David Michael James Murphy was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 28th 1988 to parents George Murphy and Sian Iles. At 31, a decade after his initial diagnosis with glioblastoma, David passed away on the evening of June 24 at home with his family by his side.
Born and raised in Halifax, David moved with his mother to Cape Breton where he completed high school as Caper Dave, graduating in 2006 from Sydney Academy. After a brief tour across Australia, Bali, and New Zealand, Dave started his journey westward, first stop, Quebec. Dave arrived at Bishop's University to study philosophy and play rugby, but soon found a brotherhood that would remain his lifelong friends, a self-described pack of strays that includes Bruce, Jamie, Paul, Gab, and Frank. Dave suffered a concussion in fall 2010 which led to his diagnosis with brain cancer. Treatment abruptly cut short Dave’s stay in Lennoxville, but the Bishop boys remained a tight pack.
Throughout his life, whether tree planting in Ontario, living and working in Port MacNeil on Vancouver Island, or settled back in the Scotian coastal community of Blandford where he built his farm, home, and family, Dave could always be found near a forest, ocean, or both, with faithful dogs, Winston, Teddy, and Cora at his side. He was a proud father, farmer, medical marijuana cultivator and advocate, and member of the Blandford volunteer fire department.
In the last months of his life, Dave was happiest when spending time with his family and friends including Bruce, Erin, Matthew, Jillian, Kate, Lesley, Catherine, Dior, Ben, and especially his son, James.
David will be forever remembered by mother Sian, father George (Kathy), and sister Allison, son James and his mother Catherine Hart, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, and his extended family - chosen and kin alike.
We also would like to thank Mrs. Neva Baker who cared for David as one of her family and helped make his life in Blandford possible. We could not have had a kinder or better neighbour.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in honour of Dave to Blandford & Area Fire Rescue, 30 Firehall Rd, Hubbards NS B0J 1T0.
Special thanks to Bruce Thomson who spent many weeks with David, helping care for him in his last months, an invaluable support both to David and his family. We also would like to acknowledge the exemplary care given to David throughout his illness by Dr Mary MacNeil.
A small memorial is planned for the summer of 2021.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com
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