Brian Murphy

MURPHY, Dr. Brian James 1914 - 2010 A long and wonderful life came to a close at the age of 96, on the evening of December 14, 2010 in the family home on the lake in Kelowna. His last moments were spent surrounded by his wife and eight children. It is with a great sense of loss, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He and his identical twin brother Francis (deceased 1970) were born to James and Ada Mary Murphy in Winnipeg, MB on September 4, 1914. He is survived by the love of his life Patricia Murphy, children Jim (Bonnie, (deceased), James (Michelle), Corrine and Brian, Joe (Sharmina, Lisa, Ryan, Michael, Sean, Rosy and Adam and Tyler), Mary Ann, Mark (Carolyn and Erin), Brian (B.J.) (Tanya, Michael, Taryn and Christina), John (Janice, Josh, Jake and Jada), Paul (Andrea, Spencer and Bridget), Trisha (Ken Webster, Rachel and Tatum) and nieces Mary Cunningham, Frances Powers and Ann Marshall. He is also survived by his cousin Tom Walsh (Ann), and his godson Jim Burns. Brian was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, voluntarily enlisting for WWII. He was trained in tropical medicine and learned to ride a Norton Motorcycle in preparation to serve in the 11th Army Field Regiment in campaigns in North Africa, Italy, France and Holland. As part of his military service and prior to going overseas, he served as a Medical Officer at the POW camp, located at Ozada near Banff, Alberta. His military story was recently recorded as part of the Veteran's Affairs Memory Project, and may be viewed at www.thememoryproject.com/Stories/Veteran-Profile.aspx?itemid=1466 . Brian was the sole surviving member of the University of Manitoba Medical School, class of 1938. He completed medical school at the age of twenty-three and practiced briefly in Flin Flon, Manitoba before enlisting in the army. His specialist training in radiology was done in Winnipeg after the war, followed by the family move to Calgary. He was a co-founding partner of the radiology firm Symington, Murphy and Dingle (Calgary, Alberta), which grew to ten partners before combining with another group to form Radiology Consultants which ultimately has become one of the largest such groups in the country (RCA). Brian loved his work as a radiologist as evidenced by his career lasting through to the age of seventy-five. He deeply believed that compassion was the foundation of good medicine, demonstrating his unique kindness with an endless supply of pastries and humor that most surely promoted his own longevity. It was in Calgary, with the assistance of his dear friend and relative, Tom Walsh, that Brian and Tom counseled each other, compared notes and gave expert instruction in the fine art of finding a bride. He met and soon married his wife Patricia on January 11, 1947 and last celebrated their 63rd Anniversary. Since his retirement to the family summer home on the lake in Kelowna, he and Pat took great delight in providing a warm welcome to friends, family, and strangers of all ages. At various times, the Murphy house served as a central gathering spot and marina, summer resort, wedding chapel, guidance office, command central and social drop-in center. This retirement haven, famous for its open door policy, always had an abundance of great food, local wine, and laughter! Brian was a devout Catholic, who in the end was best described as a soul leading a body. His deep faith guided all his life's accomplishments. He was a humble and generous man who achieved great success in his personal and professional life. He was beloved by all his family and a great friend to many, teaching his children that good fortune should always be shared. His remarkable memory and love of current events, policy, journalism, sports and a good joke made him a superb conversationalist and speaker. We knew that if he must go, God would certainly have reserved him a special seat at centre ice. We love you Dad and will miss you always. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's name to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 26, 1380 Bertram Street, Kelowna, British Columbia. A Funeral Mass has been said, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com . Telephone: 1-250-860-7077.