August 30, 1961 – March 29, 2023
On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Bernard (Bernie) Louis Murphy of Oro, Ontario passed away at the age of 61 years.
Bernie will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife, of 28 years, Doreen and sons Quinten and Callan.
He will also be missed by his mother Heather Murphy, brothers and sisters Sharon, (John), Brian (Annette), George (Nancy), Pete, Marilyn (Boyne), Tom, Mike (Tess), Colleen (Randy), and his nieces and nephews Shannon, Julie (Kyle), Kristy (goddaughter), (Kris), Heather, Sean, Nadine, Janina, (Sherman), Mick, Patrick, (Tanisha) Ryan as well as a large extended family .
Bernie was predeceased by his father George Bernard Murphy.
Bernie lived his entire life in Ontario, he was born in Sudbury and moved with the family to Richmond. He graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Anthropology, leading into his lifelong career with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Bernie began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police in 1986 as a Constable in Nipigon Detachment. Bernie’s interest in all aspects of policing allowed him to experience various disciplines within the OPP. Throughout his 32-year career with the OPP, he held 8 different positions and always spoke very highly of the people he was fortunate to work with. Bernie also held position as an Aide de Camp for Governor General’s David Onley and Elizabeth Dowdeswell. He considered it a great honour to be a part of that team. Bernie devoted his time and effort and worked diligently in each and every position he held. Bernie began his policing career as a Constable in Nipigon Detachment and retired from the Ontario Provincial Police, with 32 years service in 2018 as a Chief Superintendent of Professional Standards Bureau.
But Bernie was not quite ready to retire completely, so he started his own company that specialized in work-place investigations and conflict resolutions. The business was a success until he was forced to close it due to ill health.
Bernie’s family was always his focus, and he shared with them his great love of the outdoors. Family activities included back-country canoeing, hockey, skating, hiking, mountain biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, golfing, camping and travel. Bernie was a voracious reader, with particular interest in spy novels, and both military and general history. Music was a huge part of all stages of his life, enjoying many different genres, attending many concerts with a special love for any type of live music. Family gatherings or parties with friends would see Bernie with a big grin thoroughly enjoying being surrounded by people he loved.
Both Quinten and Callan have inherited a love for many of these same activities with a particular passion for music and travel. Friends were a very important part of Bernie’s life and he thoroughly enjoyed his outings to the pub for beer & wings with his large and varied circles of friends. Although, he had to constantly remind them … “I’m a pretty big deal!”
Visitation will be held at Adams Funeral Home on Sunday April 2, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday April 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home 445 St. Vincent Street Barrie Ontario, with a Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Bernard Murphy’s name to Hospice Simcoe 336 Penetanguishine Road, Barrie ON, L4M 7C2.
The Murphy family would like to thank the numerous Doctors, Nurses and medical support staff that worked tirelessly with us on this unfortunate journey. A special heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Mihaylova, whose compassion and warmth were a constant source of strength for us. We would also like to thank the Staff and Volunteers of Hospice Simcoe. The attention, care and genuine affection that Bernie received while there was absolutely incredible, and will always be remembered.