William Paul Murphy

It is with heartfelt sadness that our family announces the passing of William Paul Murphy on April 8, 2015 at the age of 91 with family at his side. Dad was born on December 24, 1923 in Guelph, Ontario, one of twelve children of the late Annie Stodd formerly of Leicester, England and Patrick Bernard Murphy formerly of Enniscorthy, Ireland. Dad spent his youth growing up in London, Ontario until the outbreak of war at which time he volunteered, joining the ranks of the Royal Canadian Navy in 1940 and bringing him to Halifax which he called home for the rest of his life. He was proud to have served his country during both the Second World War and the Korean War, receiving the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star with France & Germany Clasp, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Korean War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea, United Nations Service Medal (Korea), Special Service Medal & NATO Clasp, Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal and Canadian Forces Decoration & Clasp. His service in the Canadian Armed Forces extended to 1967 at which time he retired from active duty having reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Subsequent to his retirement from the navy he joined the Canadian Postal Service working as a letter carrier for the next 20 years. Over the course of his second career Dad clocked many miles travelling his delivery routes and as a result developed a lifelong passion for walking which he continued in earnest until his final days.

After leaving the Postal Service and never one to sit still for too long, Murph, as he was affectionately known by his friends, volunteered his services at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital helping out his fellow veterans and eventually receiving his 15 year service pin. For many years he was an avid golfer, bowler and excelled at crib and bridge, passing many an enjoyable hour trying to best his fellow players. Murph held great pride in being the recipient of the Heart of Bridge Award, an acknowledgement from his friends for his love of the game played in the spirit of fun and enjoyment.

Throughout his life Dad found great comfort in his unwavering faith with his well-worn prayer book and rosary always nearby. Above all else Dad deeply cherished the time he shared with family. There was nothing more important to him and he took every opportunity to be with us, never missing a family gathering or birthday celebration, always being diligent in sending birthday cards adorned with his many stickers, and continually looking for any reason to have a party. We will miss his warmth and sense of humour and we are honoured to have been a witness to his life.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Patrick, Jack, Thomas, Kenneth, Michael, and sisters Kathleen and Patricia and twin brother and sister in infancy. Those left behind to honour and cherish his memory include his wife Roberta, children Colleen, Kathleen, Janice Bohan (Mark) and Patrick (Heather), his grandchildren Peter, Erin, Stephen, Michael and Eve as well as his brothers Gus (Roma) and Danny (Carolyn) and brother-in-law Sydney Vaughan. He also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews in both Halifax and London.

We wish to extend our appreciation for the excellent support and care Dad received at Bradford Hall and during his final days on Princess Lane at Parkstone Enhanced Care. Cremation has taken place and as requested there will be no visitation. A funeral Mass in celebration of Dad’s life will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 1288 Bedford Hwy on May 1 at 2 pm with reception to follow in the church hall. Family will accompany Dad on his final sail on May 3, Battle of the Atlantic Sunday, when his ashes will be carried aboard the HMCS SACKVILLE to his final resting place.

Donations may be made to the Last Post Fund, http://www.lastpostfund.ca/EN/donate.php.