Barry Scott Murphy

May 19, 1972 ~ January 4, 2008

Barry Scott Murphy, 35, passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2008, after a considerable time of pain and struggle with injuries due to several car accidents over his lifetime.

Barry was born May 19, 1972, in Page, Ariz., the son of Sandra Kay (Hill) Hamilton and Michael Orris Murphy.

He was raised in Blanding, Utah, and later moved to Cortez. He spent most of his time between both locations, where he enjoyed time with his family and numerous friends he had made over the years.

Barry also lived for a short time in Mesa, Ariz., and he always talked about getting back there to enjoy the warm weather where he could work outside on his prized Dodge Charger hot rod.

Growing up, you could usually find him working on vehicles with his dad and brothers, doing anything from simple repairs to installing a souped-up sound system to listen to Metallica.

In more recent years, after his injuries prevented him from doing the things he loved in life, you could often find him simply cruising around town visiting friends with his favorite dog and best friend, Bear, in tow.

With his big heart, and soft spot for animals, he also adopted Dopey, another best friend whom he loved and took great care of. Barry was always a tease, pestering someone with his kidding. He was a fighter, who never gave up and never gave in.

He is survived by his mother, Sandra (Hill) Hamilton and husband Ronald of Cortez, CO; his father, Michael Murphy, and wife Christine Christensen of Blanding; brothers James Conover of Cortez, and Sean Murphy and wife Heidi of Blanding; sister Trena Murphy and fiancé Chester Brown Jr. of Mesa, AZ.; stepbrothers and sisters Nicky, Cassie, Michael and Tiana Christensen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins who will all miss him deeply.

He is preceded in death by one sister, Connie Nelson.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 12, at the American Legion Hall located at 320 N. Harrison St. in Cortez.