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DR. CLAUDE MURPHY
Born: Oct 13, 1918
Date of Passing: Apr 16, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
DR. CLAUDE MURPHY
surrounded with love.
Dad was born October 13, 1918, in
Buchanan, SK. He was one of nine children born to Luke and Clara (Myrfield) Murphy, and he grew up on a mixed farm.
The Second World War took dad to
England, Italy and Holland. When he returned to Canada, he enrolled at University of
Manitoba, where he met our mum, Winnifred (Peggy). While attending St. Paul's College, dad struggled with indecision regarding his career. Luckily, one of the priests who knew him very well said "Claude, do something hard!" He decided on medicine.
Dad spent a large part of his medical
career affiliated with both Misericordia and St. Boniface Hospitals in Winnipeg. He was instrumental in founding the Department of Family Practice and residency program at St. Boniface Hospital, and served as President of the Manitoba College of Family Physicians 1967 to 1968. He was a wonderful teacher and was responsible for instructing some of
Canada's finest family physicians. An award has been instituted in his name, the Claude H. Murphy Award, which is given to a member of the Manitoba College of Family Physicians who wishes to develop or improve his/her skills as a teacher and preceptor of medical trainees. He was also honoured to be
President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada 1972 to 1973.
Dad delivered over 3000 babies during his medical career. One birth stands out, Paul Murphy could have been one of thousands of Thalidomide babies who died at birth or were aborted, but he was lucky that dad was able to save his life. Paul was in a breech position and dad, finding himself the only doctor around, picked up a pair of forceps and
delivered his son.
Dad remained with the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force for many years serving with the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, and attained the rank of Colonel. He earned several
medals during his time with the forces,
including the Queen Elizabeth II Silver
Jubilee Medal, awarded by the Governor-General of Canada to those who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole. He was also awarded the Order of Military Merit, which was established to recognize members of the Canadian Forces who have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty.
Never one to keep still, dad also had many hobbies. He was an accomplished
woodworker, welder, and auto mechanic. As a young man on the farm, he built a windmill to power a 25 watt light bulb so he could read at night and a crystal radio so he could hear what was going on in the world. He grew up in a musical family. His instrument of choice was the trombone. He brought the love of
music to all of us as kids and supported our musical endeavours. He made sure every room in our house in Winnipeg had ample electrical outlets and telephone jacks, as well as ensuring that all the 'lath and plaster' walls were replaced with drywall. He got his pilot's licence and took us for rides in his two-seater Cessna with the call sign 'Papa Foxtrot
Victor'. Through this busy life, he spent
wonderful times with his family. We took long road trips, often with grandpa and a few aunts along as well.
Claude was predeceased by his wife Peggy Coyston (2005), and his daughter Kathleen (2015), (Michael Waldram deceased 2006). He is survived by his sisters, Florence Shane (Calgary), Della Dewart (Winnipeg) and Irma Johns (Victoria). He is also survived by four children, Maureen, Aileen (Greg Marshall), Robert (Anne Brady), and Paul (Barbara
Martin). Claude also left three grandchildren, Sean (Danielle Jeddore), Brady and Brittany, and one great-granddaughter Laura. He also leaves behind many long time friends and
patients in Winnipeg.
The family would like to thank the staff at Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority for their gentle care over the years, as well as his physician Dr. Rick Lindenschmidt. Extra special and loving thanks to his daughter Maureen, for spending the last 15 years
caring for dad in his own home.
He was our father and our friend.
A Celebration of Life will be held once we can all get together.
