MURPHY, WILLIAM M. “Dr. Bill”, DDS (Dal ’56), LLM (Hon) – Aged 84. Family man, family dentist, formidable entrepreneur, philanthropist, and friend, Dr. Bill Murphy died peacefully at home on September 28, 2016. For more than a half century, co-founder and President of Mersey Seafoods Limited Dr. Bill Murphy left his fingerprints all over the Atlantic Fishery, with a list of industry firsts, business successes, and public service to his credit. He provided opportunity, support and inspiration to hundreds through his businesses, his philanthropy, and most important, through his charming, larger than life character. The second son of Charles and Jean (Whynot) Murphy, Bill grew up with his three siblings Reid, Betty and Ruth in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. After high school, Bill went on to Dalhousie University to study Science and Dentistry, graduating with his DDS in 1956. In his second year, Bill was introduced to Janet Roper at a Sigma Chi fraternity party. Smitten, Bill called Janet the following Thursday for a Saturday night date. “Too late”, she said. “A real gentleman gives a lady more notice than that.” He called again the following Monday. The rest, as they say… Bill and Janet were married on September 14, 1956 and set up house in Liverpool where Dr. Bill started his family dental practice.
But it was only a matter of time before Bill’s concern was drawn to the town’s economic over-reliance on its single industry. He and other like-minded local businessmen were convinced that without expanding employment opportunity, there was little prospect for growth. And so, in 1964, the idea of a working fish plant was formally incorporated as Mersey Seafoods Limited. For more than ten years, Bill juggled two very different careers – dentistry and fish. By 1979, however, it was clear that the fish business engaged his passion in way that dentistry had ceased to do. To Janet’s horror, Bill gave up his dental practice entirely, bought out his business partners, and became the full-time owner/ manager of a fish plant and fleet. From his wharfside office in Liverpool, through timely acquisitions, strategic decisions and the support of many dedicated, loyal employees, Bill grew Mersey Seafoods to include plants and wharves in Moose Harbour, Guysborough County, Petit de Grat, and Souris PEI. His son Jon joined the business in the early 1980s, and together they led the company to the forefront of the iconic northern cod and northern shrimp fisheries. They oversaw the building of three pioneering freezer trawlers – Mersey Viking (1980), Mersey Venture (1987), and Mersey Phoenix (2002) – and the expansion of markets for once-underutilized species. At its peak, Mersey Seafoods employed close to 2000 people.
Bill’s voice was always among the loudest in the room arguing for industry’s obligation to respect conservation measures through quota management and enterprise allocation. His clarity of thinking, stalwart defence of Canadian interests, and pragmatic approach to fisheries and oceans science led to many appointments to industry panels, government advisory boards, and international trade commissions. Bill was particularly honoured to have served as two-term Chair of the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) , as well as on the Gulf of Maine Advisory Committee (GOMAC) and Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC), among others.
Bill strongly believed that success in business and in life was a direct result of the support he received from the communities he lived and worked in. As such he felt a strong duty to give back generously, often anonymously, to charitable causes throughout his life. In 2008, he and Janet quietly founded the J & W Murphy Foundation as a vehicle for their charitable giving.
Bill never looked for recognition, but it was forthcoming nonetheless. In 1992, he was honoured with the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, and in 2007, he received an Honourary Doctorate from the Dalhousie University School of Management for his entrepreneurial achievements. A bold adventurer and leader in the business world, Bill was guided by integrity, honesty and loyalty in an arena too often dominated by controversy and petty-politicking. In his private life, he was a devoted husband and parent. He and Janet enjoyed their time as snowbirds in the Meadows, Sarasota for almost 25 years, taking particular pleasure in their golf partnership in the Sunday “Couples” and “Canada Day” events. He gave up golf after Janet’s death, and as he became more frail over the past few months, Bill even gave up his daily trek up the Mersey Seafoods steps, taking pleasure in breakfast at the Transcotia and naps in the big chair. (Almost) always “the smartest guy in the room”, Bill’s views on the fishery, management, dentistry, golf, Scotch, religion, and politics were freely given, if often unsolicited. Never impetuous – but neither afraid to take a calculated risk – he was a man of wit and vision and fearlessness. The world is a much smaller place without him.
