1922 - 2010. Passed peacefully away on Wednesday, December 15th at his home overlooking the Rennie's River Trail that he loved to walk, John J. Murphy, former mayor of St. John's. He was surrounded by his loving family.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Marjorie, sisters Mary Kent, Margaret Fitzgerald, and mother-in-law Sarah Raymond. John leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife Sheilagh, who shared sixteen wonderful and magical years with this remarkable man; his daughters: Karen Murphy, Patricia (David) Greene, Jane (Kermit) Phillips; son Paul Murphy; step-sons: Stephen and Robin Guy; grandchildren: John, Jeffery, Josh, James and Heather Furneaux, Paddy and Katie Greene, Halley and Teddy Skiffington, Leah and Grant Phillips, and large number of nieces and nephews from the Kent and Fitzgerald families; his caregiver Olive Gough. Many close friends and hundreds of citizens of St. John's mourn his passing.
John Murphy in his early career was a broadcaster. He went on to become a successful businessman, building the iconic Arcade store chain. He was president of the St. John's Board of Trade and active member of The Stokers Group of the St. John's Rotary Club for over 50 years. John served 13 years as Mayor of St. John's 1981 - 1990 and 1993 - 1997. His great love for the City showed in his tireless work and the improvements he helped implement. Because of his generosity hundreds of students have received scholarships, either through The Arcade Public Speaking Contest he established or through his endowment to Memorial's School of Business. John received many accolades in his life, including The Queen's Medal, the Order of Canada and an Honourary Doctorate from Memorial University, to mention a few. But he was most proud to receive The Freedom of the City of St. John's conferred upon him at City Hall in June past.
When Kipling wrote...... "if you can walk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings and keep the common touch" he was talking about John Murphy, a virtuous, and dignified man.
John Murphy will be resting at Carnell's Funeral Home, Freshwater Rd. Thursday Dec. 16th from 7 pm to 9 pm, and Friday Dec. 17th from 2 pm to 9 pm, Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius Tenth, Smithville Crescent at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th, with interment at Belvedere Cemetery to follow. Flowers gratefully accepted or a donation may be made in his memory to The Canadian Cancer Society.