Cornelius Murphy

Cornelius "Con" Murphy passed away peacefully on December 1, 2014. Con was born on February 24, 1932 in the village of Kilcrohane, County Cork, Ireland. He was the fifth of seven children born to Christopher and Elizabeth (McCarthy) Murphy. Throughout his younger years, Con spent his time on the family farm along the shores of Dumanus Bay. Growing up on the farm cultivated a strong work ethic that carried on throughout his life. Whether it was milking cows, tending livestock, or cutting turf/peat, he was up to the task. As a youth he also developed his trademark Irish sense of humor which he was well known for. When Con was a teenager he came to New York, by way of ship in hopes of achieving the "American Dream." Arriving in New York, his first impression of America was very different from the home he left behind. Con worked in Rochester, NY for a time. Upon hearing about his Uncle Patrick Murphy, who was looking for a sheepherder on his ranch in Wyoming, Con accepted and arrived by train in August of 1952. His new home became a sheep wagon, where he lived on the prairie and learned to herd sheep. It was quite the challenge adjusting to the differing geographic and weather conditions of Wyoming, compared to where he was raised in Ireland. Yet he relished the challenge and thrived. On June 16, 1958, Con's uncle was tragically struck and killed by lightning. Con then ran the ranch for the family and later purchased the Teapot Sheep Company from his uncle's son, Dr. Joseph Murphy. After becoming a first time landowner, he added to "Teapot" by purchasing the Burke (Shamrock Ranch). In 1979, Con would go on to trade both these ranches to Van Irvine in exchange for the historic Diamond Ring/UC Ranch, which Con's family is still working today. While living in Wyoming, Con met and married Nancy Baker on June 25, 1960. They have four children: Michael, Mark, Brian, and Lisa. They also have two grandchildren, Maegan and Brennan. Surviving relatives include, wife, Nancy Murphy; their four children, Michael (Melody Beer), Mark (Angela Eliott), Brian and wife Angie, Lisa (Jim Hofer); their two grandchildren, Maegan and Brennan; Con's sister, Chris; brothers, Danny, Bob, and Michael; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Con was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters; Margaret O'Keefe and Lil Dullea. Apart from being a successful rancher, one of his notable accomplishments was becoming a United States citizen, something he was always proud of. His life embodied his love for ranching, his livestock, his family, and his love for the great state of Wyoming. He will be dearly missed. Services will be held at 11:00 am, at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church on Dec. 9th.

Service

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 11:00am

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

400 Country Club Road

Casper, WY 82609