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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
David MURPHY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David MURPHY
46 Entries
Peter Gow
September 21, 2024
Just talking to our daughter about Dr. Murphy who performed heart surgery on her in 1991. Our daughter is doing fine now; and just wanted to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Murphy and how he put me and my wife at ease the night before her surgery. Rest in Peace Dr.
Brian Hanna
July 25, 2024
It is with profound sadness that I recognize the passing of a dear friend. He taught me many things about life medicine and friendship. DH
John sullivan
January 25, 2022
In The Words of Tina Turner.He was simply "the best better than all The rest".RIP buddy
Andrea Fletcher
September 22, 2021
I just realized that Dr. Murphy passed away, and I just wanted to send my condolences to all of his family. He saved my son's life when he was born in 1977 and had heart surgery at 2 days old and he performed surgery again on my son when he was 14 years old and did the fontan procedure. He was the most amazing man and my son Matthew Fletcher has Dr. Murphy's name and dates of his surgeries tattooed on his neck. I send my thanks and love to his family and so sorry for your loss.
June 16, 2021
Dr Murphy's skill and willingness to take on a difficult surgery undoubtedly has given my family decades with our father that we would not have had otherwise. I still often feel deep appreciation for Dr Murphy when we have good times.
We are one of many families that have been so profoundly helped by Dr. Murphy.
Sandra Dun et
March 24, 2021
Dear Sonia...I worked for you as your administrative assistant for a term position. During that time, you and David graciously asked Alan (my husband) and I to visit you in Kingsburg. It was a lovely visit and we appreciated your invitation and our time at your farm.
I was very sorry to hear of your husband's passing and share your grief at losing your husband. Alan passed away in November of 2020. The journey of coping after this has been overwhelming. As you travel your path of loss, and your new life without the love of your life, know you are not alone in trying to make sense of the insensible, you have my deepest sympathy and understanding. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Deeply sorry.
Eli Rees
March 10, 2021
Sonia--
Wendy and I offer deep condolences.
I have known David since the days at Montreal Children's,and found him to be a wonderful colleague in medical matters,and also in Halifax at the IWK.
We will miss seeing him, but hope to see you after all the Covid business is quiescent.
Vicky Weil
March 7, 2021
Vicky Weil
March 7, 2021
Fay Lee
March 7, 2021
I didn’t have the pleasure, Sonia, of knowing your dear husband, David, personally but his name came up not infrequently here and there during our Book Club Meetings when you would refer to one of his traits or opinions related to our discussion. Therefore I am so very sad to hear that you have lost your beloved helpmate and life companion — clearly a ‘man of many parts’ and a talented, highly intelligent, sympathetic helpmate and life companion. With my deepest sympathy for you and the family.
Fay Lee, Fellow Book Club Member and friend.
Sherrill Rand Harrison
March 6, 2021
Dear Sonia and family,
I remember how you and David were both so supportive of the McGill Alumni Dinners that were held at the Lunenburg Yacht Club for many years. I remember one event in particular when the then Dean of Medicine, Dr Richard Levin was our guest of honour. In an incredible gesture of generosity, David gave Dr. Levin his Scarlett Key sweater!!! It was the highlight of the evening and I know Dr. Levin was very touched by the gesture. But then it was typical of David - his loss to his family, his community and indeed his profession to all of which he contributed greatly is indeed a great loss. My love and thoughts are with you, Sonia and all your family.
Sherrill Rand Harrison, BA 62 McGill
Indian Point, Nova Scotia
Elizabeth Morgan
March 4, 2021
Dear Sonia, I send you warmest hugs from your Senneville neighbour and one of the crowd growing up in the sun filled years to share the pain of losing ones spouse. My condolences to you and your family.
Liz M
Dr Stuart & Margaret Huestis
March 3, 2021
Sonia & family
Deepest condolences on your loss of such a talented man! He will be missed.
Wendy Muise
March 3, 2021
Dr. Murphy will be remembered fondly for many things, not least of which is his contribution to the uniqueness of the village of Kingsburg. His sheep and donkeys, his wonderful sculptures around the barn and his support for the fledgling Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy with the donation of the wetland around Kings Pond which now bears his name. We are grateful for his presence in our village and feel deeply for your loss.
Lois and Robert LaRoche
March 2, 2021
How sad to hear of yet an other significant life ending. Especially that of David, who was, without beeing aware of it, a bit of a mentor to a young "from away" ophthalmologist at the IWK. Over the years, our encounters in different surroundings, with chats about country living, food, music, work, and skying stories, were always warm, meaningful, and most enjoyable. To Sonia, her with the warm smile, and whom we both respected as one of our leaders at the hospital where we both made a career, we hope the good memories will help fill the void. Take care !
