John Leo Murphy
Born In: Sydney
Born: May 10th, 1934
Passed on: February 5th, 2018
It is with great sadness that we, the family of John Murphy, announce his passing on Monday, February 5, 2018 at home.
Born on May 10, 1934, in Sydney, John was the son of the late Patrick and Martha (MacDougall) Murphy.
Dad will be deeply missed by his New Victoria Rose, Marie ‘Lovie’ (Tighe), his loving wife of 56 years; daughter, Lori; son, Trevor and the last surviving member of his immediate family, his sister, Bridget ‘Biddy’. Besides his parents, dad was predeceased by his brothers, Patrick, Dennis and his sisters, Margaret ‘Peggy’ and Catherine ‘Snooks’.
Dad joined the army, serving with the Carlton and York Regiment. Dad was very proud to be a member of the Whitney Pier Legion, Branch 128. Dad was a pipefitter and plumber, but was certainly a jack of all trades, willing to lend his skills to anyone in need. The oldest of six siblings, dad learned to be a caregiver at a very young age as he stepped up to take care of his younger brothers and sisters. When it came time for marriage and kids, he was a natural at caring and protecting. For our entire lives, mom and dad made our home a place where our friends loved to be. Whether it was to hang out, have a chat with the folks, have a meal or for a game of road or air hockey, everyone was always welcome. It was no surprise that hockey played a big role in the Murphy family. Saturday nights focused around Hockey Night in Canada, where it was boys vs. girls, dad and Trevor being Habs fans and mom and I rooting for the Leafs. Dad loved to reminisce about the time we travelled to Montreal to see the Habs play the Leafs. The Habs happened to win that game.
Besides spending time with his family, dad’s passion was fly fishing. Some of his fondest memories were of spending time with his fishing buddies on the Margaree. He could easily lead you down the most remote roads in Cape Breton as he knew them like the back of his hand. He travelled them frequently looking for any river or stream where he could cast his line. Dad also loved tying flies, taking long drives to “wherever” with mom and telling stories to anyone who would listen. Dad loved sharing his vast knowledge and could beat anyone in a friendly match of Jeopardy, as he rarely missed an episode. A few years ago, we were able to fulfill dad’s lifelong wish of travelling to Scotland and Ireland. Being a proud Irishman, dad would not admit this, but we know Scotland was the highlight of his trip. Dad called our time in Europe a trip of a lifetime, and we are truly grateful that we were able to make this happen for him.
Words cannot express how grateful we are to Dr. Greg Myatt, Janice Black, the wonderful people with the VON and Palliative Care. Their care, compassion and support helped mom keep dad at home and comfortable in his final days.
Visitation for the late John Leo Murphy will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 6-9 p.m. at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street).
Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the Mass, light refreshments will be held in the funeral home reception area. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, New Victoria at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the VON.
Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
