David MURPHY

David's life is celebrated by his children, Paul (Bonnie), John (Jean), Stephen (Angela) and Jean (Greg); 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. David was born to William and Agnes Murphy, just off the Shankill Road in Belfast. He was part of a large and happy family consisting of siblings Bill, Rachel, Isabel and Eveline. The family lived through the terror and privation of the Second World War surviving Nazi bombing. He began working at Mackie's as a machinist at age 14 producing munitions. After the war, David was very active with youth athletics, particularly running. One of the achievements that brought him tremendous pleasure was coming second in the 880 yards in the youth division of the 1950 Ulster Championship. David lived a life guided by faith and devotion to serving God. He felt a calling to the Ministry and moved to Canada for his education. His wife, Jean, immigrated to Canada shortly after. They reconnected in Toronto and were married on September 15, 1954. David graduated from Knox College and then entered the mission field, first serving in Guyana for six years then in Trinidad for two years. The family returned to Canada in 1970, and David ministered for eight years in Belleville at St. Columba Presbyterian Church, where he also completed a Master of Pastoral Studies degree. This was followed by seven years at the church head office as an Associate Secretary of the Board of Congregational Life. Tweedsmuir Church in Orangeville was the site of their next three years, followed by three years at St. Andrew's in Ajax, where David and Jean continued to live. The retirement years allowed David and Jean to travel. It also allowed him to indulge his love of golf. He met up with his foursome every week to play some terrible golf and divide a muffin four ways. After 62 years of marriage, Jean passed away in 2017 with David by her side. David moved into Parkland Ajax in 2023, enjoying new friendships as well as the great comfort of time with his family, close friends and church. David enriched our lives, and he will be remembered with great love. Visitation for David will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (35 Church St N, Ajax) on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Online condolences can be made at mceachniefuneral.ca.