Left to mourn are daughters Karen and Lisa (Geno Sajko), daughter-in-law Holly, grandsons Michael and Ben, and sister Betty (the late Wally) Hughes, along with many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife Janet, son Jon, sister Ruth (Orville) Pulsifer and brother Reid (Alta). At Bill’s request, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chandlers Funeral Home, Liverpool. A memorial service and celebration of our father’s life will be held in the Astor Theatre, Main Street, Liverpool, at 11:00 am November 5th, 2016 – when the boats are in. Reception to follow the service from 1-4pm at the family home.
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to the QEII Foundation – Medical Day Unit (Halifax), the Queens General Hospital Foundation (Liverpool), or any charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Danielle
I am so sorry for the loss of such a great man. Bill was one of my favorite customers and I will miss seeing him daily at the Transcotia . May you rest easy my dear friend .
Ashley mckinnon
To Murphy’s family
It was a great honor to work at the plant and still do,he sure will be missed by all his employees and family,just remember to lean on each other at this time
Trisha & Ernie Doucette
To All Bill’s Family, Bill was a wonderful and generous man who I greatly appreciated working with. I loved all my time there getting to know him as well as the Family. He has told me so many stories about his childhood and about the Fishing Industry. He always made me smile with the way he would say things and give me that priceless look of his. I will miss him deeply. Rest in peace my Friend.
Kristopher Snarby
There is now a huge hole in the fabric of our community with the loss of Bill. This obituary sums up the life – so accurately & effectively – of an incredible man who constantly gave back to his community. He believed in Liverpool and the people who lived here, and did his absolute best to keep as many local people employed in the fishing industry as possible. Bill & Janet will never be forgotten for their amazing generosity through their countless donations to so many different organizations/facilities and scholarships in our community. Karen & Lisa, our thoughts are with you both at this difficult time.
Marie Wambolt
The Murphy Family. My Sincere Condolence ..former employee of Mersey Seafoods
Heidi malone
I was very saddened to hear of bills passing. He was a great man who I enjoyed seeing come into the restaurant and I will miss seeing him My thoughts are with the family as you go through this sad time
Sandra Cross
To the Murphy Family,
It is great sadness upon hearing of Dr. Murpgy’s passing. He was a great man. He was my dentist until he retired, but he was also my employer in the summer of 79 at Mersey Seafoods. I never saw him mad, always had a kind heart. I remember one day being in Bridgewater when he’d had rented 2 wheel chairs for Janet. He was struggling to put them in the back seat of his car. I offered to help him and we managed to get them both in his car, then I meanted that he use to be my dentist of course that stared a great conversation about the friendship he had with my parents. It was so nice to see him again at the dinners he attended at Seaside Community Center in the last year. He will always be a kind man who will always hold a special place in my heart. RIP Dr. Murphy
Jure Gašperšič
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Barb and Ulf Snarby
What a wonderful tribute to a great citizen of our community. He will be so missed by many.
Dr. Murphy was my first dentist and to this day I have never forgotten his sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye while I was sitting in that chair on Market Street!
