RAYMOND THOMAS MURPHY

Raymond Thomas Murphy, “A True Warrior with a Gentle Spirit”, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday Feb. 22, 2013, at the age of 29.

Ray was born in Jeremie’ Haiti on Dec. 9, 1983.

His life began in extreme poverty, abandoned under a tree with his mother dying in childbirth. He was rescued by Christian Missionaries and brought to their orphanage in the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. At 10 months of age he was adopted by his missionary parents…in third degree malnutrition, too small for recording on World Health Organization growth charts and with life-threatening third world health status. Since coming to the United States in 1985 he grew into an exceptionally strong, wonderful and physical man whose peak performance won him a starting position as defensive nose tackle for the Duluth-Superior Shoremen Semi-Professional Football team. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School and Woodland Middle School, a star athlete in football, baseball and basketball. A graduate of Duluth East High School, he proved himself a leader again as starting linebacker for the Greyhounds football team.

Despite his ongoing battle with bipolar condition and mental health medications, he went on to earn a Certified Nursing Assistant degree from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. In this role he served the Duluth community with respect and honor, providing care and compassion to numerous residents of various neighborhood group homes. He is loved and cherished by his family, friends, and all who have been blessed to know him in his very special way.

Ray was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Randall and Eileen Murphy.

Surviving Ray are his mother and father, Kevin and Camille Murphy; sister Monica; and brothers Brendan and Sean; along with his grandparents Art and Jeanne Tome of Ely, Minn.; daughter Kennedi and son Rhylan.

Funeral services will be assisted by his 11 cousins, nephew Benjamin Franklin, and 12 uncles and aunts in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Appreciations are given to his mental health care team, in particular the Human Development Center; along with Dr. Steve Sutherland, Dr. Charles Orsak and the supportive staff at the Arrowhead House West Boarding Home.

VISITATION: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2013 in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East Second Street, Duluth and from 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013 until the 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 East Fourth Street, Duluth. Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery, Duluth. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.doughertyfuneralduluth.com. Any memorials will be donated or can be sent directly to the Damiano Center, 206 West Fourth Street, Duluth, MN 55806 in the name of Raymond Murphy.

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