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Nathan Murphy-DuBay

May 27, 2021
Richland, MI

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Murphy-DuBay, Nathan 4/25/1981 - 5/27/2021 Richland, Michigan Nathan Murphy-DuBay, recently of Richland, Michigan, was born in Kalamazoo on April 25, 1981. He died in Kalamazoo County on May 27, 2021. He leaves behind his wife Kristin and a young child. He is survived by his father, Mark DuBay and his wife, Cece Walbridge, of South Haven Michigan; two brothers, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, of Rochester, Michigan, and Matthew Murphy-DuBay and his wife Jessica of Lawrence, Michigan; together with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and a nephew. Nathan was preceded in death by his mother, Margie Murphy. Nathan moved from Kalamazoo with his family to Lawrence, Michigan shortly after his first birthday. He was a bright child learning to read at a very early age. He did well in school and was always eager to learn new skills. Nathan was a Boy Scout in his younger years, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout of which he was very proud. Nathan became interested in the medical profession while studying at the Van Buren County Tech Center in Lawrence. He trained to become a phlebotomist and used this skill to acquire a job at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Lawrence Public High School in 1999. He served the residents of Lawrence Township as a First Responder while attending Western Michigan University to earn a degree in biology. Nathan also earned a degree in Spanish at WMU and studied medical Spanish in Costa Rica. While working at Bronson Hospital, his ability to speak Spanish became known to doctors who used him as a translator. Several doctors recognized his talent and interest in the medical sciences and encouraged him to attend medical school. In 2008, he received a medical school degree, earning the right to be addressed as "Dr. Nathan Murphy-DuBay, MD". Because of a nation-wide shortage in medical residencies, Nathan was never able to finish his medical training or become a licensed physician. This disappointment took him away from the medical profession for a number of years but he returned recently, graduating from Kalamazoo Valley Community College with a degree in nursing. Nathan was truly a "Renaissance Man". His interests went well beyond the medical profession. He loved hunting and fishing. He was an avid skier and, for number of years, a member of the Ski Patrol. He enjoyed fly fishing and made custom built fly rods. He brewed beer said to be of excellent quality by all who tasted it. He remodeled his house with the skill of a professional. Nathan will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for friends and family will be held at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Avenue (M-89), Richland, MI 49083 on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, June 5 , 2021 at 10 a.m. before a funeral mass at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D. Avenue, Augusta, Michigan. Mass is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be held after the service from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Dock at Bay View, 12504 East D. Avenue (M-89), Richland, Michigan. Nathan will be buried next to his mother at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Paw Paw, Michigan. Interment will take place in a private ceremony on a date not yet determined. To protect Nathan's surviving child, Kristin is asking that only those who have been fully vaccinated against the COVID 19 virus attend the service and that face masks be worn while in enclosed spaces. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.