Martin Floyd Murphy, of Paisley, Oregon, was born February 1, 1950, to Edward and Dorothy Murphy in Lakeview, Oregon. He passed away August 30, 2024, in Lakeview Oregon.

He was born into a family that immigrated from Ireland and settled in Paisley, OR. Martin was raised on a sheep and cattle ranch where his passion for this way of life began.

He was the second child of four, of which he was known for his charming and mischievous ways. Starting when he was just a boy, Martin loved working on the ranch with his father. His first horse, a Shetland Pony named Chiefy, sparked a lifelong love for horses, roping, and ranch life. From a young age his reputation among local cowboys led him to helping other ranchers when needed, a tradition he continued throughout his life.

Martin attended Paisley High School, where he participated in football, basketball, and track all four years, qualifying for the state track meet his senior year. After high school, he worked as an equipment operator for Carlon Logging and soon after married the love of his life. In the years that followed, he worked, managed, and eventually owned the Murphy Ranch.

In 1972, he and his wife, Jan, started a family that became his pride and joy. A devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Martin served on the Paisley School Board for 12 years and was an active volunteer for the Paisley-Summer Lake Food Share program. He was also involved with the FSA Board.

As an adult, he realized his dream of raising and training quarter horses, becoming well-known for providing horses that any cowboy would be proud to ride. As his children grew into adults, he was blessed with many grandchildren whom he adored and cherished, each holding a special place in his heart. Martin was a man of character and integrity, dedicated to his family and his cattle ranch. He was quick to lend a hand and slow to judge, with a smile that could light up a room and a kindness that touched everyone around him. Raising kids, horses and cattle weren’t what he did, they were his life. He took great pride in them, and his values and work ethic were reflected in those around him. He understood the importance of cherishing life's simple pleasures, enjoying a good steak, loud pickups, a nice gun, a fast-trotting gray horse, and fine whiskey.

 The legacy he leaves behind is a testament to a lifestyle and a place others can only dream about. The roots he and Jan established in Paisley, Oregon, have left a lasting impression on their community. His family, friends, and community will continue to honor his kindness, resolve in hard times, and love of family. Martin was never too old to learn new skills, where at the young age of 72 he learned to help Jan with all her housekeeping and yard duties. We all know he’ll be up in heaven charming the angels for one more bowl of ice cream.

Martin is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jan; his three children, Kelli (Duke) Sanchez, Shanna (Cleve) Anseth, and Brady (Jen) Murphy; his bonus child, Andy (Tasia) Wiebach; his grandchildren, Sinjin, Kierra, and Dane Sanchez, Quentin (Riata) Anseth, Logan Anseth, and Katie and Everett Murphy; his bonus grandchildren, Elizabeth Thomas, Maggie and Lottie Ackley, and Charlotte and Rebecca Wiebach; his sisters, Theresa Vickerman and Noreen (Dan) Shoun; and many nieces and nephews, including Steve (Gyleen) Vickerman, Bret (Nikki) Vickerman, Cindy (Mike) Merkley, Staci Rogers, Kristie Potter, Jason (Jenifer) Potter, Allison Rudolf, Dan (Samantha) Parks, Liana (Ronnie) Sieben, Derek Shoun, Brian (Laura) Parnell, Justin (Joey) Parnell, Tina (Jim) Copeland, and Stacey (Shawn) LeFevre. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Dorothy Murphy; his brother, Len Murphy; his infant son, Luke Murphy; and his in-laws, Herb and Gertrude Dunn.

 Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, at 4:00 p.m. at the Paisley Cemetery. Everyone is welcome. A potluck dinner will follow at the Paisley Community Center.

Donations in Martin’s memory may be sent to the Paisley-Summer Lake Food Share, PO Box 100, Paisley, OR 97636

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