Dr. Francis (Frank) Murphy

M.D., FRCP(C), Diplomat of The American Board of Dermatology

August 15, 1949 – March 13, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Murphy, peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was a devoted husband, father, and grandad. He will be missed dearly and cherished forever by his wife of 53 years, Karen (nee Horne), children David (Michelle) and Paula (Ben Schmalz), and grandchildren Avery, Spencer, Natalie, Nicholas, and Kate. He was predeceased by his adoring parents Frank (1923-1983) and Sheila (1928-2009) Murphy.

Born in Liverpool, England, Frank never lost touch with his roots and stayed close to his many English relatives. His beloved England won the World Cup in 1966 and he cheered his favourite club Everton’s dominance in the 1980s – he never gave up hope that a return to glory for both teams was around the next corner.

He came to Hamilton in 1957 as a young boy, and made it his lifelong home. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School and Cathedral Boys High School. He was thrilled in recent years to be named to the Cathedral Wall of Distinction as a distinguished alumnus. He received his undergraduate degree (1972) and M.D. (1977) from McMaster University.

After initially completing a residency in Internal Medicine, he was drawn to Dermatology after spending time with the late Dr. Don Rosenthal, who became an incredible mentor and friend. He completed his Dermatology Residency at the University of Toronto, and then returned to Hamilton to establish his practice in 1981. Over the next 45 years, he played a pioneering, leadership role in dermatology in Hamilton, and served as Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University, Head of the Division of Dermatology at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Director of the Regional Wound Care Clinic.

Frank truly loved the practice of dermatology, from his first day until his declining health forced him to reluctantly retire. He loved his patients, and they loved him. Everywhere he went with his family – even in other countries on vacation – people would recognize him and express their affection and thanks. Year after year, he was recognized in the Hamilton Readers’ Choice awards as one the city’s favourite dermatologists, which brought him such immense joy and satisfaction.

While he loved his work, he never let it get in the way of his family and friends. When his children were growing up, he coached and volunteered for every one of their activities. He never missed a game his grandchildren played over the years. He loved to plan vacations, and gave his family so many incredible trips over the years that they will cherish forever. Frank and Karen were also blessed with many wonderful friends, and the meals, trips and experiences with them were some of Frank’s very best memories.

Despite the grief and sadness of his passing, we are comforted by the fact that he is now at peace. He fought bravely through a long and hard illness, and we are grateful to all those who cared for him and helped give us more time with him – including Drs. O. Kehinde, G. Cox, S. Hansen, M. Achong, S. Winemaker, and L. Cameron, and Mui Tran and the other nurses who visited him daily in his final weeks.

At his request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Marlatt Funeral Home, 195 King St. W., Dundas, Ontario. Funeral mass will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 am at St. Augustine’s Church, 58 Sydenham St., Dundas, Ontario. The funeral will be followed immediately afterwards by a Luncheon in celebration of Frank’s life at Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club – all are welcome to join us.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Good Shepherd would be greatly appreciated.

“Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end; they simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again”