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall
at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2020
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Sorry to read this. Claude Murphy was a friend and our family Doctor. Delivered our three kids. I remember the stories from Rick of family trips with his family. - Posted by: Pam and Rick Pullen (Friends ) on: Jul 04, 2020
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Dr Murphy was our family physician many, many years ago and he was someone I will always remember with gratitude. He was always willing to listen and give wise advise. He was so gentle with my children and they trusted him completely. I’m glad he had a long and loving life and will always be grateful to have had him in my life and the lives of my family. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Christine Smith (Former patient) on: Apr 30, 2020
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My sincere condolences on your loss. Dr Murphy was one of the fine preceptors at FMC during my 1985-7 studies. In 1990, I was awarded "his" education award. He was a stellar model of family medical care, and also of the joy of family. He prompted my to take flying lessons. He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Karen ( Bergner )Juce (former student) on: Apr 29, 2020
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It's been a pleasure to have known and worked with Claude for 25 years. He was a past President and Investigation Chair at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba when I started there in 1995. We worked together until I retired as Register/CEO 5 years ago and he still came in to invigilate Council examinations. It was an honour for my wife Dr. Elizabeth TIppett to be there for his 90th b'day. Our sincerest sympathy to all the family. We look forward to commemorate and celebrate his life when we can gather together. Please let me know if there is a specific site you would like for donations in his honour. Bill Pope and Elizabeth Tippett Pope - Posted by: Dr. William Pope (Colleague) on: Apr 29, 2020
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My condolences to Maureen, Aileen, Robert and Paul. I remember when I was a kid your Dad bringing the family to visit us in Aylmer Quebec in his Mercury station wagon, and the fun we had. He was a quiet gentle man with all the kids. When my sister Marilyn and I were crossing Canada by bus in 1966, he and Peggy opened their home and their hearts to us with great kindness. In 1968, when I was 17 and hitch-hiking across Canada looking for a summer job with 3 of my friends, your Dad and all your family again opened your home to us. I especially remember how pleased your Dad was (in his quiet way) at how we had so much fun playing with little Paul. - Posted by: Paul Morse (2nd cousin to Peggy - Lettie Morse nee Cortens was my mother and Peggy's 1st cousin) on: Apr 27, 2020
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Our condolences to all the family. Your dad was a special man on so many levels......Gary was fortunate to work with him in his residency and has always held him in high esteem as a role model. Love to you all. Gabrielle and Gary Bachers - Posted by: Gabrielle & Gary Bachers (friend) on: Apr 27, 2020
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We were blessed to have had Dr Claude as our family doctor. His calm demeanor, patience, humor and intelligence saw us through many a family crisis. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family Dave and Marg Cortens and family. - Posted by: Margaret Cortens (Cousins) on: Apr 26, 2020
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Uncle Claude was the patriarch of the Murphy clan, and many of us were the beneficiaries of his wisdom and advice growing up. Visits with him were always fun and interesting! He was a special person not only in our extended family, but in the greater community. Thinking of you Maureen, Aileen, Robert and Paul, and of Aunt Peggy and Kathleen who will have welcomed Claude with open arms. Much love, Sharon - Posted by: Sharon Shane (niece) on: Apr 26, 2020
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I first met Dr. Murphy as a summer worker at Canada Packers. He had a convincing manner and informed me that my teaching certificate would be better spent being a companion to Paul. My acceptance of Mrs. Murphy's offer began an unforgettable chapter in my life. Dr. Murphy outfitted us with a new Chevy van "Ironside" type and a credit card. Our mission was to travel all over Manitoba experiencing family, friends, country fairs, farms, baseball, football and hockey games to name a few destinations. We even jetted off to Toronto and Washington D.C. Both, Dr. and Mrs. Murphy, welcomed me as a supporting cast member. Dr. Murphy's formative years on the family farm must have shaped his strong work ethic. His many accomplishments testify to his belief in family and "challenge yourself to raise the bar, set a goal and do your best." Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. - Posted by: Gary and Elaine Tully (friends) on: Apr 25, 2020
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What a fulfilling life! Claude gave so much to so many including my former husband who was one of the first graduates from the Family Medicine program. Claude was so witty, wise, caring and talented. And what a gift of "aging in place" that Maureen gave. What better tribute than being a father and friend. - Posted by: Gerri Thorsteinson (Dr. Murphy's long-time acquaintance) on: Apr 25, 2020
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“Dr Murphy” was not only our family Doctor but our family friend. He was a someone who was a father figure to many and a colleague down the road in my career. We respected him and are happy for him to have had such a enjoyable life story. Love you all. Our prayers for the family. ❤️ - Posted by: Brenda Sanderson (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2020
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