Gilbert Murphy passed away peacefully in his home on July 13, 2023 with his children at his side. We had recently celebrated dad's 99th birthday. 

He is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years Lina Sauvé Murphy (1927-2022), his sister Madeleine Duval, and his daughter-in-law Diane MacDonald Murphy. 
He will be missed by his children Francis (Sylvia), Johanne (Saliou), Roch et Michèle, grandchildren Guy Junior (Mélissa), Rachel (Scott), Éric (Natalie), Anne-Catherine (Bruno), Marie-Ève et Juliette, 6 great-grandchildren, his sister Claire, and many nephews and nieces.

His mother, two sisters and their children, always called him 'Gilbert or oncle Gilbert'. However at home, for mom he was ‘Murph’ a nickname also used with affection by many others ('grand-papa Murph, uncle Murph').

Murph grew up in Dorion and in 1953, at 246 Lalonde, it is where he and his brother-in-law, Yves Sauvé, built the family home where Murph and Lina raised their four children. An excellent gardener, for close to 60 years, he generously shared the many delicious vegetables and raspberries from his garden which spanned the width of the backyard.

He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for 38 years. Starting when a student with a summer job as 'car cleaner and assistant clerk' and finally taking a well deserved retirement from his last position as 'Dispatch Supervisor' on October 1st, 1984.

Murph enjoyed the outdoors, and tent-camping was one of his favourite activity which we did every summer as a family. Dad shared with us his knowledge and many tricks to ensure a comfortable camping experience, transmitting his love of camping to all 4 of us. In 1983, Murph realized a retirement dream by starting the construction of his log cottage on Lake Chazy, New York State, where he enjoyed many summers with Lina and the family.

His interest for woodworking started at a young age. In high school, he and 2 long time friends built a small sail boat which they used in a local regatta the following summer. An excellent carpenter, it is in the basement of our family home that he completed many projects: a bunk bed and furniture for the boys room, various storage units/space at home and for camping, a catamaran (assembled once out of the basement), and all the cupboard/pantry for the cottage with detailed door work. Some of his last projects, are gifts still preciously kept by his children: two-tone wood desk organizers sets, a cherry and maple wood chess set with a felt lined storage drawer because Murph enjoyed the small details and cared about work being well done.

Murph always enjoyed being physically active. He played goalie in hockey, did cross-country skiing, canoeing, fishing, and in his retirement participated in fitness classes until the age of 92, where he was always the oldest one present but never the slowest one. In recent years, he would rarely miss his daily walk, determined to stay active despite the aches & pains felt in his 99 year old body.

It is with this determination, his positive attitude, sense of humour and infectious smile that dad lived until his last day.

The family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Dr. Chantal Anctil, and nurses Li Yuan He and Marie-Hélène for their professionalism, kindness and compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Murph's life on September 23rd, 2023: visitation 11h00, ceremony 12h30pm, followed by a small reception

Location :
Complexe Funéraire Belvédère 
22025 autoroute Transcanadienne, Senneville, Qc, H9X 0B2, 514 457-4440.

Should you wish to make a donation in memory of our father kindly consider the 'Association québécoise pour le droit de mourir dans la dignité (AQDMD)' Don in memoriam to AQDMD.
A donation box will also be available at the Funeral Complex.