Norman Robert Murphy

Norman Robert Murphy passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at the age of 86 with his loving family by his side at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Having spent a lifetime of supporting others and unbounded generosity -Norm will finally be at rest.

Norm was born on August 26th, 1938, in Galt Ontario to his loving parents Robert and Isabella Murphy. During one of his hospital visits as a young adult, he would meet Catharine Murphy (Brown), a beautiful and kind nurse who immediately stole his heart. He had to work hard to win her over, but his persistence paid off, leading to a beautiful marriage that lasted over 62 years – a testament to his unwavering love and devotion to her.

Norm will be missed by his wife Catharine, daughters Susan Murphy (Ron), Lori Armas (Helder), Julie Wynen (John), and Nicole Murphy, grand-children Megan Murphy (Andrew), Stephanie Trickett (Aaron), Hannah Wynen, Seth Armas, Logan Murphy, Quinn Armas, (Gracie Wynen), Samuel Armas, and Jaymee Armas, as well as great-grand-children Keira Murphy, Finley Murphy, Kalin Trickett, Sawyer Murphy and Lori-Ann Trickett.

Norm is also survived by his sister Lora Murphy and siblings-in-law Dorothy Brown and Albert Gignac. Norm had a group of lifelong friends whom he cherished: (Morris Keller), Peter Barnes, Dave Roberts, and (Otto Seaman).

Predeceased by his parents Robert and Isabella Murphy, siblings-in-law Elspeth and Art Sowden, Bob and Peggy Brown, Mary Dicken, Jack and Lois Brown, Harve Brown, Marg Gignac, and aunt Marg and uncle Haddy Taylor.

Norm was an exceptional football player during his time at Galt Collegiate Institute and was offered a contract to play for the Hamilton Tigercats of the Canadian Football League. Instead, Norm opted to enter the sheet metal trade, where in 1960 he graduated from the Provincial Institute of Trades in Toronto at the top of his class. Norm would go on to join his uncle (William Murphy) and father (Robert Murphy) at the newly founded Murphy Sheet Metal. In 1966 Norm purchased the company and renamed it N.R. Murphy Limited, serving as President until his retirement in 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw the supply and installation of thousands of dust collectors across the globe, which were designed to filter pollution from the air, protecting people and the environment.

Norm was a preeminent businessman, owning a variety of other businesses including The Storage Place and Murphy-Rodgers Inc (located in California), and many other businesses in the construction, real estate, and printing industries. With all of Norm’s successes he established the Murphy Family Foundation, which facilitated large personal donations to causes like the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Mindemoya Hospital, Huntington’s society, Cambridge Hornet’s hockey club and a variety of youth sports within Cambridge.

Norm had many passions and hobbies, including photography- his family often joked the best gift for him would be more walls, so he could hang more of his photos. Norm also loved reading, hunting, dining, football and hockey, music, dancing and Irish whiskeys (and sometimes those last two at the same time). He owned a cottage on Manitoulin Island, where he spent a great deal of his time in his later years. Norm was an avid traveller and enjoyed collecting art and stories from his adventures around the world, often decorating his cottage with all sorts of exotic art pieces. Norm’s deep love for his family, travel and history culminated in the celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary, where he had booked an unforgettable trip for his family to explore Ireland and their shared Irish heritage.

Norm spent a lot of time with his grandchildren, whom all have fond memories 4x4ing (off-roading) around Manitoulin Island. They subsequently also have a lot of memories waiting for CAA and spending time at the mechanic shops as well. Grandpa was the best person to road trip with, he always stopped at fun restaurants, and we always got to the destination really quickly (much to our collective mothers’ dismay). He loved taking his grand children to hockey and baseball games and to the bookstore. Norm was always supporting his grandchildren at their hockey, dance and theatre events.

Norm will be remembered for his generosity and love of people. From his upbringing he was instilled with an acceptance of others and to give all that you could. He remembered and cherished his memories of meeting people during his days on the road, re-telling stories again and again (and again). During his time at N.R. Murphy Limited, Norm was proud to provide quality opportunities to people of his community. When the economy was struggling, Norm was the first to take a pay cut. When a valued employee needed a hand, he covered them on the spot. When a friend opened a business, Norm was the first in line to support them. When his family needed help, he was always there.

While Norm will be dearly missed by his family and friends, his legacy will live on, every time the equipment adorned with his name is powered up around the world.

Our family would like to thank all the staff at Seasons Retirement Community, as well as the personal support workers, nurses and doctors at Cambridge Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care they provided during his last 6 weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Norm’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Cambridge Memorial Hospital or a charity of your choice. Norm’s celebration of life will be held at the offices of N.R. Murphy Limited, 430 Franklin Blvd. Cambridge on Saturday June 21st from 1pm to 4pm.