Bryan Murphy

Bryan Alexander Murphy, 24, of Fort Collins, Colorado, previously of Marco Island, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on August 3, 2018. Beloved son of Frank and Susan (Dunster) Murphy, he was born on July 26, 1994, in Grand Rapids, MI.  He is survived by his parents, four brothers; Frank (Cindie) Murphy, Paul (Danielle) Murphy, Patrick (Toni) Murphy, and Lance (Taylor) King; aunts Diana Shaver, Linda Camp, and Judi Dunster; uncle Peter (Anne) Murphy; as well as numerous relatives.       

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edward and Helen Murphy, maternal grandparents, Carl and Nancy Dunster; also two uncles, Jerry Murphy and Donald Dunster.           

Bryan was fearless and lived life to the fullest.  He was bright, clever, witty, loving, and generous.  He was most at peace on the water, and enjoying nature. From infancy on, while on boat rides, he was often lulled to sleep by the pounding waves of the lakes of northern Michigan, then later in the Gulf of Mexico.  He and his dad frequently went fishing in those same Gulf waters. Bryan enjoyed swimming, jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and once went parasailing.  For many years he was an accomplished competitive swimmer, and earned several invitations to participate in multiple Junior Olympics events. Following a move to Asheville, Bryan soon appreciated what the mountains had to offer including: hiking, downhill skiing, and snowboarding. Throughout school, Bryan was an excellent student, graduating from Asheville High School in 2012.  In 2016, Bryan moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had recently enrolled at Colorado State University. As with all previous moves, he easily formed a wide circle of friends.           

Bryan also loved attending music festivals, creating unique culinary delights, dining out, and perhaps most importantly, simply hanging out with family and friends. Upon hearing of Bryan’s passing, groups of friends in both Asheville and Fort Collins gathered to share memories of him.  A common theme emerged: Bryan was profoundly respected and loved, and he loved in return.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 1:00pm, with his family greeting friends beginning at noon, at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home in Cheboygan.  Chaplain Diane Myers will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Bryan’s name to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.stonefuneralhomeinccom.

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