my own thoughts that I shared last Thursday....

Ed started out as my uncle. Thirty-six years ago, I was the ring bearer at his wedding. Twenty-nine years ago, he stood behind me with his right hand on my shoulder as I received the sacrament of confirmation. He was my friend that became more brother than uncle.
My uncle Ed has been known by many names by many people throughout his life. My grandparents gave him the name Eamon, but he was also called “Murphy” or Ed by friends, “Brother Ed,” by his brothers and my mother, and most recently, Eddie. About 25 years ago, my cousin Kevin nick-named him, “Easy.” Being around Uncle Ed was easy.
I know that for all of us here, hanging with Ed was a low stress, genuine, fun relationship in which there were no one put on airs, there was no anxiety, no expectations but plenty of laughing, honesty, profound love, and all the ice cream and snickers bars you could want. Ed gave good hugs. A quick wink of his eye in your direction gave you instant confidence for his love for you as though your relationship with him was confirmed in an instant. Ed took you as you were and demanded the same in return. Each of us has our own unique memories and stories about him, but all of us were drawn to him like fireflies; his light was bright, indeed, and all of us wanted to bask in it. He was happy, and filled with gentle beatitude that knew no end. You were always happy to see him and always sad to leave him, no matter the occasion.
Ed loved life. He loved to travel, hike, fish, play golf, and relax, something all of us could learn from him. He was a hard worker at each career he got into, and was known to treat people fairly in his business practices, but he consistently found ways to relax when most of us were working. To define the total of his life as a victim of sexual abuse would not be accurate. He found many ways to live in spite of that abuse, and rise above it. I am thankful that he lived to see the day the Catholic Church capitulate, admit its many violent wrongs, end it’s over 40 years of denial, and cash his settlement check. Ed, Marty, and John have helped countless people through their courage and bravery in turning behind them to finally slay the dragon that chased them throughout their lives.
His choice of car was consistent with the rest of his personality and was always a convertible. He preferred the sunshine and wind in his hair to air conditioning. He got on a kick for a while in the early 80’s of driving Triumph Spitfires, which were terrible cars, that broke down all the time. His answer to that problem was to buy another one so that one was on the road while the other one was getting fixed. I once rode all the way to Denver in a downpour with the top down because he was convinced we’d get less wet if we just went faster kept going. We got soaked as we laughed our way all the way into a Denver store where he bought us matching Jimmy Buffet T-shirts. Another time, while hauling two tons of wood in the back of his ¾ ton pickup, I asked him why he listened to the same Bob Seger tape 24/7. He told me that he didn’t know how to eject the tape, “and besides,” he said, “I love that guy.” When I then reached for the dash and touched the eject button on my first try and the tape instantly slid out of the radio, his eyes got big, he laughed and exclaimed I was a genius, and destined for greatness. He then downshifted, and steered the truck back in between the white lines as we climbed another steep grade heading up Ute Pass. Speed limit signs, turn signals, and windshield wipers always seemed optional to him.
In the last few years, his need for exercise brought him not to a health club, but to his beloved Rockies alongside his brother John with whom he loved to climb and hike. Ed felt strongly that the Church stole a great measure of his innocence as a child and so it may come as a surprise to many of you that Ed attended church regularly. He worshipped with great piety on the back nine at Kissing Camels, climbed Mount Rosa, and the many other peaks that surround this beautiful part of Colorado. Like St. Francis, he fed all the deer and birds in Woodland Park and along Rigel drive, and loved all dogs and cats. It’s not a big stretch to see that he died extremely pious, doing what he loved, and in his church worshiping in his Rocky Mountain cathedral.
At the same time we rightfully mourn the death of our dad, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, I know Uncle Easy is at peace in the ultimate Port of Call. He can always get a T-time, the top is always down, Sports Center is always on, and his steak is rare.
His love for Roe, Ashley, Soren, and all of us flows perfectly now. He was not the type of man to die in a nursing home, in hospice, or of old age. We must see that Ed died as he lived, out on the edge, on his own terms, and loved by countless people that his life touched. We’re all better off for having known him, and the pain we feel at losing him simply shows us the authentic love and care each of us had with him. He was a beautiful man; his love and friendship was a gift freely given and often came with chocolate. To have lost Eamon is to be sad for a while, and then be joyful for the grace he brought us all.

