It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the peaceful passing of our Father, Terrence Joseph Murphy (Terry). Dad passed away at Taigh Na Mara on October 7th, 2023 at the age of 86. He was born in Scotchtown, New Waterford, on June 11th, 1937 to Charles and Mary (Leblanc) Murphy. He later moved to lower Main Street in Glace Bay and then to Pleasent Street in Glace Bay where he then spent majority of his life with his family. Dad is survived by his loving children, Terri Lynn (Jerry) MacNeil, Charles (Henrietta) Murphy, Lydia (Sheldon) Billard, and Christopher (Kathy) Murphy. He is also survived by his sister Jeannette (Greg) MacDonald, brother Jack Murphy, and Joyce (Dit) MacKenzie who was like a sister to Dad and many nieces and nephews. Dad is also survived by 8 Grandchildren, Stephen, Margaret, Michael, Cody (Stacie), Shannon, Emily, Colleen and Kathleen as well as two Great Grandchildren, Jocelyn and Arianna. Dad was also loved by special family friend Krista McNeil. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary Murphy, his loving wife Vina, Brother Lorne and his wife Otie, and Sister Rosemary Clarke (Lorne).
In 1954 at the age of 17, Dad left home and joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he served on HMCS Magnificent, Bonaventure, and Restigouche. He served with the UN Emergency Force during the Suez Crisis. He received his honourable release in 1958, when he left to marry and begin his life with his soulmate, Vina (Burte) Murphy. In earlier years, he was employed at Chernins Wholesale for 20 years. In 1978, he obtained his GED and went on to enroll at UCCB where he obtained his BACS degree, concentrating in Social Work. He worked at Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia, then up until his retirement, Dad was employed at the Salvation Army Youth Resource Centre in Sydney where he made many lifelong friends including special friends, Anne and Angela. During his lifetime, he served on a number of committees and groups starting with the Men's Club at Holy Cross Parish and chaperoning youth dances where many great memories were made. Later he was an active member of Houses for People, the Christopher Leadership course, the domestic violence committee and suicide prevention. Dad was such a powerful influence in so many people's lives. In Dads younger days, he played hockey on Sunday mornings at the Miners Forum, and was in a bowling league. Later in life he enjoyed playing baseball with some local teams at various tournaments during the summer.
Dad loved his family and he loved the sea. They both gave him the most pleasure in life. He was a friend to many and made many lasting friendships throughout his lifetime. Dad was a kind and gentle man, who enjoyed the simple things in life. His faith was deep, he lived a quiet and simple life and didn't want anyone making a fuss over him. He loved to feed the birds and watch the waves from Louisbourg to Dominion beach, especially on a stormy day. Dad loved to feel the spray from the ocean waves in his beard, it reminded him of the old days in the Navy.
With his white beard and red sweater, he often heard "it's Santa!" when someone would walk by, young or old. Dad had business cards made that he carried in his pocket to pass out randomly that said "HoHoHo, you never know". Dad was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, and enjoyed whipping up his famous chilli for his family with Nanny's tea biscuits.
The family would like to thank those involved in Dads care over the past several years during this journey. Starting with Dr. James MacLean and Shauna, New Waterford Home Care and VON, staff at Harbourview DVA unit Sydney Mines, and Taigh Na Mara DVA unit Glace Bay. Your kindness meant so much.
Visitation for Dad will take place on Thursday, October 12th, 2023, from 4-8pm at Pattens Funeral Home on Union Street Glace Bay. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 13th, at 10am at St. Annes Church, Main Street Glace Bay with a luncheon to follow in the foyer. The service will be livestreamed.
To register please click the join livestream. Donations in Dads memory may be made to the Glace Bay Food Bank.
We take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his true love, Vina. Life has not been the same for him without her. He went to join Mom on the day his Grandson Cody married his true love, Stacie. Two people were united in love and two hearts reunited in love on October 7th.
Live life, love your people, "and don't forget to stop and smell the roses".
Together again ❤️
