Denis (Dee) Murphy
December 12, 1935 to September 6, 2018
Obituary
Dee is dead – he is at Carnell’s.
Passed away at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Thursday, September 6, Denis (Dee) Murphy. Born to Richard (Dick) and Mary (Foran) Murphy December 12, 1935. Besides his parents, he is pre-deceased by his brother Tom and his niece Janet Murphy. Celebrating his life are his wife of 59 years Bette (Tricco), children Richard (JoAnn), John, Denis, Mary (Jeffery Eldridge), Kelly and Ted (Nancy); grandchildren Michael Clarke, Robyn (Christina) White, Kathleen (Chris Price), Denis Murphy, Laura Clarke (Chuck Read), Matthew (Debbie) Clarke, Allan Roach, Andrew Murphy , Abigail Murphy (Zack), Megan Murphy, Tyler Murphy, Ethan Murphy and Liam Morrissey; great grandchildren Adrian Read, Alex Read, Hayden Price, Braxon Clarke, Lauren Price and Grayson Clarke. Sisters Ann Marie (Dave Gilbert), Joni (Monty Green), In-laws, Barb Baird, Sheila Wadland, Jack (Doreen) Tricco, Bern (Pat) Tricco, Marie (Frank) O’Reilly, Bill (Hettie) Tricco, Barb Dunn, Doug (Gail) Tricco, Michael (Carlie) McDonald. Friends Angus Barrett, Ford Metcalfe, Bill Barron, Hugh Wadden, Paul Ring, Danny Williams and Glen Stanford. Dee spent his entire life working and volunteering for sport and was inducted into numerous halls of fame including Canadian, Provincial and St. John’s Softball Halls of Fame, Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame, Provincial Hockey Hall of Fame, Royal St. John’s Regatta Hall of Fame, Provincial Bowling Hall of Fame, Athletics Hall of Fame, Bell Island Sports Hall of Fame, and the Provincial Soccer Hall of Fame
He was chairman of the St. John’s Athlete of the Year Committee for 29 years, the St. John’s Mercantile Hockey League for 16 years and coached ladies softball and soccer teams for 25 years. The founding president of provincial softball, he played a major role in the establishment of Canadian Softball and was a member of its first executive and a previous honorary life member. He served on the National Advisory Council for Fitness and Amateur Sport. He was an individual who appreciated sport and sought recognition for anyone he felt deserving. Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8th and Sunday, September 9th, 2018. Funeral Service will take place at St. Teresa’s Church, Mundy Pond Road, on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 10:00 am. Flowers welcome (although Dee thinks they are a waste of money) or donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association NL Division, The Gathering Place or KidSport (NL Sports Federation).
Schedule
Visitations
12 - 9:00 pm on September 8, 2018
12 - 9:00 pm on September 9, 2018
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Monday September 10th
St. Teresa's Parish
120 Mundy Pond Rd, St. John's
Interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery - at a later date.
Patsy and I have fond memories of delivering Tennis information very late in the evening to Dee when he was Sports Editor at the Daily News on Duckworth Street. No matter the hour he was always pleased to see us and make time for a chat.
We are up in Labrador so regretfully could not be there to say goodbye.
Burf and Patsy Ploughman
So very sorry for your loss.
Your Dad gave so much to this province in his volunteer work and his love of sport
We are so sorry to hear of Dee’s passing, we were neighbours at 17 Livingstone Street for years. Condolences to all the families from the Birminghams. God has called another Angel home. R.I.P. Dee
To the Murphy family,
It is with such sorrow I send deepest condolences to all of you. I have known Dee for many years and can say without question he was a man who cared deeply about, and tirelessly dedicated himself to sport in NL.
As I now live in Winnipeg, I am so sad that I will be able to pay my last respects to a man who was a mentor, an advocate and indeed a friend!
He will be missed.