But his career in the fishing industry and his dedication and commitment to his community is how Ulf and I will always remember him. He was the definition of an entrepreneur and our community benefitted greatly because of his vision.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Steven Oickle
Very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.I truly enjoyed my time working there and enjoyed any conversation I got to be part of involving Bill. He truly knew how to earn the respect of anyone who came into contact with him on a regular basis. RIP Dr. Murphy
Mary Ann Bennett
Please, accept sincere sympathy from our family to yours at this sad time. Until today, we did not know about your father’s exceptional life and were not aware of his immense commitment to the town of Liverpool. Our son, Geordy, is one of the engineers on the Mersey Venture where he has proudly worked for the past 5 years. We are also a fishing family, residing in Riverport, but nearing our retirement, built a new home on Ponhook Lake so, from now on, we will honour Dr. Murphy by visiting Liverpool, and enjoying it’s beauty, more often. May God Bless you All. Kind Regards ~Calvin & Mary Ann Bennett
Bruce Chapman
I’ve known and worked with Bill since I entered the fishing industry in 1977, at the time with the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association. I fondly remember a number of vignettes shared with Janet and Bill through the years. My sincere condolences to their Family.
Jill swain
Dear Karen and Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Mom kept me updated on him often. I know how hard this must be for you both. I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you. He was quite a man! And I will always remember how generous he was, loaning us his car for our wedding!
My thoughts are with you at this time.
Jill Swain
Mario DeMello
Karen & Lisa,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. He certainly was an accomplished & giving person! My thoughts are with you.
Robert & Sally (Wigglesworth)Fader
Karen & Lisa:
So very sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. He was also my dentist until he retired. He was a kind & caring person. Please accept our condolences at this very difficult time.
Toby Mandelman
Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. You spoke of him with such great respect and fondness. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love
Toby
jennifer and jason whynot
to the murphy family , so sorry to hear of bill’s passing , our thoughts and prayers go out to the family R.I.P bill murphy you will never be forgotten but missed dearly
Darlene Henley-Weagle
Karen & Lisa,
I am so very sorry for you loss. My sincere condolences to you and your families.
John MacKinnon
Karen and Lisa and family,
I am so sad to hear of your father’s passing. He and your mother represented what we all should aspire to be. While I am not sure that a man with hands the size of his should ever have been a dentist, his care and compassion made up for it. Until our last conversation he teased me for losing my tooth at the Tutty’s. He may remember the tooth, I remember that he was the dentist that agreed to see me on Sunday afternoon.
Nykola Killam
I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of Dr. William Murphy.
I have never met Dr. Murphy but he has had a profound effect on my life through his tremendous generosity. It is because of him that I realize that philanthropy is about people giving their time, help and care to causes they support, making the world a better place to live in. Dr. Murphy has made a great contribution to my life, to many lives, that will live on to carry his spirit forward. I will always remember this man who helped me further my educational goals. I will be forever grateful for Dr. Murphy’s enormous gift to me and on the day I graduate from Dalhousie I will remember him especially.
Sincerely,
Nykola Killam
J & W Murphy Scholarship recipient
Dalhousie University (2nd year)
Susan MacNutt
Lisa and Karen:
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. My thoughts
are with you.
Margo Hanley
To all of Dr. Murphy’s family: It is with sincere sympathy that I write this small condolence. Dr. Murphy (which he loved to be called) was one of the most sincere people I have ever met and over the years that I got to know him better, was one of the most respected people I have ever known. Dr. Murphy took Borden and I somewhat under his wings when we were in a position with Petro Canada that made our life very difficult. He was kind to us and very thoughtful in his help and Borden and I both could never thank him enough. I loved to meet him in the grocery store where he loved to stop and chat. He will be a man that the community will not soon forget – but he is at peace now with his beloved wife Janet. God Bless.
Jane Thies-Potvin
Dear Karen, Lisa, Holly and Family,
We extend our deepest sympathies to you all at this sad and difficult time. Your father was indeed a generous and lovely man. Our thoughts are with you, hugs too.
All our best,
Jane Thies-Potvin and Family
Alta Mason
To Karen, Lisa and family. I am very saddened to learn about the loss of your Dad. I worked in the office of Mersey Seafoods for 12 years and he was also my dentist until he retired.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keep all wonderful memories close and may your hearts be eased knowing your Dad is at peace and that many people share in your grief.
