Fairbanks resident John Mathew Murphy, 50, died Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at home with his wife in attendance. John was born April 24, 1958, in San Luis Obispo, California, to James and Dorothy Murphy. He graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1976. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in geology in 1982 from Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California; a master of science degree in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1989; and a doctorate degree in geology/geochronology from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia in 1993 He married Laurie Thomas Thomsett '76 on June 14, 2007.

John was a self-employed geological consultant for numerous oil, gas and mining companies operating worldwide and in Alaska, between 1989 and November 2008, with his most recent work conducted for Fairbanks Gold Mining at the Fort Knox mine and exploration work for Full Metals Mining in southwest Alaska, an area where John had completed his Master of Science thesis. John was a recognized expert in rock age dating using a specialized technique he acquired while completing his doctorate thesis in 1993 as he deciphered the geochronology of Interior Alaska. While at UAF John was an intern for the State of Alaska, Division of Geology and Geophysical Sciences. From 1994 to 2003, John was an Associate Professor at University of Wyoming in Laramie, where he guided and funded several graduate students on fission track age dating. John was recently hired as Senior Resource Manager for Doyon Lands in Fairbanks. John worked with many geoscientists both in industry and academia and his collaborative works resulted in numerous publications in scientific journals.

John was passionate about everything-geology, politics, skiing, dancing with his wife, music, family, relationships, and just life in general. He taught many how to enjoy life, how to play and have fun. He was insightful and sensitive, and was always stopping to help people in whatever need they had. He was a gentle teacher and glowed as any "student" grasped a new concept

John's wife, Laurie wrote "John is the love of my entire life…….we started out as friends when we were just kids…….then we became high school sweethearts……..he has always been the most brilliant, loving, generous, and tender man I have ever known. He was the most incredible, happy adventurer and he always had something good to say about his colleagues, friends, and family. Our time together was much too short; our plan had been to spend the rest of our days traveling and spending time with children and grandchildren. John had finally reached his dream.

"I can't imagine my life without John, my heart fills with such a deep sadness that it keeps my heart in a perpetual state of breaking. Someone asked me recently, what were my most favorite sounds…….I told them that " I love the sound of the breeze in the trees, the sound of a creek, quiet & hushed, but most of all….and most perfectly…..is the sound of my husband's heart beating, as I lay on his chest at night…………I love you, John, and thank you for loving me, for being my very best friend, and for taking such good care of me….you have kept me in smiles, laughter, and happiness. You allowed me to know that I was loved, truly loved, by you….... and this, my love, is precious beyond words."

John is survived by his wife, Laurie Murphy; two daughter's from a previous marriage, Casey Murphy of New York, New York and Danielle Murphy of Golden, Colorado; stepson, Brad Thomsett; stepdaughter, Emily Thomsett, step grandson, Jacob Thomsett House all of Springfield, Missouri; grandmother Mary Warren age 96, of Cambria, California; mother and stepfather, Dorothy and Bob Lucas of Santa Barbara, California.; brothers and sisters, Cindy Murphy '79 of Santa Cruz, California; Colleen Murphy '73 of Cambria, California; and James Murphy '83 of Rancho Palos Verdes, California. John was preceded in death by brother, Patrick Murphy '72; and father James A. Murphy.

"One of John's great passions in life was geology. Many of you here today, as well as his friends and family who could not make it here, were well aware of this love of science and nature and the effect it had throughout his life.

THE FAMILY OF JOHN MURPHY HAS ESTABLISHED IN HIS HONOR THE JOHN M. MURPHY GEOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS. ANYONE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE MAY SEND THEIR DONATION TO: UAF JOHN M. MURPHY GEOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP, C/O UAF DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 757530, FAIRBANKS, and AK 99775; BY PHONE AT 907-474-2619; ONLINE
www.uaf.edu/giving. Thx.