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What a shock. I knew he had some health issues but assumed he was doing ok since he was active on here recently. I never met Tim in person but bought parts from him several times. He seemed like a good guy. Prayers and condolences to the family. RIP
Tim Murphy, who went by "442 Murph" on this site passed away today from complications following heart surgery. Well known and loved in the Olds world; Tim was a true Oldsmobile enthusiast, a very talented car restorer, and always happy to share his knowledge and passion with anyone needing help or inspiration with a restoration. He will be greatly missed.
Glenn
I'm very sorry to hear about Tim. I visited w/him at a MCACN show (as well as the OCA Nats I think) and did some business w/him on occasion....a very good person and a true Olds fanatic. Rest In Peace Tim and condolences.
This is sad news. I didn't know him at all, but he gave me some small pieces parts and mailed them to me for free. That shows some good character. RIP my friend, condolences to his family.
I find it easier sometimes to find the words to write something instead of speaking. With immense sadness, yesterday the world lost an amazing, humble and generous man. In the Oldsmobile world, Tim was an icon in the restoration arena for 1969 442’s. His vast knowledge and superb level of restorations was on par with any of the high in shops. He was known throughout the country for his knowledge and level of work. He restored several cars that went on to win gold at MCACN including a 1969 W30 convertible, 1969 W30, and a 1969 GTO Ram Air IV car as well as others. He was so honest when it came to others paying for his work that if the phone rang, he would write down his start and stop time even if it was just two minutes, so he would not bill the customer. He restored numerous cars for people as well as doing interiors, and pretty much anything needed for an Oldsmobile. Tim was the go-to guy when it came to 1969’s. He personally owned a 1969 W30, 1969 W31, 1969 442 convertible, and was in the process of restoring a 1969 Hurst/Olds that he planned on taking to the Nationals next year. He was called by many as the “Dream Maker” or “Mr. Oldsmobile”. To me he was “Murphman”. You never saw him without an Oldsmobile T-shirt or hat on and always with a smile. The Oldsmobile world lost one of its greatest unsung heroes on 10/10/2024.
But to me he was way more than that, he was my best friend. I met Tim in 1991 when I responded to an ad he had placed in the local Trading Post for Oldsmobile parts. I had this raggedly 1969 442. We talked after I bought the parts and he told me to call him anytime I had a question. He was in the final stages of finishing the restoration on his 69 W30 at the time. So I kept calling and showing up at his house and our friendship began that lasted 33 years. I watched his daughter Nikki and his son, Tommy grow up. His wife took me in like a son and was quick to tell me how stupid I was when I deserved it. I saw how much of a true man Tim was. He loved Oldsmobile’s but not as much as his family. We would sit in his garage of his first house and talk as he did laundry (all the time) while working on cars and he would talk about his love of music (Bruce Springsteen) and baseball. Fast forwarding to this summer, we would talk in the garage and he would tell me about what Nikki & Tommy were doing and how proud he was of them and his grandchildren.
I was off work a lot this summer between a medical issue and getting hurt at work. This allowed Tim and I to spend a lot of time together and I will be eternally grateful of this! We would honestly just sit in his garage and BS most of the time about everything, mainly where life has taken us. We were able to take two road trips this summer. One to look at a 1969 W31 for sale and the other to go pick up my 1969 442 convertible that I bought. Ironically, Tim was by myside when I bought my 1969 W32 convertible in 1996 that he had probably had a 1000+ hours in helping me (mainly him) restore. We had plans to go to Louisville, KY next weekend, MCACN in November, and the Nationals in Bowling Green in 2025. Ironically Tim and Letty invited my wife and I as well as a few others over to his house this weekend but changed the date for me since I was going to be out of town.
I have never met or have had the privilege to know a better man. His smile was infectious! When he asked you how your family was doing, it was not a just idle conversation because he really cared! When I saw him in the hospital Sunday, one of the 1st things he asked was how my daughter was doing (she was in a bad wreck a week ago). Here is a man going into a major procedure the next morning and is asking about the wellbeing of others. I have never known a more sincere, genuine, humble, talented, caring, and loving person in my life. I have a crater in my heart from his loss but so does so many others. The world is now a darker place with his absence. I was by your side to your last moment on this earth, but you left to soon.
Tim, I know you will always be with me and every time I look into the sky when I am driving my ragtop, I am positive you will be looking down smiling. I love you my friend, my brother and you will be greatly missed. I will be eating some French fries and drinking a Mt. Dew in your honor. You have passed on my friend but never forgotten. You left a mark on this world that can never be erased. I love you/
Last edited by Cfos0031!; Oct 11, 2024 at 11:05 AM.
I am sorry to hear of Tim's passing. I bought several parts from him over my years here on CO, and he was always courteous, FAST, and thorough with the transactions and shipping. From what Craig has posted, I am sure he will be sorely missed by many! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Craig, I unfortunately did not know Tim, nor do I know you, but your beautiful and eloquent post has now given me a very clear picture of the man Tim was, and the man you are. I am not ashamed to say a tear or two ran down my cheek while I was reading your tribute to Tim. It is stories like this that restore my faith in my fellow man, and I know Tim and his family appreciates your love and thoughtfulness during this difficult time. May he Rest in Peace!
That is Sad news. My condolences to his family and friends. I see that many members have had positive experiences dealing with Tim. I'm also among that group.
God speed Tim.
Bernhard.
10-years ago, I went on a search to find my high school 70 442. When I couldn't find it, I start hunting for one to purchase and joined this forum. After dragging one home from Virginia, I asked if there were any local members here that could come look at the car and let me know if it was a good deal or if I got taken. Tim stepped up and met me at the garage where I was storing it and looked it over. He had some concerns but kept the criticism to a minimum because he could tell I was excited about the car. He definitely was a gas tank half full kinda guy.
The car is totally restored now and Tim did all the upholstery work. Every car show I've entered it in, the interior always gets complimented. I'm proud to have some of Tim's work in my ride.
Here are a few pics from Tim's funeral yesterday. If the weather would have cooperated I'm sure there would have been at least double the cars..
RIP Tim...you were taken way too soon brother
I didn't know Tim or ever did any type of business or ever talk to him. After that very fitting tribute you gave about Tim it;s my loss for never crossing paths with him. May he RIP.
