the Alaska ferry and landed in Ketchikan. He loved the "raw" feeling of Alaska. He had varied employment. He logged in Sitka, he bartended at the infamous Shamrock Bar in Ketchikan and he worked for the city of Ketchikan. Still the wanderer and wanting to see more of Alaska. He traveled north and worked on the Alaska pipeline as a laborer. He was proud to retire as a member of the laborer's union. In his 40's he returned to school. He graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a master's degree in teaching. He taught English in Anchorage and Seattle. In some ways Brian had come full circle from juvenile corrections to teaching high school English. He had an affinity for teens that struggle in their lives, as he had personal experience with that. He will be greatly missed, especially his ironic quick humor and his fondness for the English language. He was a decent human being with many contradictions. There will be no service. His ashes will be spread in Alaska and California. Three siblings survive him: Trish Murphy of Port Townsend, WA, Larry Murphy and his partner Eliza Wintzer of Ketchikan, AK, Sheila Murphy of Port Townsend, WA, and his nephew Parker McClelland of Brooklyn, New York. Any rembrances that wished to be shared can be sent to S. Murphy 524 Root St Port Townsend, WA 98368.