Dr. Francis (Frank) Murphy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 16, 2024. Frank was born on March 4, 1926, in Liverpool, England, to Frederick and Catherine Murphy.
Frank grew up in a large and loving family in Liverpool. He was called up as a “Bevin Boy” during the Second World War to work in the coal mines for four years. He had an astonishing variety of jobs, from being a “Tic Tac” boy (using hand gestures to translate odds/prices) at Aintree racecourse to being a magistrate and an elected councillor on Liverpool City Council. He was one of the first in his family to attend university and went to Liverpool Medical School as a mature student when he was 34. He met Mary Bannon when they both worked in Sefton General Hospital. They married in 1966 and immediately left for two years in Bermuda.
In 1968, they found their way to Canada, where Frank began work at the Powell River Medical Clinic as a general practitioner. For 40 years he practiced medicine. After retirement, he came back to provide locums as he loved his job and caring for his community. He was the life of every party and made friends in Powell River who became family.
Frank will be remembered for his great sense of humour, dedication to his family and an exuberant laugh that endeared him to all who knew him. His kindness, generosity and sense of fun made him a favourite of all his grandchildren, who adored him. He delighted all with an incredible repertoire of stories, songs and dance moves. He was a lifelong learner who never lost his enthusiasm for trying new things, hitting the ski slopes and water skiing well into his 80s. He loved time at his cabin on Powell Lake, boating and fishing. He was a proud Liverpool Football Club supporter for life.
Predeceased by his seven siblings and parents, Frank is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Mary and children Terry (Olinka), Tim (Leanne), Fiona (Greg) and Nuala (Chris), and 12 grandchildren Niall, Isabel, Olivia, Eric, Marissa, Mariah, Aidan, Liviano, Emma, Ronan, Owen and Bethany.
The family is grateful to Dr. Bonsor, Dr. Burns, Dr. Takhar, Dr. Rankin, Janet, Kim, Sarah, Becky and all of the amazing staff in oncology, the palliative care team and everyone at the Powell River Medical Clinic for the tireless work they do with such kindness and care.
A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11 am at Church of the Assumption, with a celebration of life to follow the graveside service at Powell River Town Centre Hotel; doors open at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Assumption School.
