It is with great sadness and sorrow, that we mourn the passing of Dennis Murphy – beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer. Dennis passed away peacefully at the Invermere District Hospital, B.C., in the presence of family.
Dennis was born on the family farm in Kelsey, AB, and spent his childhood in Bawlf, AB. Dennis met the love of his life, Myrtle, at a family wedding in 1951, and they were married in 1956. Dennis attended the University of Alberta, graduating with a Bachelor of Education Degree, and was a teacher, administrator and consummate professional educator of children for 35 years. Dennis taught school in Hay Lakes, Ponoka and in Calgary. His dream for retirement brought Dennis and Myrtle to the Windermere Valley, where they built their dream home in 1983, and retired full time in 1990. Dennis was actively involved within the Catholic Church community in Invermere, and with the Knights of Columbus. Dennis enjoyed a passion for gardening, golf, walking, hockey and crossword puzzles.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Myrtle (Ruthven) Murphy, and seven children: Gregory Murphy (Lorelea), of Calgary, Colleen Schnell (David), of Texas, Mike Murphy of Red Deer, Shannon Grossi (Victor) of Calgary, Lorraine Shipton (Gerry) of Edmonton, Daniel Murphy (Gail) of Calgary, and Grant Murphy (Janice) of Calgary; by 11 grandchildren, Robyn and Andrew Schnell, Matthew, Marissa and Milanna Grossi, Hailey Shipton, Nathan and Ryan Murphy, Paige, Lauren and Quinn Murphy; and two sisters, Marie Swanson (Orin Sand) and Faye Sorensen (Bob); two sisters-in-law, Irene Murphy and Amy Ruthven. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, George and Agnes Murphy, his brothers William and Paul (Pat) Murphy, his sister Marlys Wilcox, and his Granddaughter, Sarah Schnell. Dennis was a caring and compassionate man, loved and respected by all who knew him.
As he battled cancer, Dennis continued to welcome family and friends into his home and life, and did so with the faithful support of his wife, Myrtle. A celebration of Dennis’ life with Visitation at 6 p.m. followed by Prayers at 7 p.m. was held on Friday, May 29, 2009, at Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, 1210-9th Street, Invermere, B.C., and a Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m., also at Canadian Martyrs Church. If friends so desire, the family requests donations be made to the Canadian Martyrs Parish Centre Project (expansion), or charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.
Condolences for the family may be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com