Patrick Murphy-Racey
Nephew to Ed Murphy

from the Gazzette Telegraph visitor's book....

May 31, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Ed was such a kind and generous man. I will truly miss him. I am still in shock and can't believe he is no longer with us.
Brenda Barnes (Oakland, ME)

May 31, 2008
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that our deepest sympathies are with you at this most difficult time. God Bless...
Cousins..Jim, Mimi & Kellie LaSalvia (Strongsville, OH)

May 30, 2008
On behalf of myself and the Detectives at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office you have our sincerest sympathy. Our Prayers go out to your family during this time of loss.
Mark Pfoff (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 30, 2008
To our dear friends Murphy Family,
The sudden passing of Ed brings great sorrow. Such a genuine person will be missed on this earth. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lizabeth & Gary Salinas (Colorado Springs, CO)


May 29, 2008
Dear Roe,
My heart hurts for you and your family. Ed was always so happy when we talked. And had never ending energy. I'm so glad that we got together before Michal and I left for the South. I will always cherish those memories. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Love,Becky
Becky Ryan (Picayune, MS)

May 29, 2008
My dad sent me to Ed to get a car, and he helped me find one that was within my price range, and gave me a break in a lot of areas. He was always happy and full of life, and my parents loved him and Roe very much. Rest in peace Ed, and you will be remember by lots of people you touched.
Dana Ryan (Picayune, MS)

May 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
James&Karyn Urbanek&Family (Parma Hts., OH)

May 29, 2008
Dear Roe and Family
What a great loss to the world. Life only gives you so many real friends in life that are true down to the bone. Eddie was one of mine. As the tears fall, I thank God that he chose me as a friend too. Love and miss ya Eddie
Michal& Becky Dana Steve Ryan (Picayune, MS)


May 29, 2008
Dear Uncle Chuck, Aunt Mary Lou, and the rest of the Murphy clan:

We are heartbroken and send you our love from the West Coast. You're in our hearts!
Rin Kelly and Tony Bar (Alameda, CA)


May 29, 2008
Ed was a great man. He was a great friend to my father and I know my Dad always enjoyed working with him. He was there for my Dad at a difficult time and indeed a true friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Lacy Richmeier (Marysville, WA)



May 29, 2008
As I sit here with tears in my eyes for my sweet First cousin Eamon. I am thinking of the beautiful little boy that everyone adored. Heather and Sheila remember you chasing them, when you were playing, trying to pelt them with crabapples from the nearby tree. Eamon darling, I will always love you, and whenever I see a mountain, anywhere, I will always say a prayer for you. You will always be in my prayers forever. Everlasting love, From your first cousin, Marie, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Marie Tinn (Hilton Head Island, S.C., SC)


May 29, 2008
We would like to extend our condolences to the entire Murphy family. We share your sorrow and hope that you can find peace and comfort in knowing that Ed passed on while doing what he loved to do.
Doug & Vicki Corrion (Monument, CO)

May 29, 2008
May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one touched the lives of so many others and gave them the gift of many happy memories. Gone from our sight but never from our memories or our hearts. Hoping your treasured memories bring you comfort day by day. May it helps in some way to know that friends are sharing the sorrow in your heart.
Dave Hartzler (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 29, 2008
I was blessed to have the honor to work for Murph and be his friend. Never have I met a person who was so sincere in his friendship. He helped me get through one of the hardest times of my life and for that I will forever be thankful. I will never forget that laugh and the way he treated me and my family. Thank you Murph. I will miss you.
Jake Volcic (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 29, 2008
Murph! I must have said that a thousand times over the years at the auction. Whether or not we did well for you, you always kept it positive. Well ... almost. It was an honor knowing you. I admired your style and, more importantly, your spirit. You'll be missed by many.

