George Wayne Murphy

George Wayne Murphy 1937-2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George, with his family by his side, on December 10 at the age of 84 years. He will be sadly missed by Shirley, his wife of 51 years, daughters Heather (Mike) and Maureen (Trevor), grandchildren Ally, Noah and Mason, sisters Sharon and Lorraine, sisters-in-law Janet and Terry and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents (John and Viola), brother Jack and brother-in-law Bill.

George grew up in Fort Rouge and attended Lord Roberts and Churchill High School. He enjoyed many summers at the family’s Grand Beach cottage. Following high school, he completed his accounting program which led to 36 years at the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. There, he worked as an accountant, where he met his wife Shirley, and in later years he managed the SMD Wheelchair Services Department.

George was highly involved with the MB Wheelchair Sports and Rec Association and helped to facilitate the Pan Am Wheelchair games in 1967. He especially enjoyed playing basketball for the “Ramblers”, meeting weekly at the Rehab Hospital Gym in Winnipeg.

Taking an early retirement, George spent his summers at Brereton Lake with his family. He and Shirley escaped the winter by travelling to Osoyoos, South Padre Island, and his favorite, Hawaii. George enjoyed the company of others, travelling with good friends and making new ones along the way.

Although confined to a wheelchair since 1953, George was able to lead a full and happy life raising two daughters and being an extremely devoted husband. He did not let his disability stop him from camping, swimming at the lake, canoeing, playing sports with his children, or biking with his dog. George was a very loving and caring man who inspired those around him. He was determined to overcome every challenge that he faced in life.

A Service of Remembrance and interment will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10:30am at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to the staff on CD2 at Riverview Health Centre for their exceptional care over the years, as well as the staff at Grace Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spinal Cord Injury Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Murphy family.