Guy Donald Murphy

Guy Donald Murphy

Guy Donald Murphy, a Sitka barber for many years, died May 24, 2010 in Mason County General Hospital, near Olympia, Wash., after suffering for a long period with heart trouble.

He was 87.

He was born Sept. 3, 1922 in Lusk, Wyo., one of four children of Guy and Ethel Murphy. His father was a country doctor, and his mother a homemaker. He grew up during the Depression working on ranches during the summer for room and board.

He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving from 1941 to 1946, and stationed for a time in Samoa. He was an aviation radioman and achieved a rank of petty officer first class.

In 1950 he went to barber college in Denver, Colo. He had a barber shop in Palo Alto, Calif., for a time then came to Sitka in 1961 on the advice of Pete Meland, who had been working in Palo Alto before coming to Sitka himself. Guy tended bar at the American Legion before opening Sitka Barber Shop-and becoming fondly known as "Murph the Barber," skilled at both his trade and friendly conversation.

Guy loved boxing, singing, playing the trumpet, fishing, hunting, cooking and entertaining his friends with his great personality and wit.

He was a member of the Sitka Elks Lodge, where he served as grand exalted ruler.

The family left Sitka in about 1977.

Guy was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his son, Joseph Patrick, who was killed in a traffic accident at age 21; a sister, Ruth; and a brother, Hap.

He is survived by his sons, Michael Murphy of San Carlos, Calif., and Dennis Murphy of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Susan Murphy of San Diego; and a sister, Phyllis, of Washington state.

His children will honor his life at a private ceremony Aug. 21 in San Carlos. Those that would like to send a remembrance to be read at the ceremony may contact Michael Murphy at MikeCynLove@sbcglobal.net.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records