John Murphy

John Edward Murphy

John Edward Murphy passed away in Calgary on August 1 ^st 2014 due to complications of diabetes.  John was born July 17, 1936 in Montreal, Quebec. He was predeceased by his parents James and Violet as well as two brothers prior to his birth.  His wife Patricia (nee McDermid)  passed away in 2011.  John is survived by his daughter Kelli, son-in-law Darcy Sparrow and grandsons Eric and Kevin Olsen, all of Calgary.

John, or “Johnny” as he was known, was a disc jockey and enjoyed a career that spanned 55 years and took him all over Canada. He met some very famous people and made some very special friends, specifically Ted Daigle from Ottawa and Doug Bellas and Larry Woods from Las Vegas: Friendships that lasted until Dad’s passing.  Dad was recognized in the Canadian Music Industry, winning many awards, including a Juno Award, a Canadian Country Music Award and Manitoba Country Music Awards three years in a row for DJ of the year. Most recently, Dad was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Association Hall of Fame in 2009.  That award and accompanying medallion brought him great joy and sense of achievement.

Cremation took place in Calgary and his remains will be buried with Pat’s.  There will be a Graveside Service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Monday, September 29, 2014 at 1:00 pm, followed by a come and go reception at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Johnny’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200 – 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com