John Alexander Murphy

MURPHY, John Alexander (Spud) Passed away Wednesday April 21, 2010 in Abbotsford, B.C. Spud was born in New Westminster, B.C. June 3, 1921, the only son of John and Kathleen Murphy long time pioneers of Matsqui, B.C. He was predeceased by his loving wife Muriel (Wakefield) September 22, 1996; sisters Elspeth Melnichuk and Kathleen Spray. Survived by daughters Lexie (Richard) Milton, Darcie Bowie; grandchildren Jeff Milton, Karen (Ben) Nobbs-Thiessen, Todd (Sarah) Bowie and Tyler (Stephanie) Bowie; sister Annie (Jim) McDonald; several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friend Christine Lamb. Spud was raised on his parent's farm located at the corner of Downes and Murphy Roads. He spent his school years at Matsqui Village Elementary and Phillip Sheffield High School. Spud was always involved in sports including track and field, pole vault, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, rugby and golf. He volunteered his skills to coach and referee and continued to be an enthusiastic supporter of sports in this community. Immediately upon graduating in 1941, Spud joined the Royal Canadian Air force and after training was sent to Scotland in 1942, where he served as a flight instructor. Returning from the war, he married his sweetheart, Muriel Wakefield on October 26, 1944. Shortly after, he established Murphy & Wakefield in partnership with his father-in-law, Mac Wakefield. Murphy & Wakefield continued to serve the Fraser Valley area until its closure July 11, 2007. He was also a partner in G & G Well Drilling from 1950-1970 and the Highland Water Co. in the 1950's. Spud is probably best known for his political career. He was elected as Alderman to Matsqui Council in 1959, then elected as Reeve, a position he held from 1960-67 and later served as Councillor 1973-76 and 1982-84. He has also served his community as first Chair of the Lower Mainland Regional Planning Board, Director of the Central Fraser Valley Regional District, Director of the Dewdney-Alloutte Regional District and Central Fraser Valley Water Commission, Director and Chairman of the Matsqui Police Commission, Director of the Recreation Commission. His contributions have been recognized locally, provincially and federally. He was named Citizen of the Century during Matsqui's Centennial in 1992, and has been awarded the Freeman of Matsqui, the Order of Abbotsford, Canada's Centennial Medal and the Queen's Jubilee Medal. The City of Abbotsford dedicated a five acre park at the corner of Hillcrest Drive and Langdon Street in his honour in July 2007 naming it J. A. Spud Murphy Park. His character, personality and leadership skills have set an example for all to follow. Abbotsford is a better place because Spud lived here. A memorial reception celebrating Spud's life will be held Wednesday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre, 36035 North Parallel Road at the Whatcom Road exit in Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John A. and Muriel Murphy Community Fund c/o Abbotsford Community Foundation No. 240-2890 Garden Street, Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 4W7.