The obituary notice of Jeffrey John MURPHY

I first met Jeff back in 2010 and since then, we had kept in contact - discussing not only writing whenever we talked, but we'd have philosophical conversations with the odd competely random fact thrown in here and there. At the end of of these calls, he'd usually complain that I'd held him up longer than he could talk for (as he'd have another call straight after mine). I knew he didn't mind though and actually rather appreciated the chats as did I.

I received an unusual call from him back in perhaps July or early August 2022. I could barely hear what he was saying and just thought that it was the phone connection. I am absolutely saddened to discover this post and the news of his passing.

It was a joy to know you Jeff and be called your friend. Thank you for all the chats, your sage advice, humour and life stories you've told me. I am so grateful for all the time you took guiding me in screenwriting and the encouragement you always gave when I felt like giving up.
Fly high and free dear friend x

The last time I saw Jeff was in 1985: I was running a small recording studio, Solar Sound, in Lampeter, mid-Wales, and we'd recorded Jeff's album, BACK IN THE GAME, with a bunch of fine musos: John Rodge, Phil Corney, Paul Pridmore, Penny Joubert and Bel Merriman ... I was the producer, and played keyboards and added vocal harmonies. It was a great little record, but only ever emerged in cassette form. Fast forward to December 2021: Jeff contacted me out of the blue, and we caught up on our missing decades,, exchanged ideas and projects by email, and worked on plans to reissue the album on CD. Jeff was planning a booklet with the whole story, the sound files had been miraculously restored (from my original cassette copy!), and we were all excited at the prospect of the album getting a proper release at last. The news of Jeff's departure was devastating ... he was clearly full of potential projects, not only musical. So sad. But Jeff, I'm hoping we'll meet up one day in our corner of the sky, and we'll get the job finished. Meanwhile, I play BACK IN THE GAME regularly. It's a great record. You're a proper songwriter, my friend.

Jeff, the last time we spoke we discussed new ideas on your part and mine, and as with every encounter, the electric enthusiasm you had for the creation of great narratives was infective, spurning me to read more and write more. Hearing Jeff speak of the characters he created, their motifs and their struggles, was like hearing him talk of family members he has known for ages. A recurring theme was the social and/or moral lessons to be abstracted from this man's wonderful narratives, reflecting values he held dear. Jeff took the time to hear you out and put the benefit of his rich experience in the field your way. As busy as he was with his own life, he attended to those he spoke to, and did so with care, sharing with them in the same way they shared with him, asking for and valuing their outlook on matters inside and outside storytelling. We will unfortunately never meet again as planned. You used to say something mysterious about the aura of Gozo catalysed you into creative mode. The aura of Gozo, surely along with that of all the other places you settled into to let your pen do its magic, has now lost. Grateful to have known you Jeff.

Dear Jeff,
I am so very sad that you are now flying with the angels.
Thank you, for all of the deep conversations, stories, music and much laughter.
The world has lost a great talent, one who knew how to capture the spirit of life.
You have left us with many memories that will live on forever - like wearing your 'cool' sunglasses at night and boasting about your massive plastic hotel pen collection :).
Condolences to your family and friends.
You are dearly missed here in Canada.

Sad loss of a dear talented friend, and thoughts go to his brothers. From Tom and Kath.

Such a force of nature and beautiful soul.
Will be sorely missed. See you on the great stage in the sky. Peace and love. Daryl

Dear Jeff, its been an absolute pleasure my dear friend. I always enjoyed our catch ups and remember fondly how you listened to my daughters film she wrote -( she was 7) you listened and gave her tips and she was so excited the whole car ride home. I’m so grateful to have met you and spent the time together that we did. From us here in Tauranga - you will be greatly missed. X

A gentleman and very talented humane person who was always a privileged to talk to and learn from. He will be missed.