Alex Pugsley
March 2, 2021
David Murphy was always kind to me and as I remember him I remember Roz and Zorki and a night-blooming Cereus and real bacon bits in the Caesar salad and the wall-sized photo of his young daughter in the TV room where he was preparing slides for the next morning’s grand rounds and I remember burning with truck tires the fallow fields of Kingsburg and somewhere near Hell Point I fell off a horse and lost a horse and throughout all of these moments David was upbeat and kind. Not as easy as it sounds. Very saddened to hear the news of his death but very heartened to understand what an abundant life he enjoyed.
Sending sincere condolences to Sonia, Luke, Deirdre, and Matthew.
Dr. Thomas Hackmann
March 2, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Murphy on many occasions. He was a gifted innovative surgeon who maintained his calm and positive spirit even in the most difficult situations. He was a wonderful colleague.
John Little
March 2, 2021
Dave Murphy was the first heart surgeon to ask my advice about forging hot steel on an anvil. That was
1995. Over the next 10 weeks, Dr. Dave earned a credit towards his degree NSCAD in my blacksmith shop. I will always feel honoured by that fact. It was the beginning of an enduring, wonderful and delightful friendship. We send our sincere and deepest condolences to Sonya and all of his family and friends. We are so grateful for Dave being Dave.
Drew Bethune
March 2, 2021
David was a tremendous inspiration to me over all the years if my practice. I first met him shortly after he arrived; I was a medical student and he was ecstatic about the success of a new pediatric heart operation he successfully had just completed. I was trained by the same cardiac surgeon in Chicago that he was. His enthusiasm and dedication to excellence inspired me throughout my career. Truly his influence was far and wide. A true renaissance man.
Tony and Marilyn Congdon
March 2, 2021
Dr. David Murphy was an inspiration when he gave the Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy one of its first pieces of donated land for protection. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Lisa Risley
March 2, 2021
Dear Murphy clan,
please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of the doctor, sheep farmer, blacksmith, joker, banjo player, globe trotter, husband, father and grandfather. I will always think so fondly of the times we all spent together at the house in the south end and in Kingsburg. My love and thoughts are with all of you.
Shay
March 1, 2021
We send our deepest condolences in hearing the news ! It was a pleasure to know him our whole
Lives and be able to work for such a profound man ! Shay and Gordon Mossman
Jim MacDonald CPC (R) CCP (emeritus)
March 1, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Dr.David Murphy within both the VG and the IWK hospitals when he had arrived in Halifax in 1973. With Dr.Murphy came a breath of improved surgical realities and the implementation of newer Heart Lung Bypass technologies. His impact on cardiac health care will be felt well into the future.
Laura Mac Donald
March 1, 2021
Amanda
March 1, 2021
In 1983 when I was 4 years old Dr. Murphy is the surgeon who repaired my heart and he is the reason I am alive and healthy today. I don't remember my surgery and I never had the honor of meeting him as an adult. Though with sadness, I loved reading this beautifully written obituary and learning more about what an interesting man he was. I had always wished I could have met him as an adult and thanked him for dedicating part of his life to saving lives like mine. My sincere sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Elizabeth Ann Wigglesworth
March 1, 2021
To the families of Dr. Murphy and his lovely wife..
My heart is saddened by your profound loss of such a wonderful man. I did not know him personally but he was so much a part
of where I worked at the IWK( Children’s Hospital).
To Dr. Salisbury I send my sincere condolences and to all of your family members for having to say farewell to such a wonderful family member.
I worked with Dr. Salisbury in the Endocrine Clinic many years ago at the IWK and also in the Recovery Room. They were both so much a part of the areas in which I worked.
I am truly so sorry for your loss during this difficult time in this world of ours.
Elizabeth ( Bette Ann Wigglesworth)
Together at a retirement
March 1, 2021
marta smith
March 1, 2021
I met Dr. Murphy back in 1979 when I began work in CVICU and continued as a CV Associate until his retirement. He was always a gentleman, full of knowledge on so very many topics! From playing the banjo, maintaining a farm, having an awesome family, being so artistic and a CV surgeon to both adults and children was an amazing feat. On a trip he saw extended role nurses and returned to Halifax to initiate Cardiovascular Associates plowing through hospital politics- that was very amazing!! He generously had functions at his farm , and came ( with bells on) to CV functions, often with Sonia at his side. He leaves a deep and lasting impression on so many of us. Thanks for coming to Nova Scotia Murph, we will miss you!
Gillian mccain
February 28, 2021
A True gentleman and inspiration that it’s never too late to become artist.
Patricia Mosher
February 28, 2021
Dr. Murphy performed my son Jason’s second and third heart surgeries. During very stressful times he was a compassionate physician explaining the work he was about to do kindly and honestly. He was one of many of my son’s doctors we held in high esteem at the IWK along with his wife Dr. Salisbury who also cared for Jason and who continues to thrive in adulthood. My sincere sympathies to Dr. Salisbury and family from our family. Forever grateful.
