Daniel "Bud" Murphy

HAMILTON - His journey here on earth at its end, our dearly loved son, husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, Dan age 87, passed away peacefully on January 12 surrounded by his loving family and dog Lu. He loved life and fought a long battle with COPD. He is now with his God and surrounded by the family and friends that went before him. Daniel was born on January 30, 1925 in Missoula. His childhood was spent roaming the hills in Stevensville, Corvallis and Hamilton. In 1947, he married is life-long partner, Celestine Erhart. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. During World War II, Dan was stationed in the South Pacific on a dry-dock ship maintaining Naval vessels. He loved the ocean, and often spoke of how he longed to get back out and sail the seas again. He was a dairyman, making cottage cheese and ice cream for Medo-Land Dairy in Missoula. He was the ice cream Pied Piper of Orchard Homes and all the neighborhood kids stopped by the dairy for a special treat from him!

He was a member of the Oddfellows Lodge #06 in Missoula and enjoyed many years of fellowship and travel holding both local and state chairmanships.

Most of all, Dan loved his family. He was especially proud of his new great grand daughter, Hailey. He was a wonderful husband, who truly knew the meaning of the vows "In sickness and in health," as he spent many years caring for Celestine as she struggled with illness. He was a most supportive and loving father and grandfather and the "Favorite Uncle" to many of his numerous nieces and nephews. Now that the circle of life has closed, all who knew Bud's heart and his love for his Lord, share in his joy of "going home."

Dan leaves behind is wife Celestine, daughter Pat Murphy (Bill Thompson), and sons John (Karen) Murphy, and Carl (Vickie) Murphy, two grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) Murphy and Jourdan Murphy and her daughter, Hailey, sisters Althea (Leo) Senn, Colleen (Joe) Richter, and brother Don (Tillie) Murphy. He is preceded in death by his mother Charlotte Dye, and brothers Gene and Mike Murphy. The family thanks Aspen Hospice for the loving care Dan received from them. Memorials can be made to an animal nonprofit organization of your choice.