Blessings
Sorry I was unable to attend but my thoughts are with you all. I have very found memories of my Mullock St days hanging out with the Murphys. I remember Mr Murphy helping organize the block party. I’m sure you guys and your mom have a ton of great memories to help get you through this time
Kelly, my deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary, my deepest sympathy to you and all your family on the loss of your beloved father. May the memories you cherish ease your sorrow and may God surround this wonderful man with His light and love and lead him to eternal peace. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Betty, so sorry for your loss. Take care. Marje
I have known Dee for over 70 years. We worked together at The Daily News writing sports in 1959/1960. He was my boss and I respected and admired him in how he dealt with people that we came in contact with in getting the sports out every morning. Dee will soon meet up with his friend Duey Fitzgerald in a Heavenly place. May they both RIP.
Dear Bette, Dick, John, Denis, Mary, Kelly, Teddy
Sending my deepest sympathy and love to you all…not only have you lost your adoring husband and proud Dad, Newfoundland and Labrador has lost one of its biggest promoters and a large piece of its sporting history. Oh, the tales (real or possibly exaggerated) in that mind of his!
Since I started playing softball at the age of thirteen, Dee was always looking out for and guiding me, always wanting the best for me, even when it meant leaving the province some years later. Without Dee’s encouragement and support I would not have had such a rewarding career and I know I am just one of many people (not only athletes) he has helped and championed throughout his life.
I hope he’s met up with his buddy Duey, maybe a few Red Wings and old ballplayers, spinning another yarn and relaxing over a tall Bacardi and coke.
“God be with you,” Dee
Patty Polych
Member
Canadian Softball Hall of Fame
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO BETTE AND FAMILY.
To Denis and the Murphy family
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Betty and family.
I am so sorry to hear is Dee’s passing. Huge hugs from the Morrissey family
My sincere condolences to you all. Dee always had a story to tell and a statistic to quote… Take care of each other and your memories.
Betty and family. Please accept my heart felt condolence at this time
‘Too big , too fat ,too ugly.’
I can hear him say with his big smile that lit up the room and made you laugh something he lived to do
I saw his love for his family his grandchildren and most of all you Betty. You are blessed to have had his love and admiration for all his life
May his precious memories ease your pain as you accept his absence
On behalf of myself and his granddaughter Kathleen we are sharing in the joy and sadness of this day
God blesses you all always
To Anne, Joni and all the Murphy family
So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Dee. May your sorrow be lightened by the sharing of so many people as witnessed in the condolences. Sincerely Max and Phyllis Beckett
John and the Murphy Family. I knew your Father well and we had many a chat about our love for Senior Hockey in the Province. We also shared the desire to see as many inducted into Hall of Fames that deserved to be honored and Dee I will try and keep this going. RIP my friend and the Family has more than their share of memories to last forever.
Bette and extended family of Dee
In his day and generation Dee was a person who surely gave back much more than he took out of our society.
He will be remembered warmly and fondly by the multitudes of those whom he met on the road of his life and many lives were enriched by him.
He closed every conversation in these words-
“ May God be with you “
Those of us who knew him and were his friends now echo these words to his family and those to whom he is endeared.
Godspeed Dee.
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He was the best softball coach a girl could ever ask for.
My condolence to the Murphy Family and my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time ????⚘???? David and Tina Hudson (nee Brocklehurst) sending lots of love
My condolence to the Murphy Family and my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time ????⚘???? David and Tina Hudson (nee Brocklehurst) sending lots of love
Joni and Ann, I was so very sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Please accept our sincere condolences in your time of sorrow.
Mrs. Murphy, Dick, John, Denis, Mary, Kelly and Ted.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Murphy’s passing. I have fond memories of him playing softball, bowling and rowing. Also lots of memories hanging out in the back lane and front steps on Mullock Street many many years ago. Since I have lived away for over 30 years, I enjoyed watching the St. John’s Royal Regatta and having Dee tell tales of the great iconic Regatta. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Celebrate as he would celebrate all good things and he sure was a great ambassador to sports and athletes. May all the great stories you are sure to hear keep a smile in your hearts. Rest in Peace Mr. Murphy.
