Jack loved life and lived it his way whenever possible. It was a very full life. He fought for it 32 years ago when he first became ill with cancer. For the last 22 years he lived cancer-free after a heroic battle with a stem-cell transplant from his dear brother, Jim. It was miraculous. Unfortunately, he very recently succumbed to a different and very aggressive cancer. We will always be thankful to his many oncologists, other doctors and support staff especially Dr. Kevin Song, Dr. Jay Aiken and Dr. Phil Huggett.
Jack was an entrepreneur and founded MYRA Systems Corp. with his wife, Barb in 1985. They ran it successfully for 38 years. He was a natural leader.
Jack also volunteered his time to a small company, which in recent years, assisted the First Nations Peoples of BC. He hated oppression and worked hard to understand and assist the Indigenous Peoples.
Jack was well respected and tried to “take the high road” in his dealings with others. His generosity, charm, insight, wisdom and strength assisted many, many people over the years.
Jack was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta. The fifth child of Jack and Lil Murphy. He graduated from St Francis High School in Calgary and had a math degree “with computer emphasis” from UVic. There were no computer science degrees then. He was one of 12 graduates from the program.
He was predeceased by his parents and 2 of his sisters, Marilyn McCubbin and Marguerite Clifford, as well as his in-laws Peter and Diane Cotsworth and Joan Cotsworth.
Jack is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Barb. Jack and Barb had a strong and loving relationship. He is also survived by his 2 wonderful sons, Trevor and Crispin (Clara), who now are successfully running MYRA Systems.
Jack had 3 amazing grandchildren: Juniper, Jasper and Camellia. They all truly miss their Grandpa Jack.
Jack is also survived by his siblings: Jim, Pat (Gibb), Maureen (McMillan), Larry and Carolyn (De Jong) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law, Dr. Nancy Brager, who was a huge support to Jack and his family throughout his life and his cancer journeys. Kim Kiem (Carlos) is also a dear sister-in-law who has also survived Jack.
Jack died, at home, as was his wish, holding the hand of the woman he deeply loved and who he had shared his life with. His wonderful family also shared in his final moments. He is now at peace.
Jack will always be in our hearts. He was well and truly loved.
The family gratefully declines flowers. If you wish, please contribute to the BC Cancer Foundation, or the Victoria Hospital Foundation, or the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice in Jack’s memory.
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Friday, April 24th, 2026, at the Royal Colwood Golf Course, 629 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Murphy” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Vlaho Djurkovic
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Steve Harris Firstly, my condolences to all – this is very sad news.
When I look back at my time at Myra, where we all fought hard as a team we had one person showing and leading the way – Jack (with his own blend of toughness and fairness). That’s the mark of Jack’s grit and determination – overcoming illness, leading a group of very smart people, being incredibly consistent in his approach with a long term view of what needed to be done (and doing it). I took onboard a great deal of that experience, and credit the time spent at Myra and with Jack as foundational when I moved into other roles. Thank you Jack (and Myra).
I’m truly sorry I cannot make the celebration of life – I am 1,000’s of miles away – my thoughts, though a poor substitute, are there with you all.
All the best – Steve
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Glenn Anthony Vaags Dear Crispin, Trevor, Barb, and the entire Murphy family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences during this very difficult time.
I have always held Jack, and your entire family, in the highest regard. He was someone who made a profound difference in the lives of so many people through his character, his leadership, and the way he treated others. His impact reached far beyond what many may ever fully realize. He set an example of integrity, generosity, and strength that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jack’s legacy is one of positive influence, meaningful relationships, and a life lived with purpose. He truly touched countless lives and helped shape futures in ways that will carry forward for generations. He will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
Please know that my thoughts are with all of you. I hope you find comfort in the memories you share and in the knowledge of how much he was admired and appreciated.
With deepest sympathy and respect,
Glenn Anthony Vaags
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Chris Krystalowich Barb, Trevor, and Crispin,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news about Jack. My time at MYRA remains a true highlight of my career. The culture Jack and Barb built, the talented people they attracted, and the opportunities they provided to expand my experience set the foundation for my professional growth.
From my salary “negotiations” to Jack challenging me to pick up new skills on the fly—often getting certified in weeks to support a new sale—he always kept me engaged and on my toes. I am also incredibly grateful to Jack and Barb for the support they showed Anita and me, both during our time at MYRA and in the years since. As so many others have said, it truly speaks to the kind of people they are.
Jack’s influence lives on in the many people he mentored, and I feel lucky to be one of them.