PS - I don't dare guess how many of our local residents are driving a Murphy Special. And they will for years to come.
Greg Norman (Colorado Springs)
May 28, 2008
To My Dearest Uncle Eamon,

I can't imagine a world without you: your contagious laugh, your witty sense of humor, your warm hugs, your kind words, and your genuine love for your family and friends. You made everyone around you feel special. When I think of you... I think of quote from Emerson..."To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" You truly made a difference in the lives of many!

With Love and Affection,
Maureen Murphy (Woodland Park, CO)

May 28, 2008
Ed you had a heart of gold. You were there for my mom "Ruthie" and our family when we lost dad. My heart and prayers go out to your family in this time. You will never be forgot by our family. Thank you for over 15 years of good memories
Sheila-Michelle Walker (Noble, OK)

May 28, 2008
My deepest condolences go out to Roe and the rest of the family. Ed you were truely a kind soul and to say the least one of my favorite people. Your presence and smile will be greatly missed. You will always be in our hearts
Jamie Hall (Colorado Springs)

May 28, 2008
Dear Roe and Murphy Family,
I am sorry for the tragic loss of "Murph" as he was best known to me because of my dad. He had a big impact on my parents' life and ultimately on mine. He was such a strong/positive influence on my father during his illness and I know his journey's to the top of the mountains were made so he could be a little closer to my father and unfortunately you have lost him however Rich and him are back together again and enjoying ever bit of heavenly golf that they can together.
We love you guys and wish we could be there to help support you during this time of loss.
Kara Phillips & Jared Awe (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

May 28, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the John Murphy family for this loss. We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
From Albuquerque, Kim, Shauna, Ed, Edith and Blake
Kim Whitman (Albuquerque, NM)


May 28, 2008
Dear Roe:
Ed will be sorely missed. We will always remember his easy laugh and infectious smile and we know how much you will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Salle Hill & David Howes (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
Chuck and MaryLou, Sheila and Patrick, John and family and Marty and family - There are no words to express the sense of loss I feel. Eamon was always a happy memory for me - even though he tried to drown me. I will remember his laugh and wonderful smile when I think of him. My prayers are with you all. He is at peace. I wish you all the same.
Martha OBrien (Sparks, NV)

May 28, 2008
Roe, I am so sorry to hear about Ed. He was always one of my favorite people. I don't think there was anyone who met him that didn't like him. You and all of the family have my deepest sympathy and condolences.
Suzie Smith Williams (Paradise Valley, AZ)

May 28, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Murphy family. May you find comfort in the memories you have and in the knowledge that heaven has gained a tremendous soul!
Kenny & Gretchen Arnold (Colorado Springs)

May 28, 2008
To our entire Colorado Family. . our prayers are with all of you during this very sad time. We will keep you close in heart and prayer. We love you. We were so looking forward to seeing Eamon this week.
Love, Jackie and Bruce Drennan
Jacqueline Drennan (Strongsville, OH)

May 28, 2008
Gentleman, kindness, friend, and all the other good words in this guest book- these things all describe the man that we will all miss. In the limited time I knew him, it was always a pleasure just to be in his presence. Ed, you will be missed, yet we all know you are in a better place, and for that we are grateful.
Joe Mueller (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
Uncle ED,
I'm glad that we had spent time together recently. You helped me get the Jeep for Sandy, and we drove down to Fountain together. I wanted to take you to lunch, but you were too busy....such is life. We had a great talk though.
One of my favorite memories of you was when you and I and my Dad went to Coasta Rica. What a great time you and I had!
I will miss you very much, I will always love you, you were a special friend and uncle of mine. There will be no other quite like you! When I look at the mountains, play golf, or smoke a cigar, I'll will always think fondly of you. THANKS FOR BEING A GREAT UNCLE
BRIAN MURPHY (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
Our deepest condolences to all of the family. We will forever bear in mind the compassion and tolerance Ed had, for he will be missed. Ed Murphy, the love we have for you will leave memories no one can steal, but your sudden death leaves us with heartaches that only time can heal. May you rest in peace?
Yolanda & Luis Gutierrez Family / Ruth Williams & Children
Yolanda Moya-Gutierrez (Colorado Springs,, CO)


