Robert Gordon Murphy
1944 – 2009
Robert Gordon Murphy died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife on February 1, 2009 thus ending his courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1944, Bob was brought up in Montclair, NJ, by his parents, Dr. A. Gordon and Jane Marquardt Murphy. After graduating from Colgate University in 1966 and attending Army OCS, he was stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ, where he served as liaison officer in the Signal School during the day and spent most of his off duty hours surf casting for striped bass.Bob’s father was an avid hunter and fisherman, and whether by nature or nurture, Bob acquired the same passions and then some. His career embodied and enhanced his love of the outdoors as he worked for the very ÿ nest sportsmen’s outfitters: first Abercrombie and Fitch in New York City and San Francisco, then Eddie Bauer in Seattle, and finally Orvis in Manchester, VT. A man of many talents, Bob was an exceptional marksman, fly fisherman, wildlife artist, dog trainer, duck caller, decoy collector and storyteller. His devotion to Labrador retrievers was legend. “If one could equate religious fervor with the love of all things retriever,” wrote a friend, “then Bob Murphy is a deacon of the Labrador Church.”Bob’s love for the outdoors was exceeded only by his love for his family. Left to mourn their loss and treasure his memory are his wife, Susan Hawkey Murphy, his son Christopher and spouse Hillary, his daughter Sandra and spouse Mike Klay, his sisters Nancy Murphy Salmon and Susan Hills Murphy and their spouses Ted Salmon and Gerry Thomas, two aunts, an uncle, a niece, two nephews and cousins galore. Family and friends will gather for a celebration of “Murph’s” life on February 14, 2009 from 11a.m – 2 p.m. at the Inn at Willow Pond in Manchester, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Museum of Fly Fishing or the conservation organization of one’s choice c/o Brewster Funeral Service, PO Box 885 Manchester, VT 05255. To send personal e-mail condolences to the family please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.185047
