Neil Joseph MurphyCliveNeil Joseph Murphy, 74, passed away on May 22, 2017, from complications of pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines followed by a graveside service at Resthaven Cemetery.Neil was born on June 21, 1942, in Rochester, MN to Kenneth Joseph and Elsie Regina (Slifka) Murphy. Neil, valedictorian of Chester High School in 1960, received his B.S. from Iowa State University where he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa in 1966, graduated magna cum laude, and was awarded the Order of the Coif. In 1970 he earned his LL.M. degree from Harvard Graduate Law School. Neil worked in the Estate and Gift Tax Division of the US Treasury Department for 30 years until his retirement in 1997. His interests included travel, reading, playing cards and chess, investing, and cheering for the Vikings and White Sox. He was proud to say he scaled Mt. Rainier in 1971, but overall his most enjoyable, meaningful times were those spent with his wife and friends.Neil is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Johnson) Murphy and many cherished friends.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation or a .