PAUL DENNIS MURPHY

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PAUL DENNIS MURPHY January 15, 1967 - February 19, 2018 After a feisty battle with cancer, Paul, aged 51, passed away February 19, 2018 surrounded by loved ones. We are profoundly saddened by his loss but thankful for the memories of his life before cancer and the hell-no attitude he faced it down with! Paul was the youngest of 11 children, but also the youngest of the "Canadian Contingent". Paul leaves his wife Tamara (Tami), his son Haiden, his mother Winnie; sisters, Anne, Margo, Goretti and Sheilagh (Norbert); brothers, Ed, Jim (Louise) Brendan, and Sean (Lynn) and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his brothers, Michael and George. Paul was the kind of kid Mom called a 'skither'! That's the kind of kid who gets in trouble because of curiousity and a willingness to try anything, not a mean-spirited or a bad kid. Paul always kept a special connection with Mom. Paul attended Laura Secord Elementary and Gordon Bell High School. Paul moved to Vancouver in 1995 and worked as a painter, eventually setting up his own company. He always said his life changed forever when his son Haiden was born in 2001. He shared his love of the outdoors, camping and fishing with Haiden, and they spent as much time off-roading as they could. In 2007 Paul met Tami and the planets aligned! They shared a passion for hockey, great business sense, and a love of the outdoors, which they explored whenever possible. Over time they built a life together that showed the world great love and mutual respect. They were married in May, 2017 in Winnipeg, surrounded by family and friends. Paul built a life in Vancouver that definitely included the finest friends! Paul and Tami thought they would have anniversaries that would number in the years not just months, but it was not to be. Together they filled the time they had with as many adventures as possible, including trips to Tofino, Whistler, camping weekends and several trips to Winnipeg. Paul used his limited time to impart 'fatherly wisdom' to Haiden, but the true mark of wisdom is walking the walk. Paul had a great deal of integrity and was a kind, loving, generous man who loved the outdoors. He had a positive outlook right to the end. These are things that will stay with all of us. A service will be held in Vancouver on March 2 and in Winnipeg at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 603 Wellington Crescent on March 17 at 12:00 noon. Flowers are respectfully declined. Donations to Siloam Mission may be made in Paul's memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2018