Daniel Murphy

Born March 11, 1944 in Evanston Illinois.  Murphy went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 24, 2023 at the age of 79 in St. George Utah.  He is survived by his beautiful wife Susan (Huff), daughters Leanna Murphy and Chelsea Mickelson, along with his step children Chris Irwin, Chad Irwin and Carrie Melonie, and 16 grandchildren.

Murphy spent his entire adult life helping and working in the substance abuse community.  

His pride and joy was being the host of “Last Call” radio program with Fox radio for 19 years.  Through this program he met many listeners from across the nation, bringing to the forefront the issues  and tragedies brought on by substance abuse.    He had a big heart and his life was all about God and recovery.  He himself had 36 years of recovery.

Licensed LSAC counselor at Southwest Behavioral Health for 10 years, which led him to own and operate 5 sober living houses.

Favorite sayings - Remember when your out their don’t talk to “Stranglers”.

Murphy was raised in Garden Grove, California and met the love of his life Susan in 1986.   He stole Susan’s Heart from the moment she met him.  They lived in Anaheim for 10 years then moved to St. George Utah and 1997. 

Murphy played with the Southland Bible Worship Band for many years, playing the piano, guitar.  Something he loved and always looked forward to.

A celebration of life is planned for the first part of October.

From his daughter Chelsea,

If you had asked my dad, Dan, what the answer to life is, I could see you getting two answers.

You may have gotten the answer "42."A simple answer to some, but probably confusing to most people. I also know it would've been followed up with "God, and being a light on this earth." (His version would be much longer and harder to say, but I know that's the gist) Full of wit, charm, and a never ending love in his heart.  I know anyone that has met him knows why... at least the second answer. 

The first answer is one of the many obscure but beloved things my father loved. I could never find a gift too strange or odd for my dad; he loved them all. He still gives strange gifts back to us as well; his random notes and so many things to make us laugh. I know if I asked my dad right now the answer to life he would first say, "God is good," and second, "So long, and thanks for all the fish." 

Resting in peace at last an ode to Daniel Murphy, truly one of the greats.