Earle ‘Ole’ Murphy, 87, of Cobbs Creek, Va. (formerly of Lake Placid, N.Y. and Farmingdale, N.J.), peacefully took flight Aug. 15, 2014 at home surrounded by his family.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Dustin Farr, and leaves behind to cherish his memory a sister, Mae Micklos and her family; six daughters, Marilyn Miller (Bob), Kristin Murphy (fiancé Ricky Edberg), Carla Murphy, Ronica Farr, Allison Haywood (Gilbert) and Ellen Murphy; six grandchildren, Amber LuBera, Leah Hudgins Sutton (Kevin), Andrew Jadacki, Ryan Haywood (Katie), Shawn Haywood and Tyler Murphy-Carrastura; four great-grandchildren; two cousins; his caregiver, Teresa Sherman; along with extended family and friends from Deep Hollow Park, VFW Post 8252, and Ski Jumping.
He was a graduate of Brockport SUNY with a B.A. both in Science and Recreation also a Master’s in Micrometeorology from NYU. He was a science teacher who coached wrestling at Wall High School, Wall Twp., N.J., for 25 years. He owned both Deep Hollow Park in Farmingdale, N.J., and Lake Placid Recreation & Lodge in Lake Placid, N.Y., where many great memories were made.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a member of American Legion Post 0326 in Lake Placid and VFW Post 8252 in Gloucester, Va.
His passion was Ski Jumping and he competed worldwide until age 76. He was the Chief Meteorologist for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, and featured in the PBS documentary “Earle Murphy’s Winter Olympics” by Skip Blumberg. In 1990 Earle and fellow Master Jumper Guttorm Blakke of Norway established the IMC (International Master Championships) and an international committee for Master Ski Jumpers to coordinate the IMC. The committee now has representatives in more than 20 different countries. In 1991 he was inducted into the Master Ski Jumping Hall of Fame. Over the years he hosted Ski Jumpers from around the world at his lodge in Lake Placid.
Earle was an inspiration to all. He lived life to the fullest without complaint and was always grateful for the blessings bestowed upon him. To sum it up “Why live an ordinary life when you can live an extraordinary life?” —Anthony Robins
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Lake Placid, where he will make his final jump. Until then, keep your tips up, Dad.
Condolences may be sent to the Murphy Family, c/o Allison Haywood, P.O. Box 119, Cobbs Creek, Va. 23035. Email: RememberingEarle@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109 or VFW Post 8252, 7433 John Clayton Memorial Highway, Gloucester, Va. 23061.