Boyd Murphy Jr.

Boyd Murphy Jr.

July 24, 1931 ~ February 2, 2016

Boyd was born in Battleship, West Virginia, July 24, 1931. When he was 17 he married Helen Josephine Toler who was 15. They had 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. They shared 36 years together before Helen’s passing in 1989.

Boyd lived and worked in lots of places in several states such as West Virginia, Virginia, and Colorado. His sense of adventure led him to different jobs, such as working in a coal mine, brakeman for the Virginian R.R. making furniture in a factory, and driving semi – trucks, which eventually led him to become an owner – operator of a logging truck. He was never afraid of hard work and believed in giving a good days work for a good days pay. He loved the mountains of Colorado, spending time there camping, jeeping, hunting, fishing, or riding his bike. Many times in the winter you could find him on the Grand Mesa ice fishing.

Boyd loved riding his Harley, making several cross country trips back east on his bike, and lots of trips around the state. From an early age, his love for music led him to learn to play guitar, banjo, dulcimer, and mandolin. Many days and nights were spent “jamming with his friends and family.” He was so proud of his family, and the love and concern through the years never faded but grew stronger. He put others concerns and needs above his own, which included his many friends along with the family. Boyd never met a stranger, just a friend he had not met yet.

When Boyd was in his 60’s he got his GED high school diploma, something he was so proud of. No matter where he lived he managed to have his garden. When you went for a visit, you just knew a stop by the garden was necessary to see if there was anything he could send home with you. There was a constant battle with the squirrels and raccoons to keep them out of his grapes, and his beloved bird feeders. He loved watching the birds especially his Orioles.

Boyd could fix and repair almost anything, have come from a generation where you repaired things instead of throwing away and buying new. His woodworking skills were truly amazing, from building a home for his family to live in, to the beautiful tables and potato bins which are passed out to family, to the playhouse he built for his grandchildren, are all treasured heirlooms. The hours spent building his model train set to resemble the coal fields in West Virginia is evident in the detail he managed to put in it. Many smiles on the children’s faces at the annual train show, in Montrose, could be seen as they sat on the stool to handle the controls and run the train.

Boyd loved to read and was not afraid to tackle a new experience, one of them building solar panels out of pop cans to help heat his work shop. Another experience was learning to use the computer, which helped him keep up with current affairs in the government and the world. He believed in the United States Constitution and that it was a God given right for men to be free. He would gladly engage in conversation to express his point of view with anyone willing to challenge him. Boyd was baptized and believed Jesus died for our sins. On February 2, 2016, we lost someone who had such an important role in our lives that we will have a void which will be hard to fill. However, if we try to follow the example he set to life a good life, we can fill the void with all the wonderful memories.

Boyd is survived by his wife Ruth Murphy of Austin, CO; his children Harold Murphy of Montrose, CO; Debra (Bruce) Hyatt of Montrose, CO; Darrell (Debra Fender) Murphy of Paonia, CO; Larry Murphy of Montrose, CO; Kirk (Laura) Hayden of Rose Hill, KS ; Ronda (Ross) Hays of Rose Hill, KS;  his brother John (Wanda) Murphy of Lynchburg, VA;  his sisters Louise (Dave) Carpenter of Jacksonville, FL; Nancy (David) Secrist of Granetville, SC; Betty (George) Overfelt of St. Augustine, FL; Delores McArthur of St. Augustine, FL; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and of course his friends.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the charity of your choice in Boyd’s name. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home and Grand View Cemetery.