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Les Ruggles (Murphy)
Born: April 9, 1945
Died: February 26, 2020
Age at Death: 74 years
 Les N. Murphy, 74, died peacefully, February 26, 2020, surrounded by his family in Clarksburg, CA. Les was born in Sacramento April 9, 1945. Following graduation from McClatchy High School and receipt of his degree in Police Science from Sacramento State, Les joined the Sacramento Police Department. He started as a patrol officer and transferred to the Detective division soon after. During his long tenure in law enforcement he also served some years as the Soccer Commissioner of the Sacramento Police Athletic League (PAL). During this same time Les brought the PAL soccer program to his Clarksburg community. His golfing skills also came into play for the Police Olympics in Calgary, Canada, and Colorado Springs, CO. His life aside from work was also full. He served in numerous capacities in Clarksburg, including Friends of Clarksburg Youth; Library Board and one-term President; Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department; the Inaugural Clarksburg Church Bell Choir; Little League Baseball Coach; PAL Soccer Coach and Referee. After retirement he was able to devote himself to his love of golf and so many other interests. He was an avid hunter (and loved his hunting dogs), a master fisherman, the chef of the household and host of years of family celebrations and a woodworker who built cabinets and furniture for his family and friends. All this while also indulging his love of music and art. His talent in the kitchen got him recruited as a member of the Clarksburg Senior Lunch Bunch. Les was preceded in death by his father Carl (Lois). He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Robin Shontz Murphy, son Jon Murphy (Cindy), daughter Michi Davis (Chris) and beloved grandchildren Max and Meghan; siblings Judy Mentink (Russ), Frank Murphy (Marilyn), Meribeth Nielsen (Dick), Sheryl Gould (Howard), brothers-in-laws Brian Shontz (Selinda), David Shontz (Stephanie) and his many nieces and nephews that brought such joy to his life. All of his family and friends will be forever thankful for the years they shared and the happiness he brought to their lives. He will be in their hearts forever.
Due to the precautions related to the COVID-19 virus a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarksburg Community Church (PO Box 36, Clarksburg, CA 95612), Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 513, Clarksburg, CA 95612), Yolo Hospice (PO Box 1014, Davis, CA 95618), CASA Child Advocacy (P. O. 278383, Sacramento, CA 95827).
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Bill Kelso
I was so sorry to see that Les Murphy had died. I first got to know Les our sophomore year as his brother Frank was one of the starting forwards on the McClatchy basketball team. Frank would often ask members of the team over to his house to shoot pool and just hang out. Since both Les and I were sophomores we spent most of the evening just talking to one another. Les, Frank, and his dad were great company who made you always feel welcome in their home.
After graduating I lose touch with Les but when the McClatchy web site began operating in 2013, we quickly exchanged several long letters.
Les loved sports and he knew a lot about college football. He wanted to ask me about Tim Tiebow who was a very popular and successful quarterback at the University of Florida who won two national championships. I quickly realized that Les know more about college football teams than I did. He was a great sports enthusiast and loved watching college ball.
From talking to Les I also realized that he was a very successful policeman in Sacramento. Les said he ended up working homicides in the city, which is one of the elite positions in the police department. From reading his bio, he looked like he had a very successful and happy life.
It is sad to see that he is no longer with us. It was also nice to know that he had a long and productive life protecting the citizens of Sacramento as a member of the city’s police department. I am sure that many members of the city miss him. Les was a good guy and a good friend.
Ronald Link
It sad we see Another friend and fellow classmate die. Even, we seem to lose track of our fellow classmates after our graduation, we never forget the good time we had at McClatchy. We honor his service to the City of Sacramento by serving as a police office protecting the community. Also, his service to our nation serving in the National Guard.
To his family, it was my privilege to be follow classmate pf Les.
Least We Never Forget
Diana Doupé (Vicari)
So many of our now departed classmates had such rich and varied lives--Les was no exception. Although I did not really know him, I admire what has been written about him--and wish his family strength and courage.
Rodney Gibson
Les & I grew up together. We went to Sutterville school, play on same little league team . I would spent time at the Murphy house with Les & Frank. He was a good friend . Glad to find he had a wonderful life. Rest In Peace my old friend.