On Wednesday, October 11, with his wife Marjorie of 67 years by his side, John went home to be with Jesus. John Albert Murphy was born on September 15, 1931 on a farm near Hinchinbrooke, Quebec to Patrick and Gracie Murphy. He was an only child and spent his early days helping out on the family farm, working at a maple sugar farm and cooking in restaurants.
He joined the army and eventually was stationed in Shilo, MB. It was at a dance in Brandon that he met Marjorie Clark, the love of his life. They were married on August 11, 1956. Upon his release from the army, he began his career at Safeway in Brandon.
Dad always wanted a big family and together they raised 8 children. Life was not without its challenges, but family life was filled with adventures, travel, games and church life. Though church was part of our lives, when we became part of Bethel Temple, we came into a new relationship with Jesus that forever changed our lives. Dad even went and got his class 2 driver license and joined the bus ministry of the church.
Dad had an incredible work ethic and what seemed like energy to spare. He would often work his shift and then entertain us kids all evening long. He worked for Canada Safeway for 34 years until his retirement. Dad and Mom moved to Winnipeg when dad got a job with the Corps of Commissionaires. He worked for the Corps until he turned 80 and then finally said he wasn’t going to work anymore.
In the spring of 1995 Dad and Mom purchased the cabin at 5 Willow at Manhattan Beach Retreat Center. It became the hub for the family from May long weekend until Thanksgiving. We would all pile in there as only us Murphys seem to know how to do. But “the more the merrier” was the slogan and there were always many friends who would come every evening for coffee. Dad seemed to always be the life of the party no matter where he was. Telling stories, teasing and just smiling and laughing was what he did best.
Dad enjoyed life right up until recently when he knew his time was coming to an end. We are so thankful that his struggles were short lived and was able to remain at home with Mom until just the last few weeks.
He was predeceased by his parents, son George and daughter Joan. He leaves to mourn his passing wife Marjorie Murphy, daughter Theresa Mitchell (Myles), daughter-in-law Monique Hodgson (Colin), daughter Eileen Larsen (Jack) and sons David (Lynn), Dan (Nadine), Andrew (Karen) and Tony (Tina), along with 45 grandchildren and spouses and 37 greatgrandchildren.
We want to thank all those who have expressed their love and support for us as a family during this time. We are comforted by the hope of eternal life that Dad had found in Jesus and look forward to the day when we will all be together again.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 18th at 1:30 pm at Bethel Christian Assembly in Brandon with Rev. Scott Eastveld officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Teen Challenge or Devoted Ministries.
He joined the army and eventually was stationed in Shilo, MB. It was at a dance in Brandon that he met Marjorie Clark, the love of his life. They were married on August 11, 1956. Upon his release from the army, he began his career at Safeway in Brandon.
Dad always wanted a big family and together they raised 8 children. Life was not without its challenges, but family life was filled with adventures, travel, games and church life. Though church was part of our lives, when we became part of Bethel Temple, we came into a new relationship with Jesus that forever changed our lives. Dad even went and got his class 2 driver license and joined the bus ministry of the church.
Dad had an incredible work ethic and what seemed like energy to spare. He would often work his shift and then entertain us kids all evening long. He worked for Canada Safeway for 34 years until his retirement. Dad and Mom moved to Winnipeg when dad got a job with the Corps of Commissionaires. He worked for the Corps until he turned 80 and then finally said he wasn’t going to work anymore.
In the spring of 1995 Dad and Mom purchased the cabin at 5 Willow at Manhattan Beach Retreat Center. It became the hub for the family from May long weekend until Thanksgiving. We would all pile in there as only us Murphys seem to know how to do. But “the more the merrier” was the slogan and there were always many friends who would come every evening for coffee. Dad seemed to always be the life of the party no matter where he was. Telling stories, teasing and just smiling and laughing was what he did best.
Dad enjoyed life right up until recently when he knew his time was coming to an end. We are so thankful that his struggles were short lived and was able to remain at home with Mom until just the last few weeks.
He was predeceased by his parents, son George and daughter Joan. He leaves to mourn his passing wife Marjorie Murphy, daughter Theresa Mitchell (Myles), daughter-in-law Monique Hodgson (Colin), daughter Eileen Larsen (Jack) and sons David (Lynn), Dan (Nadine), Andrew (Karen) and Tony (Tina), along with 45 grandchildren and spouses and 37 greatgrandchildren.
We want to thank all those who have expressed their love and support for us as a family during this time. We are comforted by the hope of eternal life that Dad had found in Jesus and look forward to the day when we will all be together again.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 18th at 1:30 pm at Bethel Christian Assembly in Brandon with Rev. Scott Eastveld officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Teen Challenge or Devoted Ministries.