W. Douglas Murphy Obituary 5 Nov 2013

From: http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-392662-w-douglas-murphy.html

Published 5 Nov 2013 in "The Guardian" (Charlottetown) - includes photo not included here

W. Douglas Murphy

The death of Walter Douglas “Doug” Murphy, of the Turnbull Home, 231 Britain Street, husband of the late Frances (Legere) Murphy, occurred peacefully at Bobby’s Hospice, 385 Dufferin Row, Saint John, N.B., on November 1, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

A native and lifelong resident of Saint John, Doug was the firstborn of Walter Hatfield Irving Murphy and Winifred Gertrude “Wynn” (Cox) Murphy. He was born on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 1933 – his parents’ first wedding anniversary.

Douglas Murphy attended King Edward, Saint John Junior High School and Saint John Vocational School where he studied musical theory and composition with Professor William C. Bowden. Throughout the 1950s, 60s and early 1970s, he and his band, “Doug Murphy’s Orchestra” were widely known throughout southern New Brunswick. He was, for more than 40 years, a member of the Third Field Artillery, Loyal Co. Band, retiring with the rank of Master Warrant Officer. Songs written and/or arranged by Doug Murphy have been performed by numerous orchestras, bands and choirs. From 1965 until 2008, he served as choir director at St. Joachim’s Church in East Saint John. Doug was charter member and executive office holder of the New Brunswick Musician’s Association, local 815 AFM.

Douglas Murphy had a long and varied career in the retail industry before opening his own business, Melody Mill Ltd., in 1960. In 1968 he was recruited by the F.W. Woolworth Company to establish the record department at Woolco. He later expanded into cameras and electronics. He retired in 1992.
Doug dabbled in ventriloquism and magic (illusions) and was an accomplished and painstaking carpenter and craftsman.

He was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Doug was a man of many quiet benefactions and was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Doug Murphy was first and foremost a family man. On May 18, 1959, he married the love of his life, Frances Lillian Theresa Legere. Together they were blessed with 45 years of extraordinarily happy married life. Fran predeceased him on August 21, 2004. Doug was a proud, loving and attentive father to his three children, Stephen Douglas “Steve” (Sara Colburne), of Halifax; Peter Douglas (Melody, nee Clarke), of Ottawa; and Ellen Frances Catherine, of Saint John. In addition to his children, he is survived by five adoring grandchildren: Nora Elizabeth Nunn Murphy and Brendan Douglas Murphy, both of Halifax; Agnès Mary Frances Murphy, Leo Kenneth Douglas Murphy and Gregory Edmund Charles Murphy, of Ottawa. He also leaves to mourn their loss, his brother and sister: George Philip (Ted) Murphy (Sandra), of Stratford, Prince Edward Island and Cassidy Lake, Kings County; and Ruthann Alice Galbraith, of Grand Bay-Westfield, N.B. In addition, he is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Barry Leger (Patricia), of Saint John; J. Paul Leger (Michèle) of Fredericton; and Michael Leger, of Saint John; Sister Therese Frances Leger (Joan), Franciscan of Halifax, of Musquodoboit Harbour; Catherine "Kay" Williams, of Saint John; Elizabeth "Liz" Reid (Paul) of Huntsville, Ontario; and Amelia "Toby" Legere of Saint John. He is also survived by 30 nieces and nephews and 36 grandnieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents: Walter (1998) and Winifred (Cox) Murphy (1991), he was predeceased by one sister and one brother, Barbara Jean and Harold Wilfred (both in infancy).

Arrangements are in the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (506-646-2424). The family will receive visitors at the Funeral Home on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Joachim's Church, 603 Loch Lomond Road, Saint John, on Wednesday, November 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery with a reception commencing at 12:30 p.m. at the Simonds Lions Auditorium. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. The family would appreciate donations to Bobby’s Hospice.