May God Bless you all.
Alta Mason
donald zwicker
RIP my friend, we will never forget you. You were a very good man
Jennifer Inglis
What a lovely tribute to an amazing man. Dr. Murphy made unparalleled contributions to Liverpool and to NS as a whole. Plato once said that the measure of a man is found in what he does with power. One need only look to the children he treated in his dentistry practice (myself included), his myriad of employees and their families, or to the legacies he and Janet left through their foundation to see that is measure is great. My condolences to Lisa and Karen and their families. Your father will be missed, yet also live on in the fabric of the community.
Mark A Brousseau
Karen,
Everyone here at Metaworks is so very sorry for you loss. Our sincere condolences to you and family.
The Metaworks Team
Donna Hawkes West
Lisa, Karen and family,
I have fond memories of Dr Murphy, who was my first dentist. When I needed braces as a teenager, he knew my family couldn’t afford to take me to an orthodontist, so he did them for a greatly reduced fee. He also came to his office to see me one night after a minor car accident which required more dental work. I will always be grateful for his kindness. My since condolences to you at this difficult time.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Karen and Lisa; There are no words to express what your dad meant to our family as a Dentist.
He was the best. He did Braces for Donna, he said he always wanted to do them, and he knew otherwise she would not be getting them. He did a fantastic job. Then, when she was in a car accident and one of her front teeth was knocked out, even though he was no longer doing dentistry, he went in the office at 10:00 PM and capped her tooth. I will always be indebted to him. He was the greatest. I know you are both Very Proud of your dad. He was a great Man.
Frank Mastrobuono and Jack Coffey at Crown Sefood Company
We at Crown Seafood Company send our condolences to Dr. Murphy’s family. Not only did he impact the whole of the seafood business, but his generosity had equal impact upon those whose lives he touched.
Carla (MacIsaac) Whynot
Karen & Lisa,
So sorry to read of your Dads passing. He was my dentist when I was a little girl. I thought he had dreamy eyes. I used to fall asleep in the chair. Years later I met Gaven, only to find out they were first cousins. I know Gaven would be very sad for your loss as am I. My condolences to you both.
Patti Fraser
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Will Baker
To the Murphy’s, I was lucky enough to work with Dr. Murphy for the last 8 years and over the last couple of years I became his drive to and from work or as he called me his chauffeur, I really enjoyed doing this because I got to see a different side of Bill, he was a very smart, caring man and I will definitely miss the chats we had. I am proud to call him not just my boss but also a mentor and a friend, R.I.P. Dr. Murphy. Will, Tina and Austin Baker.
Alan. H. Altass
Our sincere Condolences to the family, I have known Dr Murphy for many years he was tough and knew what he wanted, You never had any doubts about his intentions , he told it like it was and never held back, The fishing industry has lost a great man,
Susan MacLeod
Karen, Lisa and family: My sincere condolences for your loss. Like many other local people, Bill was my dentist, performed my first Root Canal… Almost painless. ..When I made a career change from the Bank of Montreal to the Able Cable television operation, I learned a lot from business people like Bill. He often gave me advice and frankly told me how a business should be operated. I am sure he was a mentor to many. I value that advice. Again, my sincere condolences. Susan MacLeod
Paul Gray
Lisa and Geno- so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad touched many lives Lisa. Hope you’re surrounded by many who love you during the coming days. Hugs, Paul and Toby
Ann Godfrey
So sorry for the loss of your Dad Lisa.
Ann Godfrey
Mike & Sylvia Langille
To all of Dr. Murphy’s family,
We were very sorry to hear about Dr. Murphy’s passing.He was an extremely devoted man,to his family business and community! It has been a pleasure to work for him for the past 5 years.I am sure he and Janet will be watching over you all from a far better place! Take care and God Bless.
Mike & Sylvia Langille
Gail & Dennis L.
