Sydney
 

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.

Send an online condolence.

     

                              Online Condolences

Our hearts are filled with sadness, another angel has entered GODS kingdom!! our prayers are with you lovie, lori, and trevor
From: Caron and Jim

Lovie and family I am very sorry on your loss my sincere condolences to you all and to Johns sister Biddy
From: Pat Jones

Dear Lovie and family we were so very sorry to read of John's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Bernadette & Ralph Lovell

Lori and Trevor My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God continue to provide you with comfort through the love of family and friends. Your Dad will always be part of your life and the memories will grow and be what you draw on in times of joy and sadness. Thinking of you.
From: Pam Carter

Lovie and family, Saddened to hear of the passing of a gentleman. We were honored to have the two of you involved in the passing of our mother in the not too distant past. See you for some pie. Your Kingston family.Danny, Patti and Darrell Townsend
From: Daniel Townsend

We truly wish we could be there with you but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Biggest hugs and Love to you all.
From: Lee and Tara

Dear Lovie and family,So sad to read of the loss of your husband.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From: Sheldon and Aleah (Ratchford) MacNeil

Lovie, Trevor & Lori, So sorry to hear about John's passing, condolences on your loss. It was always a pleasure to see his photos on social media and read about him. It was obvious how much people cared about him.
From: Robert Tighe & family, Winnipeg

LOVIE LORI AND TREVOR…We are so sorry for your loss.You have a beautiful family with such wonderful memories to share. John L was a proud man who cherished you all. We think you and yours are special people who show by example what family means. EVERY DAY…he will be missed…but also…will be remembered. Thinking of you all..and heartbroken that we all cannot be there for you.Love you …from Tammy Tighe MacNeil and family
From: Tammy

Dear Lovie,Trevor and Lori…we are so sad to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and dad.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time.May he rest in peace!
From: Matt and Deanie Hawley

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF JOHN PASSING.HE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY AND WILL BE TRULY MISSED.OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU LOVIE LORI AND TREVOR.LOVE LILLIAN & NIPPER.
From: TOM & LILLIAN O'FLAHERTY

Love and prayers to a beautiful family. I have only fond memories of spending time with Lori and family. I am sorry for your loss of such a kind and gentle man/ father. Love to all.
From: Sandra Edwards

We wanted to share our sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Please know we are thinking of you and sending love and hugs to all three of you, Lovie Trevor and Lori xo Lee-Anne and Tara
From: Lee-Anne and Tara

I want to send along my condolences for your loss. Over the years Trevor has told me many stories about his dad, both funny and serious. Sharing memories of your time together will help in this difficult time. Thinking of you all. XO
From: Jeannine McNeil

His picture says it all, Lou. He looks like joy. Your words captured exactly who I would imagine your dad to be. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you tight, long hugs. Love, Lil Wing
From: Richelle Williams

Our deepest sympathy to' Lovie" and family .May John R.I.P.!
From: Alex & Deanna Mac Isaac

Trevor and family – I read the obit and I smiled to hear of such a lovely man you called Da. Celebrate his life and keep his memories close, that will help get you through the sad times. Take care everyone – Joy Reid and family!
From: Joy Reid

Lovie, Lorie & Trevor Very sad to learn John L has gone on a new fishing trip. We have many fond memories as good friends and neighbours.Our sincere condolences. Frank & Lorna Chaffey
From: Frank & Lorna Chaffey


Sorry to hear of Johns passing. My sincere condolences to the families and friends of John. He will be greatly missed. God Bless
From: Terry Crawley


I am truly sorry to hear of your recent loss. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. May you find the courage you need to face the days ahead and may sll your loving memories remain close in your hearts
From: Janice Farrell