January 26, 1954 – August 27, 2008
Will passed away peacefully August 27, 2008 at the age of 54, at Victoria Hospice, with daughter, sister and wife at his side.
William Patrick Murphy was born January 26, 1954, in Placentia, Newfoundland, one of three children of William and Ida Murphy.
In the mid-70s, Will and Yarrah and their two year old daughter Milo, left Newfoundland, and drove across Canada, finally settling in Victoria, on the ‘other’ coast. He valued the friendships he made working in television, and went on to make more friends when he decided to complete the degree started at Memorial University in St.John’s, by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre at the University of Victoria. He was the technical director at the Belfry Theatre from 1985 to 1989. Combining his technical abilities and appreciation for the arts, Will then started and ran Laser Works for ten years.
He will be remembered for his gentle soul, a quick, intelligent wit, and a way of being in the world that was open, warm and non-judgemental. The family calendars he made at Christmas times were treasured on both coasts. Will was a great story-teller and enormously proud of being from Newfoundland. He talked often of his family and Little Bay, the home of his grandparents.
He was proudest of his daughter, who filled his heart, and his granddaughter, a shining light. Accomplishments that gave him great satisfaction included making two cross-Canada motorcycle trips back to Newfoundland and switching out the tranny of an ’86 Mazda truck.
In the last few years, he honed his crossword skills, discovered new pursuits such as fishing with Ben, mushroom foraging and identification, and making sure the birds who visited the backyard were fed, and that the tomatoes thrived.
Will loved motorcycles, cars, friends, family and music, particularly Uncle Neil.
Will be lovingly remembered by wife Debra; daughter Milo (Ben), granddaughter Maia; his father and mother, William and Ida (nee Conway) Murphy (Placentia,NL); sisters Patricia (Harold) Fudge (Grand Falls, NL), nephews Harold Jr. and PJ; Mary Murphy (Victoria); his Little family headed by Fred and Bev Little (Cobble Hill); his dear Uncle Doug and Aunt Magdalen (Toronto), and many friends.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Matthew, Will’s Community Health nurse, Dr. Murray’s assistant, Jessica, and the Victoria Hospice professional team for their dedicated and gentle care of Will and his family. It made such a difference.
We wish to thank our friends and family for their support during these past difficult months. Visits phone calls, emails and other acts of kindness have helped sustain us.
If desired, donations in Will’s name, may be made to either the Keith Provost Memorial Scholarship in Theatre, c/o Development Office, University of Victoria, or to Victoria Hospice Society.
A memorial gathering will be held at the University Interfaith Chapel, University of Victoria (Parking Lot #6) on Saturday, September 6 at noon.
Quiet family time followed by cremation took place August 29.
He was a good man.
“Who do you think you are? A superstar? All right, you are. We all shine on.” John Lennon.
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