Our Staff

Our Caring Staff

Our staff are caring, sensitive people who help to make the decision process easier.

Buddy

Buddy

Grief Therapy Dog

Meet Buddy McFearless, the most heartwarming and furry member of our funeral home team! Officially known as the “Grief Support Specialist,” Buddy is not your average office corgi. With a wagging nubby tail and a twinkle in his eye, he's been lifting spirits since he joined us in 2022.

Buddy’s journey to our funeral home is as unique as his personality. Originally trained as a therapy dog, he quickly realized his calling was in providing comfort during life’s most challenging moments. His small stature, big ears and big heart make him the perfect companion for those navigating the complexities of grief.

What sets Buddy apart is his extraordinary ability to sense emotions. Whether it’s a gentle nuzzle to a teary-eyed visitor or a joyful bark to lighten the mood, Buddy instinctively knows how to bring a moment of peace in a storm of emotions. His calm demeanor is like a balm for aching hearts, offering a silent understanding that words often fail to convey.

Buddy’s main responsibility is to greet families as they meet with our funeral home staff. He takes this role seriously, often seen trotting confidently through the halls, ready to offer his unique brand of support. His presence during arrangement processes is not just comforting; it’s transformative. He has a magical way of turning somber moments into ones filled with gentle warmth and subtle humor.

Aside from his professional duties, Buddy is a full-time charmer. His hobbies include chasing his tail, dreaming of endless treats, and, of course, snuggling. But make no mistake, when it’s time to work, he’s all paws on deck.

Buddy McFearless may be small in size, but his impact on our funeral home and the families we serve is immense. He’s more than just a pet; he’s a furry beacon of hope, reminding us all that even in grief, there can be moments of joy and comfort.

Tony Murphy

Tony Murphy

Owner/Licensed Funeral Director

Meet Tony Murphy, our remarkable leader and the mastermind behind Buck-Murphy Funeral Services. Often referred to as "The Big Cheese" by the team, Tony's journey in the funeral industry is as impressive as his knack for creating a relaxed atmosphere at work.

Tony's roots in the funeral business go back 25 years, but his expertise spans much further. He's a proud alumnus of the prestigious San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and boasts a rich professional history across Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Washington State. As the man steering our ship, his roles are multifaceted, including funeral directing, embalming, and overseeing general operations.

What truly sets Tony apart is his lifelong dream, which he turned into a reality – owning his own funeral home. This accomplishment isn't just a professional milestone; it's a personal triumph that reflects his dedication and hard work.

At the heart of Tony's professional ethos is a deep-seated passion for helping people in their toughest times. He believes in creating a chill and stress-free environment, not just for the families we serve, but also for our team. His unique work style has cultivated an atmosphere where serenity meets professionalism. 1

As for his future, Tony's goals are anchored in creating a lasting legacy for his family and possibly snagging a well-deserved promotion (a hint he occasionally drops to Buddy). When not at the helm of funeral operations, Tony has some intriguing personal facets. Post-funeral, he unwinds with a Pepsi - a peculiar yet endearing ritual. Besides, he's an avid reader and a travel enthusiast, always on the lookout for his next adventure.

Get to know more about Tony and his vision for Buck-Murphy by dropping an email at anthonymurphy@buck-murphy.com. He's not just our boss; he's the heart and soul of our funeral home, ensuring we all keep our spirits up while honoring those who have passed.

Josh Radford

Josh Radford

Apprentice/Information Technology

Welcome to the world of Josh Rad­ford, where the realms of technology and mortuary science collide in the most unique and surprisingly charming ways! Josh has been with us for three fun-filled years, expertly juggling his dual roles as an Apprentice Funeral Director and our go-to Information Technology Specialist.

Starting his journey in 2019 as a funeral attendant, Josh quickly discovered his talent for more than just providing compassionate care. He unearthed a peculiar knack for embalming computers (figuratively, of course!) and ensuring our network never meets an untimely end. With a background as an IT specialist in various companies, Josh can troubleshoot a com­put­er is­sue and design a website faster than you can say "funeral service."

But wait, there's more! Josh isn't just our in-house tech wizard; he's also on his way to becoming a fully-fledged mortician, having recently obtained his mortuary apprenticeship license. Talk about a double threat! He's most proud of this achievement, as it marks a significant step in his new, chosen career path.

In his own words, Josh describes his day-to-day as a blend of meeting with families to arrange services for their loved ones and managing our digital after­life (a.k.a. our computer and server network). He's even dabbling in developing proprietary software to enhance our services, proving there's no end to his talents.

When not entwined in cables or comforting families, Josh enjoys a good laugh, believing that a bit of humor goes a long way, es­pe­cial­ly in our line of work. He's a firm believer that technology and empathy can coexist, and his unique blend of skills makes him an indispensable part of our team.