We would like to also pass on our condolence to the family and will always to this day think of his seat at the at the transcotia .Dennis & Gail
Charlene Veinot
Karen, Lisa & Family:
So sorry to hear about Dr. Murphy’s passing. A beautiful tribute to his life!! I worked
in the office at Mersey Seafoods for 16 years and was always treated fairly by Dr.
Murphy. Even when I decided to leave, he asked me to stay but on the other hand
he respected my decision to leave. He accomplished so much in his lifetime and I
know how proud you must all have been. Hold on to all the wonderful memories and
hopefully that will help your hearts to heal. Take Care!!
Doug Billard
Lisa, I’m very saddened by your loss. To you, Karen, Geno, and the rest of your family I extend my most heartfelt condolences. Your Dad was a man who stood out and contributed greatly to his community.
Shirley Melanson
Your Dad was our family dentist when he worked in dentistry. Also, my husband,Hap Melanson worked for Mersey Seafoods and found the working conditions in the office there better than Bowaters.He was a great boss.
They’ll probably have a joke in Heaven now.God bless you girls in your forward journey.
John and Nancy Leefe
Bill was always larger than life. He was a man of great intellect, a reasoned risk taker who was consistent in applying principle to decisions great and small. A great flayer of politicians and bureaucrats, he was nonetheless admired by them. He was the first person to whom I went for advice after being named Minister of Fisheries in 1983. Needless to say, I got what I asked for! We enjoyed our chats with Bill and Gregg at Transcotia which invariably always included “fish talk”.He was one of a kind. He will be missed, but the good he and Janet did for our community and beyond will stand as a generous memorial to a great couple.
Andre Godfrey
My deepest condolences to the family of Dr.Bill.
Andrew Godfrey
colin macdonald
All honour to his name.
Bev Pettersen
Karen, Lisa & Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I first knew him as Dr. Murphy. I’m not sure if it was the comfortable chair or his confident voice but I always fell asleep in his dental office. I remember him gently waking me up and telling me it was time to go, always with a twinkle in his eye. But I’m glad he moved on to pioneer the fishing industry as he was the reason my husband moved to Canada to captain the Mersey Viking. It must have been challenging to build that first boat over in Norway, when the industry was so young. His courage, boldness and generosity will be remembered and appreciated. Sincere condolences.
Karen &Hugh Minard
Karen, Lisa and families
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Take care
Karen and Hugh Minard
Stan Spavold
Oh Karen and Lisa. Nova Scotia has lost a great man. I knew your dad since the early 80s and experienced first hand his tremendous impact on the fishing industry. When I wanted advice about joining Clearwater he was who I asked for advice. I respected him very much. All my love goes out to you and the family. You have had to endure so much. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
LInda & Wayne
Lisa & Karen, We are so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was an amazing person and he will be missed. Please know we are thinking of you. Love, Linda & Wayne
Simone and Stein Snarby
Holly, Mike, Ben and family,
We are so very saddened by your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Simone and Stein
Bill Jones, Staff & Families
The Staff and families of BJ Electric Motor & Control Ltd, offer our most sincere condolences for the loss to Dr. Murphy’s family, the staff and families of Mersey Seafoods Ltd. and the residents of the Town of Liverpool. We are saddened by your loss and grieve with you.
Sterling Belliveau
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Dr. William Murphy. Dr. Murphy leaves behind a great legacy but also family and friends who will miss his greatly.
With sincerest sympathy
Sterling Belliveau, MLA
Steinar Engeset
Murphy Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I appreciate the contributions he has made to our great province and country. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sincerely
Steinar Engeset
Bill &Dawn Teal
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Bill. I so remember him coming to our house with my brother Wilfred. He definitely accomplished a lot in his life. Sincerely,
. Bill &Dawn
sandra oickle
our prayers are with you girls at this time of loss. He was a good person to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Sandra and Mervyn Oickle
Jean Robinson-Dexter
On behalf of the Liverpool International Theatre Festival, please accept our sincere sympathy. Dr. Murphy and your family has had a lasting impact on arts and culture in our community. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
LITF Executive
Pat Wigglesworth
Karen, Lisa and Families
So sorry to hear of your Dads’ passing. I knew him first as my Dentist and then worked for him at the Fish Plant in the Office. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Take care Karen.
