Michael S. Murphy's Obituary
Michael Sean Murphy, (February 18, 1971 - April 6, 2019) After a long fought battle with renal cell cancer, Mike traveled to his next adventure in the universe. He is survived by his best friend, soulmate and the love of his life, Dawn Anne (Barker) Murphy. He is also survived by his mentor, friend and father Richard James “Murf” Murphy, his step-son Christopher West, his four-legged princess Zoey Murphy, and his extended family and friends.
He was preceded by his mother Mary Elizabeth “Liz” (Belden) and his grandparents Harold James Murphy, Rose Victoria Murphy, and Elizabeth (Murphy) Grimes.
Mike was an inventor and entrepreneur; a small business owner and software aficionado; a tinkerer and mechanic; and all around do-it-yourselfer who could design a car’s electrical system and repair any thingamabob given the right tool & plenty of pvc. He was always looking for ways to improve a vehicle, a machine, a house or anything that needed something a bit extra. Mike relished VWs, the Pink Panther, Robin Williams, Pink Floyd and anything Irish. He enjoyed camping, traveling and exploring places off the beaten path.
Cancer claimed his body but not his spirit for adventure and his special sense of humor. He cherished each day and is waiting for the someday when his love flys over the rainbow to be with him.
Mike’s strongest wish is for everyone to remember him as he was. To celebrate his life and the beauty of the world, friends and family will gather at a place of lasting strength and beauty. A celebration of life will be held at Safety Harbor’s Baranoff Oak Tree, adjacent to the town’s library (across from Starbucks - naturally) on April 20, 2019 at 10:30 AM. To all who can attend, shorts and VW or Pink Floyd T shirt attire preferred. (Come as casual and comfortable as you dare without offending traffic.)
In lieu of flowers or other tributes, friends and relatives are asked to donate to the Michael Sean Murphy memorial fund established at Bank OZK, 9001 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park, Florida, 33782. Funds will be used to place a memorial bench at the Baranoff Oak Tree Park currently under design and development.
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