Michael Murphy

With his sons by his side Michael passed peacefully on Saturday, May 8th, 2021. Adoring husband and best friend of Fionnuala (Finn), Mike and Finn celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with family on Valentine's Day 2019. He will be dearly missed by his three sons, Ronan, Fergal and his wife Eleonore, and Donal. His grandchildren Alistair, Nora, and Emily adored him as "Pops". Mike would regale them with adventure stories of Alistair the Knight. Lovingly remembered by his siblings Tom (Geraldine), Margaret (Paddy), Donal (Miriam) and Susan (Tony). Beloved brother-in-law of Mortimer (Leong), Pierce (Monica), Terence (Yvonne) and Mary. Cherished Uncle to his nieces, nephews, and their children. Predeceased and joyously reunited with Fionnuala, who passed away on October 4th, 2020. They will be laid to rest together at a later date.
Michael was born on January 22, 1954 in Cork, Ireland to Daniel and Nora Murphy. He met and married Fionnuala in Cork. Mike had a fun-filled early life in County Cork in Ireland where he had a keen interest in swimming, fishing and, particularly, in soccer where his prowess earned him many, well deserved, bruises! Mike had a successful career in Commercial Sales and as a Manager in a Ford main dealership in Cork where he socialized with an eclectic group of friends and family and had a wonderful and wide ranging interest in music, something he and Fionnuala also shared throughout their life together.
Michael and Fionnuala emigrated to Canada in 1989 with their three children, settling in London, Ontario. They enjoyed playing music, swapping stories, and having the occasional glass of whisky together at céilí gatherings. Since Finn's passing, Mike has lived with family in Toronto, surrounded by his grandchildren and playing for all his concertina.
With great regret, visitation will be foregone due to COVID-19 restrictions. A joint celebration of life for Mike and Finn and their great love for each other will be held in remembrance at a later date. A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. George Catholic Church on Friday, May 14th, at 10:00 a.m. The mass will be streamed live online at sgtvlondon.ca/. Online condolences may be shared on the O'Neil Funeral Home webpage (https://www.oneilfuneralhome.ca/).
The family would like to thank all of the healthcare professionals and staff of Bluewater Health in Sarnia for their care for Michael. Most especially the family is grateful for the grace, wisdom, and care of Michael's nieces Dr. Fiona O'Sullivan and Dr. Orla MacSweeney. A sincere thank you to our families, friends and neighbours for their prayers and support throughout this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Michael's name to the St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation in London, designated to the COPD program. (www.sjhc.london.on.ca/foundation) O'Neil Funeral home in charge of arrangements (519-432-7136)
Remembered Joy
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
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