Gerard Myers
February 28, 2021
The first time I met Dr. Murphy was in 1983 when I entered the world of Cardiovascular Perfusion at the Victoria General. He quickly became one of my most valued mentors at both the VGH and the IWK hospitals. His quick wit, sense of humour and knowledge of cardiac surgery made every case we did together both a learning experience and a pleasure.
Unfortunately, the last time I spoke with Dr. Murphy was at my retirement in 2010. I still remember a sign he deposited on the door of OR 11 at the VGH. I believe the exact words were ... "If You Find The Surgery Difficult, Then you Are Probably Doing It The Wrong Way".
My deepest condolences to Sonia and Dave's children. It has never been a secret that he was well loved and respected both in and out of his chosen profession.
Sethu and Lalitha Reddy
February 28, 2021
Loss of a true renaissance man. Always appreciated his wide interests, sense of humour and humility, (especially when surrounded by endocrinologists! during our time in Halifax (1988-95). Our prayers to Sonia and all your family!
Connie Kelso
February 27, 2021
Dave was a classmate of my husbands at OVC ‘56 . He was one of our favourite friends. Always so humorous with a clever wit.
A talented music man.
So proud of Dave.
My condolences to Sonia and family,
Connie ( wife of James) Kelso
Jean-Francois Legare
February 27, 2021
Thank you David for your inspiring spirit. I will never forget not only for my career choice as a heart surgeon but my discovered (thanks to you) love of telemark skiing (picture of a book you gave me years ago)
JF
Richard Hall
February 27, 2021
Fond memories of his humor, mentor ship, wisdom, advice and support while on the other side of the BLood Brain Barrier. One of the greats and a pioneer. I will miss him.
Blaine Kent
February 27, 2021
My first foray into the world of cardiac surgery was with Dr. Murphy at the IWK when I was a first year medical student back in 1993/1994. I was assigned to a different room with my usual preceptor, but the patient was so small (and there were so many learners) that I wouldn’t have been able to see or do anything during the case. It was suggested I go across the hall to a different room and help there. I took a long time to wash my hands as I didn’t know who I was going to work with or what they even looked like. While I continued to scrub my hands a “gentleman surgeon” started to wash his hands beside me. He asked if I had ever seen any heart surgery before and I answered “no”. He calmly told me that he had a couple of cases under his belt and that he would talk me through it....and then introduced himself as David Murphy. My first exposure to the world of cardiac surgery was as “first assist” with “Murph” that day and it seems to have been contagious. I worked with him multiple times after that first case...generally on the other side of the “blood brain barrier”. I’ve been on staff for 18 years as a cardiac anesthesiologist and remember that day like it was just yesterday. Dr. Murphy was ALWAYS a pleasure to work with and we spent many hours discussing everything other than medicine when he returned to the OR to assist following his retirement. He was a giant and pioneer in cardiac surgery in the Maritimes and I count myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him over many years of training and as a colleague.
Isabel Cutler
February 27, 2021
A nice, generous colleague on the Medical Expedition to Easter Island (1964-65). Rest In Peace. My condolences to his wife and children.
Christy Rust
February 27, 2021
Uncle Dave, your indelible spirit will be missed by all that knew you. Thank you for making me laugh and being a role model to myself and my children.
To my darling Aunt Sonia and wonderful cousins - my kids and I are thinking of you and sending all our love to Kingsburg.
Nudrat Niazi
February 27, 2021
I met David at My daughter’s (Amil Niazi) wedding to his son Matthew Murphy) a few years ago. You would feel right away a presence of one of those people who leave an everlasting impression of their goodness, intelligence and charming wit on you.
I am sure he will be missed immensely by those who knew him well and also those who just met him briefly.
Flossie (Stickles) Myhill
February 27, 2021
Although I didn't know David personally, I knew of his superb reputation through the hospital system in Halifax. And I loved that he insisted on no euphemisms for death. To his sister, Judy Murphy, whom I do know, and to his family I extend my condolences on the loss of a beloved and accomplished brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
Andrew Lynk
February 27, 2021
An incredible clinician, educator and role model. Also had the pleasure of playing hockey together. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Mary V Seeman
February 27, 2021
Dave was the glue that kept our medical class together for 65 years. None of us and none of our families will ever forget him.
Mary Seeman
Cathy Falvey and Steve Herzig
February 27, 2021
He was one of our teachers at Dalhousie Medical School and will always be remembered kindly and with a smile for some of his funny episodes. Sonia also taught us.
Cathy Falvey and Steve Herzig.
Barbara McCann
February 26, 2021
He was certainly a very gifted man, a man of so many talents. It was always so special having a chat with Dave. Our sincere condolences to Sonia and the children, may you find peace and joy in all your memories.
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