MURPHY, TOM
Tom Murphy passed away on July 18, 2015. He died in the caring environment provided by Parkwood Institute (London, Ontario), in the company of his life partner, Tess Hooks. Tom was born October 14, 1947 in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
As a friend, lover, parent, activist, writer and teacher, Tom was a model for compassion and social justice. Tom’s vibrant embrace of life was diverse and far-reaching – good food, wine and beer, outdoor adventures, and intimate conversations. Tom loved to laugh – often at his own expense – he brought smiles and joy to all those around him. His philosophy, wit and wisdom infused his final public address, Notes on the Art of Dying (www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKUhhkHA7Jg).
Tom is survived by his life partner, Tess Hooks and his beloved children, Breana Hooks and Conor Murphy and his puppy, Kahlua. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Doris Murphy. He is also survived by his ten siblings: Isabel Murphy, Alleen Parsons, Sandra Smith, Eleanor Murdoch, Pat Murphy, Shirley Murphy, Karen Murphy, David Murphy, Janet Murphy, Rob Murphy, and his 35 nieces and nephews.
Tom will be commemorated from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on August 2nd, at Bellamere Winery (Kindred Hall), 1260 Gainsborough Road, London Ontario N6H 5K8. The memorial will take place at 1:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Oxfam Canada (www.oxfam.ca), Canadian Feed the Children (www.canadianfeedthechildren.ca), or the White Ribbon Campaign (www.whiteribbon.ca).
“Our lives become stories
each from a different point of view
When we come together
We share our stories and we sometimes
laugh ‘til our bellies hurt

It is good to be together”
- Tom Murphy