Harold R. "Mike" Murphy

Halifax/Melmerby

Harold Russell "Mike" Murphy, 99, passed away peacefully at the QEII Hospital, Halifax, on December 12, 2013. He was born on February 4, 1914 in Ottawa, grew up in New Glasgow, and lived for many of his working years in Kentville. "Mike" played Rugby and Hockey at New Glasgow High School, worked at his father’s Thistle Ice Cream Parlour, and met the love of his life, Vera (MacDonald) at the age of 15.  They enjoyed a loving, sociable, and happy relationship for 75 years, spending summers at their cottage at Melmerby Beach and, in later years, winters in Florida. "Mike" had an incredible work ethic and a friendly, outgoing nature, perfectly suited for a successful career in sales.  He worked for Lever Brothers, managed Seven-Up New Glasgow, was Sales Manager and later Vice-President of Sales for M.W. Graves Company, Canada Foods Limited, and Seven-Up Maritimes Limited, then "retired" to open a food brokerage business in Halifax, Murphy Sharp Sales. He was an excellent businessman, and as recently as last week could give you perspectives on the stock market and current affairs. He enjoyed golfing until the age of 90, which also happened to be the same year as his first motorcycle ride on Bim’s cruiser.  He continued to enjoy summers at his Melmerby Beach cottage, where he would delight visitors with "Murphy Breakfasts", pop, and homemade strawberry ice cream.  "Opa" travelled throughout the world, he would dance the night away with his granddaughters and friends at Parkland Estates, and basically refused to be old.  He was, however, proud to be named the Oldest Participant in the Johnny Miles Marathon this past Father’s Day, where he completed the 5k walk. He was always the perfect gentleman.  He had a keen wit and a dry sense of humor that was enjoyed by all.  He was stoic and loving, determined and kind.  It is impossible to summarize 99 years of a productive and vibrant life full of stories and adventures, other than to say he was quite the guy.  To quote one of his favorite songs, "I’ve lived a life that’s full. I traveled each and every highway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way". "Mike" was predeceased by his wife Vera, sister Jessie (MacDougall), and brother Tom.  He is lovingly survived by his 2 daughters, Joanne (Conrad) Veer and Nancy (late John) Spencer, and by his "daughter #3", Barbara Murphy; 4 grandchildren, Tanya Veer-Casey (Brian), Adriana Veer-Wohlgemut (Andrew), Kevin (Jacquie) Spencer, Kim Spencer-Rossi (Joe), and 7 great-grandchildren. Visitation 7-9 pm Friday, December 13, in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held at Trinity United Church in New Glasgow on Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Norman Marple officiating. Family flowers only please; donations could be made to CNIB or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca