Obituary of Brendan Murphy

In the early hours of Sunday, May 13, 2007, the world lost a true gentleman. At the age of 82 years, after a lengthy battle with C.O.P.D., Brendan Murphy passed away peacefully at the Rockyview General Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. Brendan’s life ended the same way he had lived it, with courage, dignity and a quiet strength that he imparted to all who came into contact with him. His sincere interest in other people and his sense of humor stayed with him to the end. Brendan was born off the west coast of Ireland on the wind swept island of Achill in 1925. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and he lived and worked in Hamilton and Winnipeg prior to moving to Calgary in 1958. Although Brendan enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, his greatest accomplishments in life were his family, his friends, his relatives, and the many relationships he developed over the course of his life. Brendan was an extrovert and loved to socialize. He was a member of Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club and the Glencoe Club, and was an avid golfer and bowler for as long as his health permitted. During the last few years, one of his favourite places was Chapters at Chinook Centre, where he was able to indulge in two of his favourite pastimes, reading and people watching. He inherited the traditional Irishman’s love of words, be it conversation, reading or storytelling; and he told some pretty good stories. Brendan will be missed by all who knew him. Brendan is survived by Maureen, his wife of fifty-four years; daughter Gerri Murphy; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew and Jessica Chmilar; their father Bill Chmilar; daughter and son-in-law Loraine and Tom Charlton and their children Garrett and Conor; son and daughter-in-law David and Shannon Murphy, all of Calgary. He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters-in-law Vincent and Margaret Murphy of Boston, Mass., Neil and Peggy Murphy of Victoria, B.C., and Kevin and Rita Murphy of Athlone, Ireland. Brendan was pre-deceased by his parents, Ellen and Patrick, and siblings Gerald Murphy, Pauline McCarthy and Fr. John Murphy. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W.) on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Brendan’s family would like to thank Dr. Matt Van Ohm, who had attended him for the last fifteen years, and the wonderful staff of Unit 74 of the Rockyview Hospital. In living memory of Brendan Murphy, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.