Obituaries

It is with great sadness that the family of Gerald Henry Murphy announces his passing on December 12, 2021 at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gerald leaves behind his wife of 48 years Beverley; daughters, Dawn and Julie; son, Billy (Candice); beloved grandchildren, Colin and Rowan; brother, Henry (Toni); sisters, Joan (Ron), Sheila (Tony) and Patricia (Cecil); sisters-in-law, Sheila, Regina (Robin) and Jeanette (Cyril). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Alice; brothers, Joe, Francis, and Bob; sister, Mary; nephew, Glen; niece, Heather; brothers-in-law, Jackie and Gerry; sister-in-law, Freda; mother and father-in-law, Mary and Bill Stack.

Gerald was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and grew up on the farm in Kilbride. He often recalled fond memories of his family and friends from before he joined the navy and the many shenanigans he would get into on his visits “home”. Although he didn’t make it home as often as he’d like, he would relish thethought of seeing his loved ones and cherish those moments dearly.

Gerald was a veteran and was proud of his 30-year career in the navy that would take him around the world. Some of these deployments would take him far from home for months at a time. He sacrificed many events; birthdays, anniversaries, school events, milestones and the everyday joys of fatherhood to provide for his family. His wife Beverley was the rock that held the family together. He could count on her unconditionally and loved his wife so very much. She did the job of two parents countless times and made sure their children were well taken care of.

Gerald liked the simple things in his later years; a run for a morning coffee; a Timbit for his best fur friend Princess or The Duke; the newspaper; a crossword; and then putter around on some project that would end up frustrating himself. He was known to yell at his son for not holding a flashlight correctly. His son also took the blame for any piece of wood that was cut to the wrong size and was the reason why there were pieces left over after something was "fixed.”

Gerald loved spending time with his two daughters, Dawn and Julie. He cherished having them around so much and would do anything for them.

Gerald loved sports. He especially loved the underdog story, which explains why his favourite hockey team was the Toronto Maple Leafs. His favourite athletes were his grandchildren, Colin and Rowan. He loved listening to their play by play stories, watching their videos and seeing pictures of them in action. He was so proud of them and loved their work ethic.

A huge thank you to Shannon and the Palliative Care team; VON for their care and especially Helen for her compassion during this difficult time; Dr. M. Watson, Dr. P. Mears and the rest of Gerald’s medical care team; Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors for your help; special friends and neighbour’s, Lloyd, Patty, Dave, Michelle and Terry for your support over the years and to Mandy Duffy for being there for our family through this difficult time.

Gerald requested cremation, no visitation, no funeral or obituary. Since his wife is stubborn like he was and his children inherited this stubbornness, we felt it important for others to share in the memory of his life.

Family and friends are encouraged to share a toast for Gerald and reminisce of their time with him.

There will be a family celebration of life back “home” at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Gerald (Dad, Poppy)