Obituary of Gordon Clifford Murphy

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Clifford Murphy, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gordon, a long-time resident of Cranbrook, BC, passed peacefully at the age of 85 on April 16, 2025 surrounded by his family and friends. 

Gordon was a devoted husband to Nancy Murphy, with whom he shared an inseparable bond for 62 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Gordon was a proud father to his five children: Kevin Murphy (husband Kevin Marks), Krista Levisay (husband Benjamin Levisay), David Murphy (partner Jeff Fraser), and Scott Murphy (wife Mika Murphy). He was predeceased by his son, Bradley Murphy (wife Dena Murphy), whose memory remains forever in the hearts of our family.

Gordon's legacy lives on through his three beloved grandchildren, Samantha, Christopher, and Gabriel, who brought immense joy to his life. Recently, he celebrated the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Aurora, who was a source of pride and happiness for him.

Gordon was born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick. He began his career in the funeral profession over 56 years ago, receiving his New Brunswick Funeral Director's License in 1969. He moved to Calgary, Alberta, before settling in Cranbrook, BC where he ran McPherson Funeral Home for 25 years, becoming a recognized and endeared member of the community. He was named Cranbrook's Citizen of the Year in 2000. His greatest honour was being named a “Friend of the Ktunaxa Nation.”

His extensive community involvement included work with Compassionate Friends, the Cranbrook Hospice Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sam Steele Sweethearts and the E.K. P.A.R.T.Y. Program. Above all, Gordon’s true joy came from supporting families at the funeral home.

Gordon was known for his warmth, empathy, kindness, and unwavering support for his family and friends. He touched the lives of many with his generous spirit and was always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the Health Care professionals working at the East Kootenay Hospital, the Green Home and the Pines (Kimberly Special Care Home). Their kindness was a blessing. We would also like to thank Dr. McIver and Dr. Chesney for their compassion, dedication and support and to Dane Chasca for his unwavering friendship and professionalism. 

Gordon will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and within the community he proudly called his family. His legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Gordon's Life will take place on Thursday April 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook. The Celebration will be live streamed on Gordon’s obituary page on the McPherson Website, or at the following link: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/gordon-murphy-service

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Neonatal Unit at the East Kootenay Hospital, an important cause that was close to Gordon’s heart.