FRIENDSHIP — Gordon W. Murphy, 84, died peacefully March 30, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at Togus Springs Hospice Facility.

Born in Friendship, on Nov. 23, 1931, he was the only child of Wilbur and Hazel Burns Murphy. Educated in Friendship until the 10th-grade, he finished his education in Waldoboro, graduating from Waldoboro High School in 1949.

Gordon began lobstering when he was 12 years old and, following high school, continued doing what he loved most for his entire career. Gordon entered the U.S. Army Reserves in 1951 and was called up to active duty in 1953. He served overseas during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955.

On Nov. 26, 1953 Gordon married the love of his life, Joan Marie Lash at her parents' home in Friendship. Together they have made their own home in Friendship for more than 62 years, living in the same house.

Gordon was an avid Red Sox fan. As a young man he was considered quite a skilled baseball player himself. More recently he enjoyed playing cribbage and solitaire. Although it was required for his fishing profession, his family remembers him standing in the living room, smiling as he knit heads for his lobster traps. More than anything he loved being with his children and family. They have been his rock over the last few years during his illness. He had a deep appreciation for their help, as well as the help given by the congregation of the Advent Christian Church in Friendship. Gordon had a deep faith, and a trusted the Lord as his Savior. For many years he attended both The Bible Speaks and Grace Bible Fellowship churches.

Gordon will be remembered as a gentle spirit who was loved by everyone who met him. He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan Murphy; his children, Peter Murphy and his wife, Debora, Joy Sandblom and her husband, Richard, Jonathan Murphy and his wife, Julie, and Karl Murphy and his companion, April Murray, all of Friendship; seven grandchildren, Heather Murphy, Matthew Sandblom, Abbi Harjula, Jessica Murphy, Katherine Havener, J. Luke Murphy and Sean Lyford; eight great-grandchildren, Julia Murphy, Ivan Murphy, Izzabella Simmons, Noah Harjula, Kennedy Sandblom, Oliver Wotton, Jack Havener and Mary Havener; two brothers-in-law, Nelson “Sonny” Lash and his wife, Lorna, of Friendship, and David Lash and his wife, Sharon, of South Berwick; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Friday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at Harbor Cemetery in Friendship.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.