On Thursday, April 30 at 4:55 pm Dan Murphy quietly passed away in Goderich. He was in his 90th year.
Daniel Joseph Murphy was born in 1930 in Mount Forest, Ontario. The oldest of five children born to Vincent and Madeleine Murphy. Dan was named after his grandfather Daddy Dan Murphy. Dan attended school in Mount Forest before moving to Toronto to attend the University of St Michaels College where he lived in House 63 and “studied and prayed” for the ensuing three years. After graduating St. Mike’s, Dan attended Osgoode Hall Law School where he completed his legal degree in 1956 and was called to the bar.
In 1957 he accepted a job at Rose, Tyrell, Rose & Green in Welland. It was during this time that he first met his future wife, Muriel Simpson. Dan and Muriel were married in 1959 and shortly thereafter moved to Goderich where Dan joined friend and fellow St Mike’s alum Jim Donnelly at the firm that would eventually become Donnelly and Murphy.
Dan and Muriel started their family in 1960 with the birth of their first child Anne Marie in February. She was followed by her six siblings Pat, Mike, Paul, Mary Margaret, Katharine and Maureen. While Dan was quite busy being a father he did find time to practice law, which was his true passion. In 1970 he was named Queen’s Counsel and in 1983 was elected as a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada. He served four terms and became a life bencher in 1999. He also served as President of the Huron Law Association and was an active member of the Canadian Bar Association.
During his sixty years in Goderich Dan was valued member of the community. He was one of the charter members of the Rotary Club of Goderich, he served on the local Board of education, was a Director of the Goderich Elevators and was active in local politics.
Dan was an avid skier, liked to think he could play tennis and golf, and was truly a passionate camper. The Murphy’s many ski and camping trips were legendary for fun and frivolity with a good dose of Murphy’s Law thrown in. He loved to entertain family and friends, especially in summer at the Murphy cottage.
Muriel along with her seven children and 18 grandchildren and Dan’s sister Anne are deeply saddened by the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will be missed dearly.
A funeral mass will be held at a later date in light of Covid-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers we would ask that donations be made to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Dan’s name.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Natalie Sully
Mr. Murphy was generous with time and his intellect in so many ways. My memory is of him coaching me in public speaking. One of his greatest skills! He will be very sadly missed . My best wishes to all the family . Natalie Sully, London UK
Robert Paterson
Enjoyed my many years as a fellow director with Dan on the Goderich Elevators Ltd. board. Dan always had a keen sense of humour and a keener sense of family. His skiing exploits always provided great stories. Dan will be missed by all. My condolences to Muriel and family.
Jennifer and Chris Black
Our deepest sypmathies to Muriel and family. We are saddened by your loss.
Harold Leddy
Muriel and family
Sorry to hear of the passing of Dan, our thoughts are with you
RIP my friend
Barb and Ray Jeffrey
Thinking of you at this time. Dan is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray Jeffrey
Dear Muriel and family
Sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ray and Barb.
Karla Hogan
I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to you, Muriel, Anne Marie and your family.
Alvin McGee
Muriel remember the good times, you have a strong family to help you, we find out how important this is, I do hope Dan remembers the name of that horse, just a little joke between to old guys.
Theresa O'Rourke
Dan was a man of deep religious faith. He was decent, very kind and completely unpretentious. He won’t be standing in line for long to get into heaven. We, as most people that knew him, will always think of him with fondness.
Doorly family
Rosie O'Keefe
Dear Muriel and all of the Murphy family,
My sincere condolences to you on the passing of Dan.
I was able to witness his passion for the practice of law while working at Donnelly & Murphy back in the mid 1980’s.
May you find comfort and solace in your many shared memories.
Kerr Family
Hugs and condolences to Muriel and the entire family. Dan will be greatly missed and fondly remembered, for his kindness, his wit, and that twinkle in his eyes that welcomed everyone and made you wonder just what he was going to say or do next. “As you are standing …” amongst the other Angels, and looking down with pride over your family, be sure to ask for a full glass, Dan, and rest in peace. All our love, Paul, Jenny, Madison, Amanda
Ken & Sylvia McGee
Dear Muriel and family.
