The sound of piano music throughout many locations in the Helena community was noticeably silenced on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Donald Andrew Murphy, a lifelong resident of Helena and pianist lost his courageous medical battle and passed into the hands of his lord and savior Jesus Christ at Saint Peters Hospital.
Donald was born March 5, 1935 in Columbus hospital, Great Falls, MT to Joseph Mathew Murphy and Ann P. Karaffa. His birth mother died at the time Donald was born. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Elizabeth German and Maurice German who he considered his beloved parents. Donald was always proud to tell people he had three mothers, Ann his birth mother, Aunt Elizabeth, his beloved mother, and Mary Murphy, his step-mother who adopted him later in life.
Donald attended schools in Helena, graduating from Cathedral High School. Later he attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and graduated from Carroll College and Eastern Montana Colleges with degrees in education and English. While growing up in Helena, Donald was active in church activities, the Brewery Theater and learned to play piano. As a high school student he frequently played at the Montana Club. He became an elementary school teacher, teaching in rural schools, a military base in Alaska and for over 30 years in the Helena School District. He taught in Smith and Four Georgian schools. His students would remember his tap dancing on top of his desk at the end of the year, if his students completed certain reading requirements. He loved the profession of education. Donald retired from teaching in 1989.
Donald shared his music talents with many clubs and organizations. He played for religious services at Touchmark and social music for clubs and organizations, senior citizens center, Metropolitan Club dinners, nursing homes and many other requests. He seldom turned down a request to play and seldom sought compensation. He was a member and former music cantor at Saint Helena Cathedral parish, and Saint Mary church. He believed music was his gift he could share. He was a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club, former parish council member and active with the retired teachers association.
Survivors include his brothers, Dr. Joseph J. Murphy and Timothy Murphy of Great Falls and Richard Shanahan of Bozeman; Aunt Margaret Olson of Great Falls; and close friend, Betty Scow of Helena. He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country, Kerry Murphy of Downey, CA, Deborah Murphy of Sun Valley, ID, Sean Murphy and Mathew Murphy of Ketchum, ID, Maureen Murphy Mosteller of Calgary, Jessica Murphy of Missoula, Padden Murphy of San Francisco, CA, Connor Murphy and Addison Murphy of Great Falls, Charlie Murphy and Patrick Shanahan of Bozeman, and Joey Murphy who maintained constant contact and would liven Donald’s day with witty cards and surprise visits.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Aunt Elizabeth German, Uncle Maurice German, and Mary Murphy; and nephew Michael Shanahan.
Donald had many friends and neighbors who helped him through life’s journey, particularly in recent months. A special thank you is extended to longtime friend Joan Jezick, Shelley Miller, Mike Johnson, Karlee Smith, Mark Scow, Betty Scow, Monsignor Joseph Harrington, Don Creel, and Rick Bartos. Donald would have wanted to acknowledge special friend, Dusty Duensing former owner of the Parrott Candy Store, and staff at Touchmark and the Lewis and Clark County Library. Acknowledgement of appreciation is also extended to Drs. David Travis, Donald Skillman, Cindy Ford, and Jean Justad for their care and medical attention. Special acknowledgment and appreciation is also extended to Dr. Lee Harrison and the nurses at Saint Peters Hospital for their patience, care and understanding during Donald’s illness.
A Rosary will be prayed, Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A Funeral Mass celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. Interment services will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral after the burial.
Donald would have preferred memorials to the Cathedral of Saint Helena Endowment Fund, 530 North Ewing, or to Saint Andrew School, 1900 Flowerree, Helena.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 21, 2014
Cathedral od St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 22, 2014
Cathedral od St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Wednesday January 22, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Committal
Wednesday January 22, 2014
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 21, 2014
Cathedral od St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 22, 2014
Cathedral od St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Wednesday January 22, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Committal
Wednesday January 22, 2014
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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John and Sherri Staats says
We had the honor and privilege and transport Don to Touchmark him to play piano for the residents for Mass, We remember him as a kind a gentle soul who had a great love for music and his Catholic faith. His favorite song was “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. Well, Don you are now at that Rainbow. Your eyes can see clearly now. You are now with your beloved Mother and you are at peace. Thank you for the beautiful music. You will be missed.
kayla-ann guettler says
I’ve only known don for a few years. But he loved going for walks downtown and to go for coffee with my great grandma. I am a musician and I would have loved to get some pointers from him. Son you will be missed. You can make lovely music in heaven. Love Kayla Ann and my family
Tom Juhl says
RIP Don, you will be with Betty once again.
Kurt Jenewein says
I never had the opportunity to know Don but in my younger years
I enjoyed his music at St. Mary’s Church. I do remember him at The
Montana Club. Thanks for the great memories Don. Rest in Peace.
Carissa Spurzem says
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Murphy’s passing. I was lucky to be one of his students. He was my 4th grade teacher at 4G’s, a lot of years ago:) I had the pleasure of seeing him walking downtown the last few years and was always grateful that I had him as a teacher. Rest in Peace.
Mikal Stoner says
Don was always laughing and smiling! I always loved talking with him at family gatherings and will never forget him. Rest in Peace.
Marilyn Hayes says
I was so sorry to read of Mr. Murphy’s passing. I taught with him for several years at Four Georgians School. He loved kids and really did a great job getting kids to become avid readers.
I will miss seeing him walking around town! Rest in Peace, Dear Mr. Murphy.
John Petaja says
What a lovely man he was! I was fortunate to have him as a 4th grade teacher at Four Georgians in 1988. Such a great teacher, always supportive and excited. He’d teach us antiquated slang (like scissorbill), and on more than one occasion he did tap-dance on his desk. Always encouraging, gentle, and quick to smile or make a joke. I feel very lucky to have been taught by such a great teacher. Thank you, Mr. Murphy.
Shawna Donaldson says
I knew Don through his playing at the Senior Center. He played monthly at our Friday, Birthday Dinners, for as long as I have worked here. He was a talented, kind, gentle man. He will be missed.
AARP Lewis & Clark Chapter says
We were pleased to have Don as member, officer, accompanist and friend. One is always aware of the inevitability of this type of event but one is never prepared. Our condolences to his families and to his other friends.
The Duensing Family says
Don was a wonderful friend, as well as a customer at our family business, The Parrot Confectionery, for many years. He taught Dave at Lincoln School, played piano at Nancy’s memorial and was a presence in our lives almost every day after he reitred. He would stop in for a treat on his way by from the library or senior center. Always a kind, courteous gentle man. When the weather was not the best or he had packages, one of us would always give him a ride home. He so appreciated this small kindness. Condolences to his family members. We will miss him. Wendy Duensing, Dusty, Pam & Lauri Duensing
Robert Rasmussen says
Don was a quiet neighbor and kept to himself much of the time. I would occasionally talk to him or see him on his rounds. He was gracious in his refusal of help and wanted to maintain his independence. I know he contributed much to the community he loved. I will miss him.