Conner Whitwell

Conner Whitwell

Apprentice

In the world of funeral directing, where solemnity and reverence are the norms, Conner Whitwell, our Apprentice Funeral Director, brings a breath of fresh, albeit unusual, air. With just 10 months at Buck-Murphy, Conner has swiftly transitioned from tinkering with auto parts to navigating the delicate intricacies of funeral services. His journey from an auto parts store to our funeral home might sound like a plot twist in an indie movie, but it's just another day in Conner's life.
Conner’s role as an apprentice sees him dabbling in various aspects, from consoling families to the meticulous preparation work behind the scenes. His mantra? "Make every­one’s job a little easier." And he does this with a laid-back, drama-free style that's as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot sum­mer day.
One of Conner’s proudest moments includes receiv­ing heart­felt thanks from families, affirming that his transition from auto parts to heart­felt parts (of the funeral service!) was indeed a step in the right direction. Armed with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Sciences and having conquered the national board exams in both arts and sciences, Conner is not just a Jack-of-all-trades but a master-in-making.
Out­side the funeral home, Conner is a man of di­verse pas­sions. He’s a family guy at heart, enjoying quality time out­doors. But don't let his laid-back work style fool you. On week­ends, you might find him on a dirt bike, practicing Brazilian Jiu-jit­su, or unwinding with a good movie. These hobbies not only keep him grounded but also add a unique perspective to his work.
Looking ahead, Con­ner has his sights set on becoming a fully licensed funeral director, handling all aspects of the service independently. As for his evolution in Buck-Murphy? He aims to continually re­fine his skills, ensuring each family receives nothing but the best of his abilities.
In a nut­shell, Conner Whitwell is not your typical funeral director. He's a bike-riding, Jiu-jit­su practicing, movie loving, family-oriented apprentice, committed to supporting families through their toughest times with a touch of unorthodox charm.

Jacob Murphy

Jacob Murphy

Funeral Attendant/Book Keeping

Hi there! I'm Jacob Murphy, your go-to guy for all things bookkeeping and funeral assistance here at Buck-Murphy Funeral Home. It's been a thrilling three years since I joined the team, evolving from a car-washing, call-answering, building-upkeeping rookie to a master of records and funeral finesse.

From General Assistant to Bookkeeping Whiz
My journey here began with the basics, but soon I was diving into the heartfelt world of funeral services. Imagine this: one day you're washing cars, and the next, you're balancing books and helping families in their times of need. It's like being a superhero, but with spreadsheets and sympathy cards!

Proud Moments and Notary Notables
I'm particularly proud of my crash course in funeral planning and my wizardry in bookkeeping techniques. Oh, and did I mention I'm a Public Notary? That's right - I'm not just about numbers and sympathy; I'm legally certified to make your documents all official and fancy!

A Passion for People and Pages
At the heart of it all, I'm passionate about helping the families that walk through our doors. But when I'm not immersed in finance and funerals, you'll find me indulging in my love for bookbinding and book repair. It's not every day you meet a funeral assistant who can balance your books and fix your favorite novel, right?

Future Goals: From Books to Mortuary Science
My sights are set on expanding my horizons beyond the realm of finance. I'm gearing up to dive into the world of mortuary science, aiming to become a fully licensed expert in the field. Talk about a career plot twist!

The Fun Side of Jacob
When the calculators and caskets are set aside, I'm all about reading, enjoying various media, and hanging out with friends. It's not all numbers and notarization in my world!

Reach Out: Got a question or need some bookkeeping magic? Drop me a line at jacob@buck-murphy.com. Let's chat about finance, funerals, or even your favorite book!

Tyler Barney

Tyler Barney

Funeral Attendant/Facilities Maintenance

Meet Tyler, our resident renaissance man. With just 4 months under his belt at Buck-Murphy Funeral Home, Tyler has quickly become an indispensable part of our team. When he's not assisting with services or keeping our building in tip-top shape, you might find him regaling us with tales of his adventures in the great outdoors.
Tyler may have a background in retail, but he's taken to the funeral industry like a fish to water. His passion for helping families navigate the toughest moments in life is nothing short of inspiring. It's this deep sense of empathy that makes Tyler so exceptional at what he does.
Although Tyler didn't follow the traditional funeral director path, his 3 years of college schooling in the sciences have given him a unique perspective that he brings to his work. He believes in a laid-back and drama-free work style, ensuring that every family feels comfortable during their time of need.
Outside of work, Tyler's adventurous spirit shines through. Whether he's camping in the wilderness or embarking on exciting journeys with his wife and kids, you can bet that he's making the most of life. And remember, he lives by the motto: "Yesterday is yesterday, if you try to recapture it, you will only lose tomorrow."
You can reach out to Tyler at tyler@buck-murphy.com if you ever need assistance or just want to swap outdoor adventure stories. We're lucky to have Tyler as part of our Buck-Murphy family, and we know you'll appreciate his warm and friendly demeanor when you need it most.

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