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Salman Almishari I was very saddened to hear of Jack’s passing.
Jack was someone I truly admired and looked up to. I had the honour of working with him for almost 6 years, and during that time, I got to know not only a great leader, but also a genuinely kind and thoughtful person. We shared many lunches together, and I will always remember those conversations and the wisdom he shared with me.
Jack built something truly special and touched many lives along the way. My sincere condolences to Barb, Trevor, Crispin, and the entire Murphy family during this very difficult time.
Rest in peace, Jack. Your legacy will live on in the many people you inspired.
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Sonja Bidese My sincere condolences to Barb and the family. I only met Barb briefly, but she was just as lovely as Jack always described. He spoke so highly of her and his sons, and it was clear how deeply he loved his family.
Jack was much more than a client to me. I will always remember not only his dedication to his health, but also the wonderful conversations and laughter we shared. He taught me about wine and many other subjects, and I always appreciated his insights, prospectives and his deep passion about everything he knew and believed in. We shared many chuckles over Sonja’s “word of the day,” and knowing I could bring a little brightness to his day always made mine brighter too. He will be deeply missed, and I feel truly grateful to have known him.
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Laura Himmelspach Dear Barb, Trevor, Crispin and family
My deepest condolences to you all on Jack’s passing. He will be greatly missed. I hope you can find some comfort in the memories you shared and in the love that surrounds your family during this difficult time.
Jack touched many lives, and his presence will be remembered with warmth and gratitude. Please know that you are in my thoughts as you navigate the days ahead, and I’m wishing you strength, peace, and moments of gentleness as you grieve.Laura and Jason
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Janet Ehret Albrecht To the family of Jack and the entire Murphy family – may the cherished memories of your husband, father, or brother bring you comfort in your sorrow at this difficult time – cousin Janet (Ehret) Albrecht
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Margaret Thompson With sympathy to Barb, Trevor, Crispin and family. Jack was a people person and a great family guy. I enjoyed playing bridge with him when he spared with our ladies group! He had a great deal of patience and was lots of fun.
The family will have many great memories to share.
May he rest in peace.
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Byron E. Barnard My wife Carey and I send our heartfealt condolences to Barb and the family. Jack will certainly be missed by family and all those he worked with. He was a real gentleman in all of his dealings with clients and other businesses. He held strong opinions on various matters but was always willing to hear of another’s point of view. We graduated about the same time from UVIC. Jack was a brilliant entreprenuer with great business ideas. When Jack and Barb started MYRA, I knew he would be successful. We had so many great memories together. Jack and Barb were always very generous with their time in mentoring and helping others in business. I was very grateful for the opportunity to speak with him shortly before his passing. He will be forever in my memory.
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Mike and Jori Mitchell Jori just showed me the obit appearing in today’s paper. We were both taken aback and saddened. Please accept our deeply felt condolences to you Barb and the rest of the extended family.
Jack had a profound influence on my life over the 22 years I spent at Myra. Even in my retirement I have often reflected on our conversations — everything from databases and programming to the soft skills required to be part of a team serving our customer community.
Beyond that I will always remember his repeatedly demonstrated commitment to integrity, honesty and fairness. We are the richer for having known him.
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Lynne Foxall So sorry Barb to you and your family You have lost a good man, husband and friend. I am here always for anything you may need, please don’t hesitate to ask. Love you lots. May he always rest in peace. LL❤️.
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Carol Dube Dear Barb and family, and of course the Murphy clan,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. My deepest sympathy to everyone at this time
My prayers are with you…..
Love your cousin, Carol
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Al Cotworth Barbie and Family. I am so saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. I did not know Jack well but the last time we met he seemed so full of humour and spunk with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Everyone bears pain in a different way and I cannot know your torment, but I know you have the strength to see this through. While I am quite remote, if there is anything I can do, please let me know. Al Cotsworth
Dear Barb, Trevor, Crispin and the rest of the family,
Please accept my deepest condolences.
I am heartbroken to lose not only my former boss, but great mentor and friend. I am profoundly grateful for 33 years of guidance, wisdom, encouragement and friendship he gave me during my work time with Myra. With Barb by his side, they gave work opportunities, mentorship and directions to many new immigrants, including me.
Jack was the great leader and remarkable person. He thought me the value of integrity, patience and reliability. He truly touched countless lives and helped shape futures in ways that will carry forward for generations.
Please know that my thoughts are with all of you. I hope you find comfort in the memories you share and in the knowledge of how much he was admired and appreciated.
With deepest sympathy and respect
Yatza and Vlaho