To the Editor:

The family of John Murphy would like to thank the people and organizations that helped us through his illness and passing.

The staff of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center second floor was outstanding. They were compassionate and caring to John and all our family.

From the nurses and aides to the cleaners and cafeteria staff. They all helped make our worst times bearable. Thank you for the work they do.

Thanks to the Madrid and Waddington Legions, the Madrid Legion Auxiliary and the Waddington Sons of the Legion. The Madrid Ladies Auxiliary handled all the food and preparations for us after the services. Thank you for all your hard work and help.

The Honor Guard brought a special dignity to the services. We know how hard it is to lose a comrade and friend. You men make us proud to be Americans. John would have been honored and humbled by your participation. Thank you.

To Father Lawler and Father Murphy, who served a beautiful Mass, and to Father Morgan for visiting and all the prayers in the hospital, to Sister Connie for all her help with the funeral arrangements, we thank you.

Words cannot express the thanks that go out to the people of Community Bank. The bank employees provided us with cash donations, a complete Thanksgiving feast as well as a whole Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

They showed up in force at the wake and services, helping us realize how important John was to people we didn’t know. Lastly, we thank all of John’s friends that brought food, flowers and made donations. You have no idea how important your outpouring of love was to us in our time of need. It will always be appreciated.

We are sorry if anyone has been left out, but there were so many. It is said, “you are as good as the people you surround yourself with”. In John’s life he was the best.

Our lives and your lives were made richer for knowing him.

The Murphy family humbly thanks each and every one of you.

Pauline Murphy, Marianne and Joe Graves, Debbie and John Hogan, Jackie and Kevin Willmart, Kate and Norman Cote, Joe and Lisa Murphy