Ted & Family,
Sorry to hear about your dad’s passing! Such a great guy and always had time for a quick chat. He cared so much about his family and his various local sports – always ensuring the good things were celebrated!! I am away until next Tuesday, so I won’t be able to make the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope the many great stories about your dad will help during this tough time.
Sorry to hear of Dee’s Passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you Betty and to your Family.
To Kelly and all the Murphy family,
I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and yours.
We have all lost a sports and community building legend and am grateful for his contributions.. Sending you peace and comfort at this tough time.
God bless
Sheilagh O’Leary
Kelly and all the Murphy Family ,please accept our condolences at this difficult time . Reg and Bride Norman
Newfoundland has lost another piece of greatness, may all the memories shared and stories told keep the legend of Dee alive forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family.
I was fortunate to have met Dee in my earlier years through sport. While I was a young adult at the time, it was very obvious that he was truly a friend and champion to all sports and their athletes, coaches and builders. His memories of their contributions and to those that came before us, was mesmerizing. When I first met him, he of course had to ask who my parents were, and while much younger than my father, and to my surprise, he was quick to recognize his name and went on to recall some hockey stories for me involving Bell Island. Dee was a big personality that was a pleasure to experience first hand and as well through the different media’s To watch him host and share the history and stories of the St. John’s Regatta was always entertaining. Dee’s passing is a tremendous loss to this province, but the work he has done to preserve our sport history will live on for generations – thank you for that Dee. My condolences to Dee’s family, friends and Sport NL.
In 1988 while spending the summer at Q Radio Craig Jackson said I needed to meet Dee Murphy because Dee knows everything there is to know about sports… so at a media league softball game he took me over to meet Dee, I had never heard of him at that time. Craig introduced us and said ‘Dee, Darrin is going to be doing some sports stories with us any help would be appreciated.” Before Craig was done Dee was asking me questions about where I was from, what I had played and how, from what he saw, I wasn’t a great softball player – I have to say from that moment on a considered Dee a friend and the greatest resource of sports I had ever known. Out of pity one year at the Media Softball banquet he awarded me most sportsmanlike… it was a gesture of friendship and I appreciated it.
That was 30 years ago and Dee and I could talk about anything… he was so excited about everything he talked about… he was boyish til the end – great energy and enthusiasm.
With Dee’s passing every sports person in this region who excels has lost their greatest supporter, fan, advocate and public voice – he will truly be missed by all.
Last week when his brother Tom passed, my wife Bonnie who works at Carnell’s and who played on our media league softball team back in the early 90’s went to Dee when he arrived and asked ‘Do you remember me?” Dee, then in failing health, looked at her and said “Yes I remember you, you were centerfield!” He then said to her, “Say hi to Darrin for me.” Thank you Dee.
Heartfelt condolences to all the family and the friends far and wide… Dee was a legend and will be remembered as the greatest sports enthusiast this province has ever known.
Nancy and Family,
Sorry for your loss.
Richard and Murphy Family,
Deepest sympathy on your Dad’s passing. I enjoied our chats when he stayed at PVT a few years ago. Thinking of you all during this most difficult. Family was always first with Dee. God Bless.
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. I will miss our chats when I would go in and cut his hair. He will be missed by all who knew him, and that was many. My condolences to you all. Sorry I won’t be able to make it , I’m away in Arizona. Take care.
To Bette and family,
Sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. I have many memories of him from my softball playing years. He was huge in the sports community in general and will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Elaine (Shano) Short
Chilliwack, BC
Bette and family, I laughed to myself when I read Dee thought flowers were a waste of money! I worked with Dee for a few years in the 80’s at what was known at the time as the Provincial Sports Federation at the Torbay Rec Centre. He hired me based on a telephone conversation! While I was working there I had my first child in 1984. Before I went on maternity leave he said “now we’ll buy you something when the baby is born, but you know flowers are a waste of money so we’ll buy you something you need”. He bought me three boxes of pampers! My sincere condolences to you all. He will be missed by all who knew him.
So very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Thinking of you all during this tough time.
