Obituary of Charles Wayne Murphy

January 29, 1953 - London, Ontario

March 13, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

C. “Wayne” Murphy, beloved husband of Barbara (nee Amos), of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the age of 71 years, after a year-long struggle with cancer.

Wayne was born in London, ON, on January 29, 1953. He attended London Central Secondary School. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Engineering degree in Systems Design in 1976.

Wayne met Barbara in university, and they married in 1977. They moved to Calgary in 1979, settling into the community of Rosemont, where they remained. He participated in many community activities involving his three children, including Cubs and Boy Scout programs, ice rink programs and maintenance, and volunteered with McKnight Sports for both soccer and hockey, as well as volunteering within their schools. 

Wayne had a great work ethic, always pushing to meet deadlines, yet keeping his keen wit and sense of humour to help everyone get through the pressure-packed times of deadlines. He served as a great role model to those working with him and contributed greatly to the project teams. Over his working life he was employed by IBM, Imperial Oil, Esso Resources, and Onnilogic Consulting. 

When he retired, he became a member of the Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners (CALL), where he shared his IT skills by assisting the web and Zoom teams. He also played bridge and participated in various interest groups in CALL. 

He enjoyed family dinners, Saturday night hockey, good films, and family holidays — some of which were in Lakefield with his brother Grant. Wayne’s memorable vacations included a two-month family camping trip from Calgary through to Ontario in a Boler trailer with three young children and Barbara — a sign of his enduring wit and patience. He also enjoyed a trip to Europe, where he and Barbara met his brother Grant and Emma for a week in Spain, as well as some sunny vacations in Mexico, one with their youngest son Kyle.

He will be most remembered for the twinkle in his bright blue eyes and his unique sense of humour that brought laughter to many conversations. Wayne was known as a good listener with thoughtful responses. He brought gentle guidance and a quiet sense of security to his family. 

Besides his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Amos, Wayne is survived by his son Brett Murphy (Ellie Glassman), daughter Becky Murphy (Dante Antivola), and son Kyle Murphy (Laura Clendening), all living in Calgary, AB; his brother Grant Murphy and wife Emma, of Lakefield, ON; and sister-in-law Stephanie Amos and husband Daniel Morales of Stittsville, ON. 

Wayne was predeceased by his mother Dorothy Emily (nee Lowman) Murphy, and father Charles Morrison Murphy of London, ON.

A Celebration of Wayne’s Life will be held at Hillhurst United Church (1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in memory of Wayne Murphy to Covenant Care Foundation, Dulcina Hospice, directed to the fund: St. Marguerite Manor - Dulcina Hospice - Calgary, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/80977, in dedication to C. Wayne Murphy.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Wayne’s family here.

In living memory of Wayne Murphy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.