Diane and Donald White
To all the Murphy family,
So sorry to hear this sad news, Dr and Mrs Murphy were special people as you well know. We worked for them for 25 years looking after their properties, they were wonderful to work for. Sincere condolences,
Diane and Donald
Dirk Larooi
Dear Karen and Lisa and family
The passing of your father came as a shock to me, knowing that a dear friend will no longer be with us.
I got to know your dad when I was the last general manager at STENPRO and knowing how hard he tried to keep that business in Liverpool.
We had many discussions with regards to that business. He was an inspiration to me and all the good people of Liverpool.
Please accept my sincerest condolences with this your father and my friend .
We will surely miss him.
Dirk Larooi
Quispamsis NB
Angela Harnish
I was very saddened to hear of bills passing.It was a great honor to work for such a kind and knowledgeable man.Rest in peace bill.
Steve and Lin Thies
Karen, Lisa and families,
Your father was a great member of our parents generation, who made Waterloo Street a fine place to grow up. Then he made the fish plant a rite of passage for my generation, unload one ton of dragged scallops and shovel one ton of ice. He made Liverpool the heart of a fishing industry of which you can be proud.
Steve and Lin Thies
Edmonton
Anthony Sanderson
Good Morning, Please accept sincere condolences from the 1000 members of the Gamma Rho Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Dr. Murphy was a fantastic community and family man, and his legacy is rich and will live on.
Marjorie Rhyno
I am just now learning of Dr. Murphy’s passing. My heart goes out to his family. I remember going to him to get dental work done as a child. Back then, I don’t remember the parents nagging us to brush our teeth, so I remember his exact words to me, and they scared me into action. He said, ” Little Missy, if you don’t start taking better care of your teeth, you won’t have them long.” My sons have all heard that story many times. He was a great dentist, and by the notes on here, he was a wonderful man. God bless you all as you try to adjust your lives without him. It won’t be easy, but you can take comfort that he has arrived back to the side of his wife that he adored.
Yasemin Mensah
Dear Murphy and Mersey Seafoods Family,
On behalf of Wartsila Canada Inc. Management Team, please accept our sincere sympathy.
Dr. Murphy had an excellent business mind. He always wanted the best for the company and fishing industry. We always appreciated his comments and recommendations.
Sincere condolences,
Yasemin Mensah
John and Donna Murray
Sincere condolences to both of you girls and families. Bill was special and I will miss his presence in our community.
John and Donna Murray
Jim and Liz Fraelic
For the Murphy family….please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Dr. Murphy. Jim and I know he will be missed greatly. Please take comfort in all of your memories. This was the life of a grand man, lived fully.
Sirena A/S
Dear Murphy family,
On behalf of Sirena A/S, please accept our sincerest condolences.
Dr. Murphy was a fantastic man for whom we had the utmost respect.
Throughout our more than 20 years business relationship he has always honoured every agreement we have made.
Bill was of one of the pioneers within the fishing industry and he will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
John Salsbury
Soon after joining the Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia in 1981, Dr. Bill Murphy made his presence known to me. I have never forgotten him and I expect I never will. His force in the fishing industry is the stuff of legend. I imagine he was that way in his personal sphere as well. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
John Salsbury
Martin Karlsen
My deepest condolences to Bill’s family.
A very colourful individual has passed. I was privileged to get to know Bill in the Fishing industry and he taught me that it is accepatable and appropriate to have an opinion and express it. I enjoyed and shared his strong views on priciples and fairness.
Rest in peace Bill.
Martin Karlsen