Obituary of Douglas Arthur Murphy
Douglas Arthur Murphy 1943 - 2021
On Tuesday, April 6, Doug Murphy, our beloved husband, father, brother, son-in-law, cousin and friend, left this world peacefully on his own terms, with his wife Lynn, son Sean, and daughter, Julia by his side and surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Doug lost his speech early on from Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and then was later diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) which affected his speech, walking, balance, eye movements, vision and swallowing. Throughout the 8 years he battled these brain disorders he never lost his sense of humour, the twinkle in his eye or his ability to show his love through his eyes - a very brave feat for someone going through this debilitating disease. He decided that since he had so little influence over the everyday events of his life, he could at least control his end of life experience and made the courageous decision to leave this world with the assistance of MAID.
Doug will forever be missed by his wife, Lynn, son Sean (Cheryl), daughter Julia, granddaughter Zoe, brother Mell (Joanne), sister Connie (Bob), sister Mary(Nicky deceased), mother sister and brother in-laws, niece and nephews, many cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his mother, Ada (nee Carr), father Emmett Murphy and sister Kathy.
Doug was born in 1943 in Newcastle, NB and lived in Boisetown, NB along the banks of the Miramichi until he was eight, when he moved to Cooksville, Ontario with his family.
Doug started work as a machinist at McGraw-Edison and then as Plant Manager at PMC for most of his working life. He loved the challenge of his work and especially programming CNC machines. At the cottage and home he loved building decks, stairs, a dock, treehouse and an outhouse before we had plumbing (at the cottage).
Doug was a generous, selfless man who forever saw the humour in a situation. Just thinking of him calls up echoes of his infectious laughter. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbours and even strangers and assisted his caregivers in whatever way he could. Ever ready to help and with his take charge attitude, Doug was the official family mover. At the cottage Doug was always there to assist our neighbours especially when cutting lumber was involved. He loved to “listen” to his wood dry. He loved the challenge of testing the limits of our Toyota (and my nerves) to see how far we could drive up the causeway in the snow or drive down a steep logging road from boulder to boulder with Julia strapped securely in her car seat.
He loved photography and being in the outdoors - canoeing, sailing, hiking, skating, and sitting around the campfire with friends. He was a great hockey player and coach and loved playing shinny on the pond with his son, Sean and other family members. He thought it was great to cackle to the ravens to get them all worked up and laughed when they’d wake up the lake. The first time we all heard a screech owl the Dimmell kids thought it must be Doug making the strange screams.
Doug was a wonderful father and a guiding light to his children. When they were young, they couldn’t wait to find the rhyming clues he’d hide to send them on treasure hunts for their birthdays and Easter. He always had time to listen to them and was supportive and offered advice but let them make their own decisions. He made their childhood full of fun and adventures and unconditional love. We have great memories of cottage holidays and family reunions especially in New Brunswick.
His family and friends were the most important things in his life.
To me, your wife, Doug - you were the love of my life. Every Friday night, you kept the romance alive and made dinner with wine and candlelight. You taught me to laugh at the little things and at myself and not to worry so much about matters beyond my control. We shared our love of nature and everyday was an adventure with you. Every time I was away from you even for just a few short hours, as soon as I walked in and you smiled at me I felt like I’d arrived home after a long absence.
Doug - we know that you didn’t want to leave us, and we’ll miss you so much. We honour how strong you were for so long. You certainly deserve your release and we know it was finally time for you to go. Please rest in peace knowing that we know you’ll always be with us.
The family would like to thank Doug’s palliative team - the LHIN, the team from Acclaim Health for their wonderful care- his nurse Natalia, PSW’s Elma, Justin, Sandra and Misheck, caregiver Liz, his doctors and Dee our wonderful support person and friend and everyone else that helped Doug along his journey.
While he was able to, Doug participated in PPA studies, support groups and brain research at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto. He’s donated his brain to the Rossy PSP Centre for research in the hopes that one day they’ll be able to help other people by finding a cure for PSP.
In celebration of Doug’s life, if you wish you can donate to the Rossy PSP Centre in care of the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation.
Click on the link below to donate or hear a song written to memorialize Doug’s life.
A link for the charity is available on his home page.
Due to the pandemic we’re delaying a celebration of life until we can get together safely.
Please share your memories, photos and sentiments of Doug's life here at his memorial web page.
Douglas has been uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently.
