Dean Niff Murdock

Dean Niff Murdock was born in Salt Lake City, UT on December 17, 1950 to Niff and Addie Murdock. He passed away on June 12, 2020 due to complications of Covid-19. Dean grew up in a family with four sisters in the Rosecrest area in Millcreek, UT. He graduated from Skyline High School, and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He gained a lifetime love of the Portugese language, Brazilian culture, and Guarana. 

Upon returning home from his mission Dean attended BYU and was sealed to the love of his life, Kristine Rose Jolley in the Salt Lake Temple on June 14, 1973. They have five children, and lived most of their life in the Salt Lake area. 

Dean was known for his incredible talent and love of music. He passed that love on to not only his own family, but his many piano students. He was always The Music Man. He wrote songs for his wife and family, some of which were used for plays that he helped write and perform in. He was also a studio pianist, and his hands appeared in several episodes of Touched By An Angel. He carried that musical talent into his church callings where he served as Primary Pianist and Ward Organist for many years.

He was an avid reader. His favorites were Louis Lamour, Perry Mason, and Gerald Lund. He always had a book in his hand and in his car - probably even in his back pocket. He loved John Denver, The Carpenters, Dan Seals, and Roger Whitaker. We listened to an endless playlist on roadtrips - with our parents singing in harmony. 

He was also known for his sense of humor, and was the king of corny “Dad Jokes”. He should have owned stock in Pepsi, and was an incredible cook. He was a really good dad. He was the kind of dad who would push you on a swing, and would also wait patiently as you stopped to pick flowers. He was always up for a quick game of catch, and loved his New York Yankees. He never lost a game of Horse because of his wicked “dad shot”. 

Dean is survived by his wife Kristine, and children Natalie (Travis) Smith, Heidi (Josh) Haslam, Michael (Julie) Murdock, Cassie (Ian) LeCheminant, Zachary (Amanda) Murdock, 18 grandchildren all of whom love him, and will miss him. We are sure that he was greeted with hugs and a huge celebration with his parents when he passed on. 

A private family and extended family funeral and celebration of Deans life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday June 30, 2020 at the Holbrook Mortuary.  For friends and extended family the funeral will be held live stream on the Holbrook Mortuary web site www.holbrookmortuary.com. Find the Dean Murdock obituary page then Just click on the live stream window link at 11:00am on Tuesday when the funeral begins to watch live stream the family funeral  celebration for Dean.

A public visitation for Dean and  also the family will visit with friends on Monday evening June 29, 2020 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East.  Please everyone wear a Mask and practice social distance both inside and outside the mortuary building.  Be prepared for a small wait outside the Holbrook Mortuary building as we practice social distance inside the building by limiting the numbers coming inside.

Burial will take place after the funeral on Tuesday in the Heber City Cemetery. On line memories and tributes can be posted for the family to read at www.holbrookmortuary.com on the obituary page for Dean

Any Questions please call the Holbrook Mortuary at 801-484-2045