Robert G. 'Bob' Murphy, 62

Robert G. "Bob" Murphy, 62, passed away of natural causes March 30, 2007, at his home in Kalispell.

Bob was born June 4, 1944, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to James and Isabelle Murphy, joining a sister, Kathleen.

The family moved to the United States during his childhood. They had two other children, Micky and Patricia.

Bob attended Sacred Heart Catholic School through the eighth grade and began working during his teenage years.

He had two sons, Robert Jr. and Michael Murphy, by 1973.

Bob began managing lounges and casinos while a young man, working in Las Vegas to learn the gambling trade.

In the early 1980s, Bob and his mother bought TJ's Restaurant, Lounge and Casino in Eureka. He enjoyed the Canadian as well as the local trade - providing poker, card games and live music for entertainment. Bob owned and managed TJ's until it closed in December 2000.

It was during his time in Eureka that he met and married Nikki Radish. They had two children: Chelsey, born in 1996, and Bobby, born in 1998.

Bob enjoyed owning and racing thoroughbred horses, fishing in Alaska, card games with his friends, and most of all, spending time with his children - the "lights of his life."

Preceding Bob in death were his parents, James Murphy and Isabelle Murphy Quesnell; his stepfather, David Quesnell; sister, Kathleen; brother, Micky Murphy; and son, Robert Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Nikki, of Eureka; son, Michael Murphy, of Deer Lodge; daughter, Chelsey, and son Bobby, of Eureka; sister, Patricia Murphy, of Grassmere, British Columbia, Canada; a grandson, Kale Truman, of Eureka; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, Kalispell.

A reception for family and friends will be afterward at the Moose Lodge, 2158 U.S. 2 E., in Kalispell.

Buffalo Hill Funeral home is caring for the family.