Obituary of Charles Murphy

Charles "Charlie" Jacob Murphy, age 87, of Alma, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 28, 2011, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Tatamagouche, he was the son of the late Frank Murphy and Drucilla "Bigney" LeBlanc. Having enlisted amongst the earliest volunteers in 1939, Mr. Murphy served as a gunner with the 1st Canadian Division, 7th Anti-tank Regiment, and he went on to fight valiantly in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. After returning home, Mr. Murphy continued to be keenly involved in Veterans issues and he has been a dedicated member of the Overseas War Veterans Association. He has worked diligently to plan Remembrance Day ceremonies and organize other commemorative activities in Nova Scotia. He had also generously given hours of his time to speak to local school children about the Second World War and his own experiences. Mr. Murphy has provided comfort and fellowship to local Veterans, especially those who are residing in hospitals and long term care facilities. His kind attention and compassion have helped lift their spirits and he had provided assistance where possible. Mr. Murphy was a role model of selfless service and unceasing compassion to Veterans and their families. Charles lived his life to the fullest. He had a great love for music, however, his greatest love was his wife of 61 years, Kathleen "Stu", his children, and their families . His home was his castle and because of his inner strength became the ROCK and HERO of his entire family. He will always be remembered for his honesty, kindness, unlimited patience, contagious sense of humour; but most of all his loyalty to his wife, children, family and friends. He will be sadly missed by his children: Bonnie, Calgary; Charles "Chuck" (Margaret), Ottawa; Heather, Calgary; Bruce (Paulette), Cochrane, Alta; Kim Hadley (Jim), Fredericton, N.B.; Eva Murray (Ralph), Westville; Mike Gay (Randy), Ottawa; Maureen MacDonald (Nelson), Loch Broom; Tony (Cheryl), Alma; Staci Murphy (David Rorison), Green Hill; 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; his sister Mildred White, Hopewell; his brother-in-law, Kimball Lucas (Jean), New Glasgow and good comrades George Baird and Bunny McLaughlin. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen "Lucas" Murphy and brother, Russell Murphy. To honour the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be held at a later time. Donations in his memory may be made to Lansdowne Outdoor Recreational Development Association at L.O.R.D.A, P.O. Box 591, Westville, Nova Scotia, B0K 2A0 ?