Paul Malcolm Murphy

Family and friends are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and long time McInnes Cooper lawyer, and former partner, Paul Murphy, aka “Murph,” "Mr. Murph," "Gramps," “Dad,” and "UP" (Uncle Paul).

A south end Halifax boy born January 25, 1943, to Dr. Arthur and Sylvia (Shore) Murphy, Paul attended St. Mary’s High School, Dalhousie University (BA and LLB), and completed his Masters of Comparative Law at Southern Methodist University (MCL) in Dallas. He initially practised family law at Drury Heustis in Dartmouth but switched to property and corporate / commercial work and to the Halifax firm of Kitz Matheson. He finished his legal career, after 50 years, at McInnes Cooper.

Paul was admired and respected for his legal skills but, just as importantly to him, Paul was admired for his human skills, working well with his colleagues, his clients and other firms’ lawyers. He was a lawyer's lawyer, but also one with a sense of humour. As a former colleague said: "He was the best practical joker ever - I have stories!"

At Dalhousie, Paul was president of Zeta Psi fraternity, president of the Progressive Conservative Club and he ran for student council vice-president while his friend George Cooper ran for president. George won, Murph lost. Later in life Paul was an active supporter of Brian Mulroney’s bid for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and continued to support Mr. Mulroney as Prime Minister.

Paul was a Director (1985-1994) and Vice Chair of the Halifax Port Corporation Board of Directors (1987-1994), actively visiting and presenting papers at ports in the Caribbean, South, Central and North America. For the rest of his life, Paul remained interested in Port of Halifax activities.

Paul collected things -- toy soldiers, turtles (not the live ones), and, especially, all things breweriana. The Beer Can Collector’s Bible was his inspiration. Over four decades he scoured flea markets, classified ads, the internet and made trips to North American "canventions," in search of rare beer cans not already proudly displayed on the shelves of his large basement. In a 2013 Herald Magazine article on his collection, he said of his beer cans: "Who knows what I'm going to do with all of this? They will cart me out, with my cans, in a recycling bag." Fortunately, Paul found a buyer for the full collection a few years ago. By then he had 7,500 cans. Paul was happy that the buyer also took the shelves.

Paul had other interests. He was a scuba diver, played the saxophone and racquetball. He became president of the NS Racquetball Association and, long after his playing days ended, he would meet with fellow racquetballers for an annual Christmas lunch to relive glory days. Paul’s scuba diving highlight was a shark dive for which there is video tape evidence, assuming you have a VHS machine. As a result of his time at Southern Methodist University, Paul was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Paul had a reserved seat for Fridays at “The Mustache” on Spring Garden Road and, on Saturdays, Murph would compete with friends in the “Duck Cup” at Ashburn.

In 1996 Paul married Kim Squires, a Truro gal, or, as he would point out, "She’s actually from Bible Hill." Paul and Kim lived life to the fullest, and literally travelled the world, creating lifelong memories with their best friends Ed and Lorraine. More happy memories were made on annual family trips to White Point Beach Resort. Murph, Kim, kids and grandkids would always stay in Cabins 14 and 15 and the family would enjoy time with Robert, the resort’s proprietor and Murph’s client and long-time friend. That tradition continued through June of this year. Murph also loved more mundane road trips “with the boys" (Dan, Ace, Peter, Z, among others) to Middle Musquodoboit with, Danny as driver and tour guide. No trip was complete without a visit to Reid's Store and the purchase of a six pack of cinnamon rolls.

PEI’s Blueberry Festival was another special occasion for family fun. Murph and Kim would pick up Kim's mom Edith in Bible Hill on the way to the ferry and the festival’s parade, pancake breakfast and hordes of Kim's relatives. Murph tolerated Kim’s relatives with his usual good humor and only occasionally mentioned that he was missing his Friday gathering with his friends at The Mustache. Needless to say, he was well looked after on the Island, feasting on endless shucked oysters and cold beer in the midst of laughing and storytelling on the beach.

Paul enjoyed regular lunch get-togethers at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron with former and current law partners. Recent outings were made possible with kind assistance from Dick, Doug and Ian. Paul remained active with his Dalhousie Law School class of '66 through regular communications and get togethers, most often organized by Noella and Gary. Paul was so disappointed to miss the most recent dinner on the Thursday before his passing.

Paul's last day, Saturday September 14th, was like many others, hanging out with Kim, working on the Herald puzzles, checking his phone and in the late afternoon telling Kim "I feel like a cold beer." Paul passed peacefully a short time later. Sadly, he didn't get to enjoy that one last cold beer.

His friends at The Mustache, including the Mustache staff, later gathered to toast and remember him. Murph would have enjoyed the occasion and the kind words, funny stories, hugs and a few tears.

Over a long life there are many life events and changes. However, we, Paul’s family, have been reminded by the many reflections/condolences received that others were enriched by Paul’s kindness, great humour, quick wit and wonderful smile. He was a truly good person whose positive approach to life, and work, made life better for all he encountered. His life-long friendships remained vitally important to him until the very end.

Paul is survived by the love of his life, Kim, his brother Arthur Murphy (Patricia), his two children, Gavin (Tammy) and JoAnna (Chris Barrett), his four grandchildren Ryan and Evan Murphy, Meghan and Kate Barrett, nephew/nieces, grand nieces/nephews and their families Liam, Susannah , Alexandra, Christina, Nicole, Hannah, Dallas, Jesi, Isabella, Harrison, Campbell, brothers and sisters in laws, Trevor Squires (Janis Mitts), Donna MacKenzie (Gary Allegretto) all of whom he adored.

Besides his parents, Paul was predeceased by his sister Joanne (2005), Gavin and JoAnna's mother Mary (2023), mother-in-law Edith (2014).

As per Paul's wishes there will be a Celebration of Life (Irish wake style) at Ashburn Golf Club - Old Course, 3250 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax on Monday October 21st, 4-6 pm. Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home. Paul supported many charities. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate to a charity of your choice and that, each day, you do something nice for at least one other person.

Thank you to all who provided care, patience, kindness, love and respect as Paul maintained his independence. An added special thanks to great friends Dan R., Ian T., Howard R., and John M. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks for the generous outpouring of love, support and condolences during this time of loss.

The bigger the love, the bigger the loss. We miss you.