EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of an occasional series that looks at the lives of people in the community. If you have suggestions for people who could be profiled, either here or in Saturday’s “Emporians and Their Neighbors,” call the newsroom at 342-4805 or e-mail newsroom@emporiagazette.com.
Whether he’s working or playing, count on Robert Murphy to give his personal best.
Murphy, 64, a client at Hetlinger Sheltered Workshop, agreed to be accompanied on his daily rounds on Jan. 12, beginning at his apartment in southeast Emporia on and moving on to his three jobs, with time out for a personal stopover at Planet Sub to meet one of his heroes, former Royals first baseman John Mayberry.
Murphy had anticipated the meeting since he heard Emporia would be a stopover on the Royals Caravan tour route.
“He’s my favorite,” Murphy said. “He’s a good ballplayer. He’s a first baseman.”
Murphy wore a heavy Royals jacket that he said he’d gotten on sale in Kansas City when he went to visit a sister.
“I’m a Chiefs fan, too,” he said.
Having already met other heroes — announcer Fred White and former Royals George Brett and Fred Patek — at earlier caravans, Murphy waited eagerly at the front of the line for Mayberry.
He’d known what he was going to say long before the moment came. He wanted to tell Mayberry that he, like the first baseman, was in the hall of fame — just as he had told former Royals second baseman Frank White during a previous Caravan event.
“You know what he did?” Murphy asked after Mayberry left last week. “He said, ‘Baseball Hall of Fame?’ and I said, ‘No, Special Olympics,’ and ... he said, ‘Congratulations!’ and he shook my hand.”
Murphy was inducted into the Kansas Special Olympics Hall of Fame in Mission in 2001 for his successes in multiple events. He continues to compete and frequently appears wearing new medals for his wins; he also has become assistant coach for the local Special Olympics basketball team.
Those activities are part of the fun in Murphy’s busy life.
On Monday of last week, he mounted his bicycle about 8:30 a.m. and took off on a frigid 3.5-mile ride across town to get to his morning job at the Best Western Hospitality House, 3021 W. Highway 50. He often rides the LCAT, but that day it was not running because of the Martin Luther King holiday.
Pedaling around the city didn’t bother Murphy, whose favorite pastime is riding his bike.
“In summertime, I enjoy riding my bike every place,” he said.
By the end of the day, he also had ridden north on Industrial Road to Planet Sub, then back to his apartment for a quick lunch and on to Hetlinger on South Commercial Street, where he joined other clients in assembling parts. His afternoons usually are spent at Menu Foods, removing labels from cans or working on kits, but Menu had no work for him that day.
When he finished at Hetlinger, he rode north to The Gazette to carry the downtown paper route that has been his for about 11 years. He also has been a dishwasher at the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
“I’m always busy,” Murphy said.
Murphy has worked a morning shift at Best Western for more about three and a half years, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and has received an award for his work.
“I really enjoy Robert,” said his boss, housekeeping supervisor Sandy Wilson. “He does a really fine job. If we don’t have him making beds, we have him sweeping the parking lot, cleaning windows.”
Motel Manager Brandy Snyder, too, appreciates the quality Murphy brings to his job.
“He has a wonderful attitude and an amazing work ethic,” Snyder said.
Murphy brings his own brand of thoughtfulness to his co-workers, too, making sure he provides them with calendars from local businesses every year and entertaining them with stories of what’s happening around town.
His downtown paper route has created another circle of friends for Murphy, who stops to chat as he walks the area.
Murphy is easy to like. He’s unfailingly good-natured and kind, and his customers respond accordingly with unsolicited extras. At TFI Family Services, he was given a hooded sweatshirt with an embroidered agency logo; an attorney and others on the route give him tips that he uses to attend concerts and buy things he needs, like a television set for his apartment.
Murphy also helps out at Hetlinger by selling tickets to its upcoming pancake feed at the Emporia Senior Center and working at the Hetlinger orchard, which sells apples each year as another fundraiser. It’s all part of his routine.
“I go to Walmart on Tuesday, spend my money,” he said, pulling up his sleeve to reveal a new watch he’d just purchased to replace one that had broken.
Living alone and setting his own schedule is something Murphy enjoys.
When he began as a client at Hetlinger Sheltered Workshop 40 years ago, he said he lived in a dorm-like situation with bunk beds and no real privacy. The apartment and the independence it provides suits Murphy better. Although he admits he doesn’t like to clean house, he does enjoy preparing his own meals.
“I cook hamburgers, and I buy frozen stuff, chicken nuggets, bananas, grapes — I eat all that healthy food,” he said.
And, while Murphy enjoys his independence, his family plays a major role in his life, both practically and socially.
With two brothers and three sisters, plus their families, there are plenty of weddings and get-togethers to attend, in addition to the sports and music that are so important in Murphy’s life. Sometimes he goes on game trips with the Eagles Aerie, but most of the time he attends with family members. He’s been in the stands to watch Chiefs, Royals, T-Bones and Roadrunners games and has seen concerts by Jewel, Brad Paisley and other favorites.
He may need a new companion for the music events, though.
“My sister said, ‘No more concerts for me,’” Murphy said, grinning.
chiefsfan (anonymous) says...
What an inspiration!! I wish the young could take a lesson and learn work ethic from this gentleman! It sure sounds like he is a blessing to be around and he has a good support system.
January 28, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )