Richard Joseph Murphy

Richard Joseph Murphy (Rich/Richie) loving partner, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on November 29th at the age of 68 surrounded by family at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins. Rich was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) on August 17, 2023, the battle of a lifetime. Despite his constant, immense bravery, fight, and the heroic efforts of his medical team, the staggering number of treatments were ultimately unsuccessful. 

Rich was born on July 14, 1956, to John and Mary Murphy in Springfield Massachusetts. The Murphy family moved to Denver, Colorado when Rich was 6 years old. He was so excited to move to Colorado to witness the Native American culture as he admired their way of life so much throughout his life, always wanting to live in harmony with the land in a tepee or yurt. Rich attended Cathedral and George Washington High Schools in Denver and took courses at CSU and Aims Community College. Rich moved to Greeley in 1976. He was, in his own words a “jack of all trades, master of none” and had many careers, Realtor, Property Maintenance/Hardwood Floor Install & Refinish, Facility Maintenance at Aims Community College, but his true passion was building bicycles. He was no doubt a master of his craft. He and his brother branded “Columbine Cycle Works”, and Rich later trademarked “Solace Handcrafted Bicycles” and had many good years as the proud owner of “Rich’s Bicycle Works.” He truly loved when his customers would come in the store to visit, and he met so many of his lifelong friends through bicycles. Always eager to help and exchange the many beauties of cycling and skiing alike. 

Rich is the PROUD father of Nico and Richelle, who emulate the man and artist he was, curious for life. Rich met Carol the LOVE of his life in April of 2015 and their lives beautifully fused together with ease, enriched with infinite love. Rich had an abundance of passions most involving the outdoors; biking, cross-country and telemark skiing, camping, hiking, roller-skating, kayaking, birding, tennis, dancing, and music (especially the Blues). Rich had a love for reading and learning and continued to learn more about all the things he loved throughout his life. Even in these last months he was watching hiking, biking, and camping videos and finding the best gear. In July of 2021 Rich and Carol took their children James, Nico, and Richelle to Puerto Vallarta for a family trip. In August 2021 Rich and his best friend Rick embarked on their bikes on the Colorado Trail, which had been a dream for Rich for many years.  Rich and Carol took a dream vacation to Italy in June of 2023 with James and in July of that same year, enjoyed one of their best camping trips with his nephew and his family. 

Rich is survived by his sweetheart Carol Lopez of Greeley, his children, Richelle Murphy of Fort Collins, and Nico Murphy of Greeley, stepson James Lopez of Lakewood, brother John (Carmen) Murphy, Mendocino CA, nephew Shawn (Amy) Murphy of Fort Collins, and great nephew Ben Murphy of Fort Collins, and so many good friends, especially Rick DeGette and Mary (Mac) McIIroy, Pleasant Hill/Kingvale, CA and Mike (Cindy) Amack of Greeley.  Rich was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Murphy and sister Mary Frances Doughty. 

A celebration of Rich’s life will be held sometime in January and a moonlight bike ride in June.