I am forever grateful to Dee and Betty for asking me to be the equipment manager 40 years ago for the Nationals in Sask. I have been in Alberta ever since and have not forgotten how I got here. My condolences to all the family.
Bette and family.. So very sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. We will always have fond memories of our time with him whether it be through softball or bowling. There are a lot of “ducks on the pond” very sad today.
Ted and John I am sorry to hear about your father’s passing.. Thoughts and prayers are with your Mom and the rest of your family.
Paul and Joanne Dunn
My husband and I are among the hundreds of people whose paths crossed with Dee. We are not athletes, nor are we journalists; our story is one that Dee himself probably wouldn’t have remembered because we were not in his travel group on this trip. Still not yet a married couple, we’d been in Toronto and were heading back to St. John’s on a very snowy November day in 1976. The flight out of Toronto was half-filled with home-bound Newfs and half with people heading to Montreal for the Grey Cup game. Some of the Newfs were heading home after a Bell & Howell course and others were with Dee. It was a plane full of happy people. The football fans got off in Montreal, a few more NL-bound travellers got on and the we waited on the tarmac in Montreal to take off again; there was a big snow storm on, so there was a delay. We sat and waited; and waited; and waited some more. Air Canada flight attendants were instructed to hand out whatever beverages anyone wanted (for free in those days). They wandered up & down the plane chatting and keeping us entertained. The grounds crew de-iced us three times before we were finally cleared for take off. What should have been a short station stop turned into several hours. We were supposed to stop in Halifax to collect a few more passengers before proceeding to St. John’s. The weather was bad in Halifax too, so the dreaded announcement came that we could not land in Halifax and were going to head for North Sydney where, after a bumpy ride, we landed for the night. All the reserved passengers were to be given vouchers for hotels, taxis, and food. This is where Dee comes in. My hubby (to be) and I were travelling standby so AC was under no obligation to give us anything but new tickets for the next flight out. So here we were, faced with the prospect of sitting in chairs all night in North Sydney airport until the next flight was available. Dee, who we had only just met in Halifax airport, stepped up to the AC counter to have a chat. I have no idea what he said, but the next thing I knew he was coming to us to say we were getting everything that all the reserved passengers got: food, hotel, and taxi vouchers. We thanked him several times then and when we finally landed in St. John’s the next day we thanked him again. What a nice guy. Our condolences to all who are mourning his passing.
our deepest sympathy goes out to the murphy family on their sad loss.
Derm and Phoebe Molloy and family
From Gander.
My deepest condolences to the Murphy family on the passing of Dee. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending our sincerest condolences to Bette and family and to so many friends of Dee.
I had the greatest pleasure of having long conversations with both Dee and his brother Tom, I use the term ” conversations ” loosely because I didnt barely get a word in edgewise but I was happy to listen to the tales both great gentlemen offered me, they were both exceptionally wise and entrertainng.
We have lost a Legend in Dee.
I’m very sorry for everyone’s loss.
Ted and family,
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You’re in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences,
Shawn Tobin and family
My deepest condolences to Dee’s family on his passing. I have many memories of Dee at the ball fields throughout the city. RIP!
Betty and Families ,
My deepest condolences to you and your family at this time .
I rembember most of you fondly from living next door and babysitting you on Allen Square..
I’m sure that you all have somany wonderful memories of Dee/dad/granddad ,etc.Hold on to those sweet memories and treasure them always .It will be these great memories that will help you greve his loss.
Hugs and much love to you all
Kathy
To Betty and Family…Deepest condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time in your life. Dee was a very special friend to our father (Phonse Hawco) We remember Dee well..
Betty and family. Sorry to hear about the passing of Dee. So many memories on the ball field. Thoughts and prayers RIP Dee
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember how fondly you spoke of him and I know you will miss him terribly. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Take care…and God Bless.
Have only great memories of Dee … may he RIP.
Jim Byrd, Port Credit,Ontario
My deepest condolences to Dee’s family on his passing. I have many great memories of Dee at Lion’s Park and many other ball fields throughout the city. RIP Dee!!!!
