Thomas Gerald Murphy (Feb 2, 1919 - Aug 23, 2011) 92½ years, of Shediac Road passed away Tuesday morning at the Dr. Georges- L.- Dumont University Hospital after suffering a stroke a week ago. His family was with him throughout this time. He is survived by his wife Leah Hope (McCully), children Karen Campbell (Jacques) of Carleton Place, Ontario, Colin (Marlene) of Vancouver Island, Tracey Clayton of Charlottetown, younger sisters Anne Parker and Peggy Doran of Moncton, five grandchildren - Réjean, Marcel and Sylvie Campbell, and Alysa and Teagan Clayton, and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents Henry Alfred and Sarah Francis (Kenny), and five older brothers- Aldred, Gordon, Kenneth, Wallace and Emmanuel.

Gerald was born in Bathurst but was a life-long resident of Moncton, living here the last 82 years, except for the 5 years he spent overseas serving in WWII. He was a talented hockey player in his youth, captaining his team to the 1935 Moncton City School League championship, and was an avid swimmer. He loved Parlee Beach and for fun with his buddies would swim over to Shediac Island. He was employed in the men’s wear business for years including Scovil’s Oak Hall, Dunham and Frenette, and was a co-owner of Al Bourque’s Men’s Wear in the Brunswick Hotel block until a serious car accident led him to early retirement. He was a 68 year member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 6.

Not one to dwell on the negative, Gerald loved to smile and laugh and was always photogenic. He loved a good joke and was known to his buddies and his family as a prankster. (Just ask his buddies at the Legion or ask his grandkids where Joe is or where he hid their noses).

Casual acquaintances in recent years would see an old man with a walker. His family didn’t. He enthusiastically enjoyed family life, going on summer vacations to Nova Scotia, sitting through 6:00am hockey practices, playing tag in the backyard, and passed along a passion of classic cars to his son. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He had a love of physical fitness, which he incorporated into his later years by walking great distances. He always marched in the Remembrance Day parades when he was able and volunteered for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. His home was his oasis and he wore out several wheelbarrows doing the landscaping. He was a voracious reader, particularly of non-fiction and he was very knowledgeable about current events. Nobody could beat him at Trivial Pursuit.

His family would like to thank the wonderful folks in section 4E at Dr. Georges-L.- Dumont for making his stay as comfortable as possible this past week, along with the staff at the Veterans’ Health Centre, Protem Health Care and Frenette’s Funeral Home. As per Gerald’s wishes there will be no funeral or visitation. Friends and relatives are welcome to drop by the house any time and share a Gerry story, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of choice would be appreciated.

As Dad would always say to someone not in attendance - “Give my regards.” So Dad, you have our love and regards. We will miss you.