Peter Charles Murphy

Peter was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland to parents Edward P Murphy and Annabelle Fairchild Murphy. He had four siblings he loved and respected: Anne, Neil, Brian and Patrick. He died at 75 years of age, ten years short of his master plan. Peter had no regrets save one: he had to leave unfinished some incredible projects he’d designed and worked on at his Gambier Island home.

Married in 1973 to the professed love of his life, (Catherine) Jan Murphy, Peter died one week shy of their 53rd Wedding Anniversary. The two had travelled extensively, loved the outdoors and adventured together all over the world. Both understood how fortunate they were to have had each other and to have been able to make their lifelong dreams come true.

Peter wholeheartedly loved his three children, Sean, Jamie and Laura, and enjoyed time spent together. He was proud of the adult each had become. He welcomed their chosen ones, Bonkosa, Curtis and Kim, into the family and wished all of them happiness. Grandchildren, Luke, Ezra, Ohana, Ellowyn, Lillian and Everley were cherished.

He treasured the Gambier Island home and community, and, having retired at age 55, made full use of his time building and outfitting a shop along with a large number of other projects, including a beautiful gazebo which he referred to as his legacy building. He was happy to help neighbours on the island. For weeks every year he worked hard alongside his long-time friend, Gord, the two hurling good-natured insults and laughing while building.

Peter was a designer extraordinaire and a man who loved to learn. Every spare moment was spent in those pursuits.

Described as brilliant by many, people have also commented on the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

His interest in technology was well known.

From 1969 to 1973 Peter attended the University of Alberta’s Banff School of Fine Arts theatre program. Upon graduation, he moved with Jan to Calgary where he worked for a rep company specializing in theatre and television lighting control systems. In 1981, Peter joined Design Lighting to work with his new partners, Gary Berman and Paul Falk. Shortly afterward, Lite Control was formed. His partners came over from Design Lighting to join Peter, and Lite Control evolved into Lédalite, an architectural lighting manufacturer employing up to 360 people in both Canada and the US.

Early in his career, Business in Vancouver honoured Peter with a “Forty under 40” award, which recognized outstanding young entrepreneurs. He continued to grow as CEO of Lédalite, and then, later, as CEO of Epic Data. He both valued and respected those he'd had the great pleasure of working with.

From Newfoundland, Alberta and British Columbia, Peter grew up, married, raised a family he loved, worked and learned and lived an extraordinary life.

He will be deeply missed.

Thank you, Family and Friends, for helping us celebrate the life of this remarkable man.

“Thank you for a life filled with love and adventure, kindness and laughter.”