Paul Benedict Murphy

MURPHY Paul Benedict Murphy was born March 2, 1925 in Gateshead, England. He passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 9:00 pm, May 24th, 2010. At age 22, Paul graduated from the University of Newcastle with Honors as an Electrical Engineer and was immediately offered a position with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. After five years, Iran nationalized the company and dismissed all foreign employees including Paul. Due to his value to the company, he was given a retainer of 6 months full salary. However, boredom made him decide to immigrate to Canada to see what opportunities awaited him there. Before leaving England to go to Canada, he became engaged to Margaret Brown (Margo), whom he married three months later. In Canada he secured a good job with a large Engineering firm. His good fortune continued. Their only child, Lynn Christine now Dr. Lynn Murphy, was born on their first wedding anniversary. After living in Toronto for two and a half years, Paul's company asked him if he would consider going to west Pakistan as Chief Engineer to help build the Warsak Dam. They accepted and loved living there. The people and their social life are all fondly remembered. Their contract expired after three years and they were ready to return to Canada. Whilst living in Peshawar, American friends convinced them that America, especially California, was the place to live. So upon returning to Canada, an American visa was applied for, which promptly arrived a few months later. Renting their home and driving a flashy new Buick, they left Canada and drove route 66 all the way to Malibu, California. They finally had arrived in sunny California at Christmas 1957. After 3 days, Paul sought out the largest Electrical contracting firm, Fischbach and Moore, where he was happily accepted. It being Christmas: he was paid a whole week's salary and given a turkey on a silver tray after working but four days...America: what a wonderful country. They bought a brand new home in San Fernando Valley in a beautiful citrus grove. Paul set to work helping to build a new Los Angeles airport. He loved his work and the challenges. Later, after completing a list of successful jobs, Paul was promoted to Vice President but only if he would go to New Orleans, LA and open a new office to explore opportunities for new job expansion. He accepted the challenge and eventually Paul became President of the whole southern division, responsible for all offices from Florida to California. He was an extremely talented, brilliant, and creative engineer. Throughout his life Paul was an avid student of history. He was also an excellent photographer. Paul retired at 62, after retirement he received the Margery Stitch Loving Cup award for his volunteer work to the city of New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina forced their move to Baton Rouge. Leaving behind their many friends and beloved Metairie Country Club, of which Paul had been a member for forty years. All of their friends were sorely missed. He is survived by his ever-loving wife Margo, his daughter Dr. Lynn Murphy, her husband Dr. Christopher McEwen, and his only grandchild Andrew Paul McEwen. In memory of Paul, it is requested that donations be given to the Amedisys Hospice of Baton Rouge, LA. (amedisys.com (225) 767-6823 - 990 Stanford Ave, Baton Rouge, LA ). Arrangements made by LAKELAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME.