It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of John Kenneth Murphy of Markham, ON, on April 8, 2022 at the age of 64 years.
John will be forever remembered by his partner Claire Canty, sons Mark and Bryan, father Kenneth, brother Stephen, sister-in-law Susan, nephews Sean, Andrew and Michael; as well as many relatives and friends. John was predeceased by his mother Patricia and brother James.
John was born June 6th, 1957, in Victoria, BC to parents Kenneth Murphy and Patricia Murphy. John’s formative years were spent in Belleville, Ontario where he attended Nicholson Catholic College, and was active in hockey, rugby and lacrosse. John graduated from Queens University in 1981, with an honour’s degree in Economics. While at Queens, John played varsity rugby and recreational hockey. After graduation, John worked in the family hotel business, then entered St Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, earning a Master of Divinity from the University of Toronto. During summers from 1984-1986, John was a reserve member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, making several jumps and obtained the rank of Captain. John was ordained priest in 1987. Over the next 16 years, John worked in the Archdiocese of Toronto and studied in Rome, where he graduated with a Doctorate, Law (summa cum laude) from Lateran University.
In 2006, John left the priesthood. While John resigned from the function of being a priest, he was always there for others in their time of need. John became a new kind of father, to sons Mark and Bryan. Over the next 16 years, John pursued a career in investments, corporate finance and post secondary education. He was particularly pleased to work with students new to Canada, helping them in their journey to establish permanent Canadian roots through education. John’s charisma and likeability allowed him to form many lasting friendships and connections with people from diverse backgrounds and geographies. In his spare time, John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, walking and cheering on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, complete with in-game and post-game analysis.
While John is gone, friends, family and acquittances will remember him as a great listener, caring, intelligent, loyal, with a gift for telling a good story. A long-time friend said it best: “John knew people. No matter where you were coming from, he met you there.”
A visitation will be held at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St, Barrie, ON, L4M 1L4 on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 1M7 on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 2pm. Reception to follow at Steckley-Gooderham.
The Family sends a special thank you to the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital, Markham Hospital and Trillium Gift of Life for their care and compassion. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com