Betty and family. My deepest condolences to you and your family. He was a special man. I have great memories of him through softball.
Betty and family, sending our deepest condolences and prayers to you all. My mother Marie Knight and I were saddened to hear of Dee’s passing. We remember him from many years of playing softball,and Betty, you and Dee became great friends to Marie. Please be comforted by all of the great memories of Dee, he was “one of a kind”.
To Bette and family.So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing.Another wonderful man gone to Heaven.So many memories over the years.God Bless you all at this very difficult time.Doris Scharpegge Susan Sharon and jimbo.Such a great friend of Jim and I.
Richard and family. Our deepest condolence for your loss today. Our thoughts and prayers and with you. Bernadette, Scott and Haley Noftall. God speed to your dad
Just simply a legend, we may never see his kind again for sports in this province. I know how much he did for five pin bowling, as that was my dad’s and my sport, since I was a young man Dee’s name was everywhere in sport. I Know how much my dad respected him, and also enjoyed his company as a teammate in the civil service bowling league, Too Bette and the family, my deepest sympathies
Kelly and family….my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you
Bette and family,
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. He was a true legend in sport throughout our province and has impacted so many athletes, coaches and administrators. He is the Father of Softball and his legacy will be felt for a long time.
God bless.
Dave Feener
Dear Bette, I was shocked to hear of Dee’s death. My thoughts are with you and your family. I’ll always remember his and your kindness to me when we were neighbours. My thoughts also to Ann Marrie and Joni who in such a short time have lost both their brothers. Please accept my veery sincere condolences. Lorraine Michael
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. Cherish your memories and may they bring you comfort during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies to the entire family.
A great softball coach, great promoter of sport and a great man. There will never be another Dee Murphy. Thinking of Bette and all the Murphy family at this sad time. …. xo
Deepest condolences to you Bette, Kelly & the Murphy family, hold on to your great memories & cherish them forever!!! R.I.P Dee
To Bette and family,
So sad to hear of Dee”s passing. He was a wonderful friend and always reminded me of how he introduced me to my late husband Harold. And always contacted me through very sad times and happy times. I was truly grateful.. Bette my heart goes out to you today as I know of your love for each other! He will be missed. . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Betty, Richard, Denis, John, Mary Elizabeth, Kelly and Teddy!
What can I say? This is the worst nightmare ever! I truly know how you’re feeling and I mean truly!
Thinking of you all in the days ahead and please how sad I am for you!
Love
Rose
Our sincere condolences to all of Dee’s family. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ronnie , Wally Eldridge
Philip , Linda Burke
Marlene , John MacDonald
Kathleen , Sandy Boudreau
Leah , Stuart Boutilier
Rob , Mayzie Hill
Bette, Mary and Ted,
My deepest, heartfelt condolences to you and your families. Dee was an outstanding promoter of 5 pin bowling in Newfoundland and Labrador and I’m pretty sure he could recall more about my bowling accomplishments than I could myself. He will be forever missed by the bowling community. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Dee’s family. He was larger than life and contributed so much to sport and youth in Newfoundland. He was my first news editor, so many lives ago, and while I’ve been out the media for a long time – I still remember fondly my days at The Daily News and Dee’s guidance, support and protection. Rest in Peace and God bless.
Sorry to hear that Dee has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with Bette and family at this difficult time in your lives.
Dee was a well know, loved man and he was devoted to his work and sports etc. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace Dee!
Deepest sympathy
Marilyn Kreiger
Betty and Family,
Jeanette & I were sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. The contribution Dee made to sport in Newfoundland , on so many levels will never be surpassed .
May God Bless you as you mourn his loss and celebrate his life.
Jeanette & Peter
Langley BC
Ann, Joni, and families,
So sorry to hear the sad news of Dee’s passing. Much sympathy at this difficult time….you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to the whole Murphy family!
Lynn and Bruce Fisher
Ottawa
Uncle Dee who meant so much to so many, rest in peace. My warmest, heartfelt condolences to Aunt Betty and the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and I wish you peace and healing. Love, