Obituary of Gerald Francis Murphy
Murphy, Gerald F.
It is with great sadness that after a short battle with cancer, Gerald passed away in Prince Albert on Aug. 21, 2021. Gerald F. Murphy was born in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on April 19, 1935, to Herbert Nicholas Murphy and Mary Agnes Fay. He spent summers of his youth at their home on Panmure Island P.E.I.. During the school year, Gerald followed his father’s teaching and future School Inspector job to schools across the Island. Eventually, Gerald’s sister Joan and brothers Joe and Herb were added to their tight-knit family. Sadly his father passed the year that the youngest child Herb was born, leaving the Murphy children to be raised by their mother. Gerald attended a one-room school in Panmure Island, Queen Square School in Charlottetown & Seal River School, another one-room school in Newport. When he was older, he attended Georgetown School for a few years before finishing his primary education at St. Dunstan’s High School. Gerald attended St. Dunstan’s University in Charlottetown and graduated in ‘58 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching certificate.
Gerald’s new career took him off the Island and westward, teaching grade 6 in Lachine, Quebec. Moving further west to teach high school, he met his future wife and love of his life Mary Shtuka, a grade one teacher. They married in Alberta on June 30, 1962, and started their family the following year, having four children: Donna (Gord), Greg (Frances), John (Michele), and Barb (Darren). Gerald and Mary finally laid down roots in Prince Albert. Gerald had shifted to being a guidance counsellor, travelling to communities across the province to work with students and families. He always remembered the names, details of their family, and the hometown of residents whose lives he impacted across Saskatchewan. The Murphys kept in touch with both sides of the family, often trekking across Alberta and Saskatchewan to visit Mary’s large family and the Sherwood Park Murphy’s for Christmas and summer vacations. Gerald and family would regularly drive all the way out to PEI visiting relatives, renewing ties, and, of course, eating vast quantities of lobster. He loved connecting with his siblings, nephews, nieces, and cousins on the island, and regularly attended his University reunions every 5 years.
He retired in ‘89, pursuing his love of photography and remaining engaged in the community. Gerald was active in many different initiatives, including the Prince Albert Figure Skating Club, Pines Photography Club/Northern Image Photography Club. He was actively involved in his church, St. Joseph’s. With his skill in mathematics, Gerald was involved as a Treasurer in many groups, including the Federal Superannuates National Association, and volunteered to help the elderly to complete their Income Taxes. Besides his love of math, Gerald was very interested in history and nature, joining Nature Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Historical Society, and loved the annual bird count.
Gerald was passionately involved in his children and grandchildren's life. He travelled across western Canada to attend sporting and cultural events his family was involved in, sometimes driving hours to watch one game. Every event was, of course, carefully documented with pictures. He also talked on the phone for hours, helping teach math or whatever the grandchildren needed, which evolved to video chats as he attempted to keep up with technology. Gerald got both knees replaced, which slowed his walking pace, but not his involvement in everything. He still drove all over the province, taking pictures and visiting family as much as he could. His dog companion, Diego, kept him company for many years, keeping him active with walks. The grandkids were always happy to see Grandpa and Diego, as well as residents and staff at Mont. St. Joseph when he visited Mary. Ever the adventurer, in the past six years Gerald travelled to Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, and Vancouver Island. He travelled across Canada by car and plane to P.E.I., and spent time in BC during Christmas.
Gerald was predeceased by his sister, Joan and brother, Herb. His vast knowledge of family history and photographic passion will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Many memories of Grandpa Gerald will remain with grandchildren Suraya (Sid), Marissa, James, Kyler, Duncan, Lauren, Erin, Dylan, Liam, Cormic, Bennett, Keira, Jack, and Sam.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 30, 2021, at St. Joseph RC Church, 260 25th St. E, Prince Albert, SK. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed using the link as follows: https://youtu.be/nhS6EVi_fsA In lieu of other tributes, it was Gerald’s wish that donations in his memory be made to St. Dunstan’s University, Suite 100, 45 Great George Street, Charlottetown, P.E.I., C1A 4K1. Details on Gerald’s Celebration of Life, Donations and info for friends and relatives can be found at: geraldfmurphy.com. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
Gerald, we loved you and will miss you dearly.
Rest in Peace.