Over all these many years every time we think of Dan we think of good times and upbeat conversations. The year he was President of Rotary, the great parties hosted at your house. As a charter member of Goderich Rotary he was always dedicated to the humanitarian efforts of this fine organization. His great achievements in the legal field. A wonderful long time customer of ours. I could go on and on but you will see this from all the other writers in this guestbook. Rest in peace Dan, you deserve it.
Sharron Durst
My sincerest sympathies to Muriel & family for their great loss.
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Ann Marie, Taylor and family
We extend our sincere condolences in your loss of your father.
We send heartfelt thoughts and prayers .
Sincerely
Gayle and Barron Purser
Pauline and Ed Laithwaite
Our sincere condolences to the Murphy family.
Shelagh Sully
Dear Muriel and family. So saddened by Dan’s death. And, so many happy memories, especially at the Maitland.
I am holding you all in my thoughts.
Fondly
Shelagh
David Cann
Our deepest condolences go to the Murphy family who are saddened by the loss of their amazing patriarch. Although it is very difficult to lose a loved one, take comfort knowing that Dan is now in a better place; in the loving hands of our Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
D Cann & MA Hogan and family
Ray Donnelly
Muriel and Family:
Our thoughts are with all of you at the loss of Dan. We have known all of the Murphy Family for a very long time and want all of you to know are thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love and respect:
Ray and Lind Donnelly
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Muriel and family.
Jim & Mona Mulhern
Kathleen O'Keefe
Dear Muriel & Family,
My heart-felt sympathy to each of you!
I remember Dan as a man of faith and
prayer! It was at Church that I would
usually see you, Muriel, Dan & your family.
May our Loving God richly bless Dan for
being God’s witness in this life and may
he know the fullness of God’s love for him.
I pray that God will bring you, Muriel, and
your family great comfort and deep peace.
Our Mom, Mary, died on the following day,
Friday, May 1st: I was with her. Today is
Mom’s burial.
In God we place all of our trust!
Love,
Kathy
Jim and Pat Martin
We wish to convey our deepest sympathy on the loss of Dan. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Michelle (Krohmer) Curran
Paul, so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I remember your parents graciously hosting/allowing our Grade 8 St. Mary’s class to have a party at your family home.
Jane Kerr
My deepest sympathy Muriel to you and your family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
MaryAnn Rizzo
I remember the family reunions held at the Murphy cottage. It was a great time for the family to connect. Uncle Dan & Aunt Muriel were superhosts. My sincere condolences to the entire family. May Uncle Dan rest in peace and may you find comfort in your many memories of him. Love and hugs to you all.
David & Michelle Smith
To the whole Murphy Family – Dan was a well-respected man in the community and a wonderful person. Take comfort in the memories made and everything & everyone he touched. Prayers are with you. David & Michelle Smith
Carol d’Entremont
Floyd and I were so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. He and Muriel were so welcoming to our family when we moved to Goderich. Their kindness will never be forgotten.
Sending prayers and hugs to the family.
Toni Schaefer
I am sorry for the loss of Dan. May your memories be a blessing
Rex & Mary Ann Johnston
Condolences to the Murphy family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May Dan rest in peace.
Sincerely, Rex and Mary Ann Johnston.
Jo-Anne Homan
Muriel and family, we are deeply saddened at Dan’s passing. Our spirit is buoyed up by all the memories of the fun times we had with you and Dan at garden parties and varied dinner parties. His quick wit, his love of his family and especially you Muriel was always apparent. As we age we have become acutely aware that a lifetime is just not long enough to be with the one you love. Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Barbara Desjardins
May your memories bring you comfort in these days ahead. Sincerely Barbara Desjardins
Jim & Shelagh McDade
Our thoughts and prayers are with Muriel and the entire Murphy family during this difficult time.