Obituary of Pat Murphy
October 29, 1935 – August 6, 2021
The time has come for Pat to set sail back to Newfoundland. He passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, August 6, 2021 while his beloved Irish-Newfoundland music played in the background at the Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew. He was 85. Cherished husband of Ila (nee Wilson), his wife of 41 years. Pat is survived by his children: Cora (John Schultz), Susie (Chris Kaerbye), Erin, Ryan and Tara (Andrew Whale). Also survived by one sister, Madeline (late Edward Ryan) and brother-in-law Kevin McCarthy. He is predeceased by both of his parents, Michael and Clare (nee Strapp) Murphy as well as siblings, Gerald (late Catherine Mandeville), Michael, Marion and Margaret. A wise and often jovial playmate to many of his grandchildren. Nieces, nephews, and cousins have been left with fond memories of the humour and antics Pat shared at family gatherings. He will be missed by the extended Murphy, Strapp, Wilson and Rathwell families. A graduate of St. Bonaventure’s College in St. John’s, he first left Newfoundland at 18 to begin his long career with the Canadian Air Force. He returned to The Rock for a period of years during the 1980’s and finished his career as a civilian with the Department of National Defence in Ottawa.
A Newfoundlander through and through, he always had the time to share a smile, laugh, help out wherever it was needed and he gifted all of his words of wisdom to those around him. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the Pinnacle South Team at the Bonnechere Manor who worked seamlessly together, around the clock, to ensure Pat had the best care possible in such a beautiful and loving environment. Pat’s ashes will be spread in Harbour Main, Newfoundland at a later date to rest easy and move gently with the ebb and flow of the sea. In addition, a small private gathering with family will be held in the future to celebrate Pat’s life. His final care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s name to either the Renfrew Hospice or Butterfly Approach at the Bonnechere Manor.
MY NEWFOUNDLAND HEART
They can take this Newfoundland,
From the place I got my start,
But there’s one thing they can never take,
My Newfoundland Heart.
A little poem like this one helps,
My heart’s to take a stand,
To say, though I am somewhere else,
My heart’s in Newfoundland.
No disrespect intended for,
My home away from home.
But Newfoundland is where I’m from,
No matter where I roam.
Sometimes it’s only once a day,
Quite often it is more.
My heart drifts back to Newfoundland,
And thoughts of life before.
And so, I hope the world at large,
Will try to understand.
It’s fine in other places, but……
My heart’s in NEWFOUNDLAND!!!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Pat
Murphy 1935 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Arnprior, Province: Ontario