May 28, 2008
Murph - You are a true gentleman. I enjoyed working with you - and although we didn't always see eye to eye we always respected one another. You were a good friend for the short time we knew each other - and my life is better for it. Be good, for I know you're enjoy the nice green fairways and smooth greens of heaven.
Chris Stevens (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the family. We will always remember the kindness and patience Eddie showed in mentoring our son; he will be missed.
Marc and Lynne Schips (Fountain, CO)

May 28, 2008
I have known him since he was call Amen. My best to all the Family. May Peace be with you all.
Linda (Brook) White (Woodland park, CO)

May 28, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
DEBBIE MCCULLOUGH (COLORADO SPRINGS, CO)

May 28, 2008
To the Murphy family, I am so very sorry for the tragic loss of Ed from your daily presence. I know you will miss him dearly, beyond any words. My love and prayers are with your entire family. May God hold you each in His everlasting and loving arms. Clara Louise Meury
ClaraLouise Meury (Manitou Springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
Ed; was a good man, many times we would make each other smile. We would talk about his bros Jr,and how my girls were. Sould me a used car once,boy what a car that was Peace Ed.
Arthur BUTCH Freeburg (colo,springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
Ed was a friend of mine for many years. I had the most fortunate luck when Ed married my friend Roe. They were brought together with the same loving spirit. I will miss Ed, but his spirit and contagious warm smile will live on in all of us. My blessings and love go out to Roe and the family.
Mary Mallinger (Colorado Springs, CO)

May 28, 2008
"Murph" may the Lord Jesus Christ forever give you peace. I am sad, but happy that you are now in a much better place. Always a pleasure doing business with you.
Will Rivera (Fountain, CO)

Obituary, written by Chuck Murphy Jr. and Roe:

Eddie died tragically Saturday May 24 while hiking Cook Stove Mountain near St. Mary's Falls. Eddie was born to Gertrude and Martin Murphy, the youngest of five children, at St. Francis Hospital on December 4, 1948. Growing up in Cheyenne Canyon, Eddie attended local grade schools, graduating from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 1967. Eddie attended the University of Colorado and Western State College prior to beginning his career as an entrepreneur and business owner in the Pikes Peak region. Eddie married Roe Brizzolara on November 4, 2000 and together they owned Murphy Auto Sales, an automotive wholesaler to Colorado dealerships. Those who had the honor of knowing Eddie would agree that he was a generous, down-to-earth, and compassionate soul who would give anyone in need the shirt off his back and didn't have a mean bone in his body. Eddie loved to: hike, fish, bird-watch and garden. He also loved Mexico, the game of golf and a good cigar. Eddie is survived by his wife Roe, his daughter Ashley, his grandson Soren, brothers Chuck (Mary Lou), Martin (Ann), John (Mary Kay) and sister Sheila (Patrick), inlaws Dottie and Anthony, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dear friends and business partners. Private services are pending with a "Celebration of Life" to be held at the Garden of the Gods Club, Thursday, May 29 from 2-5 pm. The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Trails and Open Space Coalition, 1040 S. 8th Street, 80906, www.trailsandopenspace.org Fortis et hospitalis

A great photo from Ed's Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life: 5.29.08

I'd estimate around 400 people came to the Garden of the Gods Country Club this afternoon to celebrate Ed's life. There were stories, tears, and laughs from all those who stepped up to the microphone to share their thoughts. Please feel free to add your own thoughts and stories about Ed's life. His grandson Soren is just five years old and will someday come to this site to find out more about his grandfather. Let's load him up so he'll get a good sense of who Ed was to all of us... thanks, pat