HENNIKER, NH:  Orry Ethan Murdough, 18, of Henniker, NH passed away at his home on March 11, 2022.

Orry grew up in Henniker and all who knew him appreciated his quick wit and quirky sense of humor. From a young age, Orry would often be the ringleader of kids around him. Through the years, he was looked up to by many as a mentor and leader, though Orry did not realize the positive power he had on others.

Orry loved soccer. From a young age he played in all the leagues he was able to year-round.  His family was very proud of him when he made Varsity Soccer his first year at JSRHS—he even played in the first game of that season.  Orry was lucky to have his dad, who did not miss one of his games, often being a coach. Orry also loved to fish, especially ice fishing with his Uncle Morgan, with whom him he had fun competing for who caught the most and longest fish.

Orry loved his immediate and extended family. He loved to go “Up North” to see family and took great pleasure in playing card games, Dominoes, and doing a bit of camping in the backwoods at his Papa’s farm.  He often talked about the spot he had picked out in the backwoods where he planned someday to build his tiny house.

At the time of Orry’s passing, he attended River Valley Community College, taking classes in computer science with a focus on cyber security. Orry also worked part-time at Pat’s Peak where he took great pleasure in catching those without valid passes.

Orry leaves behind many special people who loved him and will miss him terribly. Miss Polly Wheatley will forever be in his and his family’s hearts for all the love, understanding, and acceptance she gave during their time together. Riley Brooks and Kacie Weston were dear friends who always held a very close spot in Orry’s heart as well.  Orry had many other loving and caring friends, teachers, and coaches who will miss him dearly. 

Orry’s family loved him.  A parent should never have to write their child’s obituary. A sibling should never have to say goodbye the way Shawna has with losing her brother. Shawna and Orry had a very special sibling bond and her love for her brother will be eternal. The family’s hearts are broken, and spirits shattered, however, the memories they hold and the strong support system of friends and family will help heal their hearts.

Orry is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Janet Murdough (Morse) of Henniker, maternal aunt, Stephanie (Murdough) Riley, paternal uncle, Noel Murdough and maternal uncle, Wayne Keniston.

Orry is survived by his parents, Brian and Becky (Keniston) Murdough of Henniker, NH, sister, Shawna Murdough of Henniker, NH, maternal grandparents, Russell and Gayle (Brooks) Keniston of North Haverhill, NH, maternal aunt, Karen (Keniston), her husband, Edward Woods of Monroe, NH, and their son, Justin of Laconia, NH, maternal aunt, Jody (Thayer), her husband, Robert “Pudge” Engle of Wells River, VT, paternal uncle, Morgan of Henniker, NH, paternal uncle, Kenneth “Skate,” his wife, Sarah, and their children, Kayl, Shepyrd, Kally, and Shaylee of Contoocook, NH and paternal uncle, Shawn Riley, his partner, Lorrie, and their children Shane, Samantha, and Tyler of Concord, NH.

There will be no services at present.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the spring. Those that wish to can consider making a donation in Orry’s memory to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New Hampshire, 85 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301 (www.NAMINH.org/donate or johnstarkunitedscoccer@gmail.com  by contacting johnstark@ gmail.com