Michael John “Mike” Brophy

   May 8, 1949 ~ September 18, 2006

Michael John “Mike” Brophy, faithful husband, beloved father, steadfast brother, loving son, and loyal     friend, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 18, 2006, of complications from his successful battle with cancer. Mike was born May 8, 1949, in Bisbee, Arizona, to James E. and Maggie Lu Brophy. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Marilyn Pritchard Brophy, who was the love of his life, and his two sons, Tom (Luz) and Matt, who were his greatest pride and joy and source of laughter. Mike is also survived by his mother; two sisters, Polly Brophy (Rick Moffit) and Kate McGee (Bob); four brothers Jim (Sandy), Steve (Lori), Dan (Carleen), and Paul (Julie); and 10 nieces and nephews (Ian Moffit, R.J., Jack and Sam McGee, James, Alessandra and Joseph Brophy, Clare and Maggie Brophy, and Lukas Brophy). Also, Buster, Mike’s faithful correspondent. Mike was preceded in death by his father.

Mike, a third-generation Arizonan, grew up in Bisbee and Tucson and graduated with highest honors from the University of Arizona in 1971. In 1977 he received his law degree from Arizona State University and joined the Phoenix law firm of Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, where he spent his entire career. In 2001 he was named Managing Partner for the firm and served in that capacity for two years.

While it was Mike’s wish that he be remembered for who he was and not what he did, his work, in part, defined him. Mike was a nationally renowned water and environmental lawyer with many professional achievements. He served as the Arizona Representative to the Western States Water Council from 1991-2002, and was elected Chairman from 2000 – 2002. Mike was also the Chairman of the Water Policy Committee for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. He was perhaps most proud of his work in connection with negotiating and securing the enactment of legislation by the United States Congress involving water-rights and settlements for the Gila River, Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Fort McDowell and Ak-Chin Indian Communities, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

Mike was a man of few words and great heart who valued honesty, courage, and loyalty above all other traits. He profoundly believed in service and commitment to others. Mike was a member of the United Way Tocqueville Society and a great supporter of Brophy College Preparatory. He was devoted to his family, friends, and Catholic faith. Mike’s passion for reading, art, travel, fishing, hunting and hiking yielded many friends and admirers. He was a quiet, gentle man and a fierce advocate who never did anything by halves. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Mike’s memory to the following charities: Brophy Community Foundation, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012; St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009; or St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002. The family extends sincere thanks to Mike’s many friends and coworkers for their expressions of love and generous offers of support during his illness and following his death. Final arrangements are being handled by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, and services are planned for Saturday afternoon, September 23, at 2:00.