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BORN
1929
DIED
2011
Ian Murphy Obituary
His health problems included congestive heart failure.
The graduate of McGill University medical school in Montreal arrived at Riverside in 1960 as an intern and stayed. He had his own practice, on Galena Street and later on Phillips Avenue. Over the years, he was Riverside chief of staff; medical staff executive committee member; chairman of emergency medical services, and co-chairman of the family practice department. He was chairman of international intern recruitment for several years.
Dr. Murphy of West Toledo was on the medical staffs of Mercy and Flower hospitals. He was a special assistant for two years at Toledo Hospital in thoracic and open-heart surgery. He taught emergency childbirth and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to first responders in northwest Ohio, including Toledo police cadets.
"His interests were broader than a specific specialization," said his daughter, Dr. Laura Murphy, a cardiologist.
He retired in the early 1990s.
He was born Sept. 1, 1929, to Laura and Aubrey Murphy on the Caribbean island of Barbados, then a British colony. As a teenager, "he actually was a telegraph operator," his daughter said. "He knew Morse code, and he was a precise person and was interested in the sciences."
He got his undergraduate education at Sir George Williams University in Montreal. He was a chemist for General Foods and became a lab instructor at his alma mater.
He held dual U.S.-Barbadian citizenship and was an honorary consul of Barbados.
"He was incredibly knowledgeable," his son said. "He could hold a conversation with scholars on a lot of different topics, whether science or origins of languages or biblical history and geography."
He was formerly married to Karleen Murphy.
Surviving are his sons, Russell, Robert, Jonathan, and Ian Douglas Murphy; daughter, Dr. Laura Murphy; brother, Colin Murphy, and five grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at 8 p.m. Monday in Urbanski Funeral Home, 5055 Secor Rd., where the family will receive friends after 5 p.m.
The family suggests tributes to Toledo Botanical Garden.
Contact writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
Memories and Condolences
for Ian Murphy
14 Entries
brandi walczak richardson
June 26, 2015
My grandmother Marian Silva and Dr. Murphy were very good friend. He had her retirement party at his house out in Shoreland. And as kids me and my brother and sister would go over and swim all the time. You will be missed dr murphy. Say hello to my grandma and dad for me.
Susan Leguire
January 23, 2012
Dr. Murphy was a very charming man. I was in nursing school in 1979. I was working at Riverside Hospital. One day I was waiting for an elevator, he came up and kissed me right on the lips! I was smitten! I always had a crush on him after that!
James Osborne
January 5, 2012
My condolences to the Murphy Family. My father Dr. J.F. Osborne and your Father became fast friends and colleagues on Phillips Ave. late in my Father's life.
My Dad had nothing but high praise and admiration for Ian. I think one of his only regrets would be that he never had an aopportunity to join in on the beaches of Barbados for some Martini's and intellectual discussions.
They were both a couple of very intelligent fellows to say the least.
Sincerely/ Jim Osborne
Lester Swartz
December 20, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
regina h
December 14, 2011
sorry for your loss id murphy r.i.h he was a good doctor..
John Newton
December 14, 2011
I worked with Dr.Murphy @ Riverside Hospital for many years. I always found him to be one of the finest Doctors & the nicest ,most articulate people I have ever known. God bless and rest knowing that you made a huge impact on many medical staff !! John Newton - med.lab.tech.
Mary and Joe Marquez
December 13, 2011
My son was Dr. I D Murphy's first delivery when he got out of internship. We rented the apartment above his office at 717 1/2 Galena St. We rented from Mr. Hanf that ran the drug store a few blocks away. Mr. Hanf told us about him because I didn't have a doctor and the doctor that rented from him had just retired. He had just set up the rental with your father. In fact, my first few visits were done at Riverside because he was completing his internship. Dr. Murphy had us clean his office for him. He gave us the key because we had no phone and he didn't want me to go into labor and not be able to contact him. He had to call in Dr Abe Steinberg because I had to have C-Section. My first son, and his first delivery in practice, was born 7/14/61. It was so neat because I would see him every day except on weekends because he would go in the back door of his office and we had the kids (he assisted in 2 more of my children's births) playing in the back yard downstairs. We went to him for 21 years before we moved to Texas in 1982. Before we left, my daughter had our first grandchild and he was her doctor. I began working at Riverside Hospital in 1973 in Accounting. He was Chief of Staff at Riverside. We would go to the annual picnics and he would always introduce us as his first patients in practice. He was in so much of our life and made a big difference in how we led our lives. We are so sorry for your loss, but he was a man that so many will remember with fond memories. You have every right to be extremely proud of him. I feel proud just to have known him.
Rose Rollins
December 13, 2011
Dr. Murphy delivered my first child and I remember him very well. He was a caring and wonderful man. I'm sorry for your loss and may God bless your family.
Debra
December 13, 2011
I am sadden to hear of Dr. Murphys passing he was a wonderful Doctor always went out of his way to care for you I would not be here today if not for him he saved my life twice.
Helen Montalto
December 12, 2011
Dr Murphy was a wonderful, caring, and intelligen man. He delivered me, and my son, who is now 24. He saved my sons life when he was a baby, and I am eternally grateful to him. R I H Dr Murphy
ann hall
December 12, 2011
Doctor Murphy was a wonderful person -- having been my physician from the age of 15 until his retirement -- he will be missed -- May God grant your hearts Peace and Many, Many Precious Memories.
Ann Snodgrass - Hall
Alpha Seales
December 11, 2011
I am saddened to hear of Ian's passing. Today I remembered so many good times spent with him during my time @ Riverside & even after I came to Cincinnati for a residency & remained here. I got out my old photo album today to look @ pics from Trinidad Carnival 1972. RIP my friend, thanks for all the great memories.
Judi Boles-Munger
December 10, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the entire Murphy family. I had the priviledge to meet Ian in 1965 when I needed a physician to get a blood test to get married. Then in 1970, Ian delivered my son, Joe Don Jr., at Riverside Hospital. We became very good friends for years and Ian was always there in good times and some not so good. I cherish the many years of memories now that I'm in Naples, Florida. I send my very best to his family and especially to Allen Chabler, that I met years ago through Ian. Ian will truly be missed and I am so sorry that I will not be able to return to Toledo for the service May God Bless You and Your Entire Family.
Brent Rub in
December 10, 2011
Our condolences to the entire Murphy family. I had the privilege of knowing Ian for many years and I can truly say he is one of those most unforgettable characters. He always had something important to say and I always enjoyed listening to his stories and fables. He will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing this true gentlemen. Brent and Ricki Rubin
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