William (Bill) John Murphy of Moose Jaw passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 86. Bill was born April 15, 1939, in Calgary, AB to his parents Eleanor and William Murphy. His family later relocated to Oakville, ON. When Bill was 15 years of age, his family moved to Moose Jaw, SK where he resided until his recent passing.
Bill married the love of his life, Fay Murphy (Schenk) on July 4, 1964. Bill started his work life at age 18 as co-owner/operator of a Moose Jaw service station where he did mechanical work. After several years working here, he went onto university to become an automotive mechanics instructor. Bill taught automotive mechanics for over 30 years at Peacock High School and STI (now Sask Polytech). In addition to his teaching career, Bill operated his own business, Murphy’s Mechanical Services. Murphy’s performed backhoe services and other trade work in the Moose Jaw area.
Bill also served a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force reserves for many years. A highlight of his service with RCAF(Reserve) was when he and his young family enjoyed a summer overseas living in Hugelsheim, Germany. Bill’s family enjoyed sightseeing and travel around Europe while Bill worked at the nearby Lahr and Baden RCAF Air Force bases.
Bill’s hobbies included becoming a licensed personal pilot, owning his own personal aircraft as well as owning and racing sports and stock cars. Bill had a faith life, was baptized at Minto United Church in Moose Jaw and also served as a board member. Bill enjoyed hockey and for many years served as board member of the Moose Jaw Warriors and their Booster Club.
Bill and Fay enjoyed over 20 winters as snowbirds in Mesa, AZ. Bill took up silversmithing there and served for many years as the Silversmith Club president.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Eleanor and William Murphy; brother Robert (Bobby) Murphy; brother-in-law Mervin Schenk and mother and father-in-law, Olive and Emil Schenk.
Bill is survived by his wife, Fay Murphy; children, Rosalyn Rodgers (Murphy) and John Murphy; son-in-law, Marty Rodgers; grandchildren, Reed Rodgers, Raleigh and Molly Rodgers, Willy Rodgers and Aiden Murphy; great grandchildren Maddax Sterling, Wyatt Jude and Dottie Rose Rodgers; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carol and Roger Martynook, Bev and Dave Crifero, Ruth Schenk and Pat Murphy.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Yolanda Marx, Dr. Eric Bortolotti, and Dr. Jefferson Scott for excellence in medical care and attention. The family also extends deep gratitude and praise to the caring staff of Providence Place where Bill resided and was cared for over his final 3 years. In addition, thank you so much to all our family and friends for your love, support and care during this difficult time. Thank you to W. J. Jones ‘staff for your care and help honouring and saying goodbye to our dear father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend.
Please join the family and friends of Bill Murphy at a graveside service to honor and celebrate Bill’s life on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 1:30pm at Sunset Cemetery. Please meet at the gates. A reception will follow at W. J. Jones Reception Hall at 474 Hochelaga Street West. Bill loved people, gatherings, and never met a stranger… so, please come help us honor and remember him.
Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director
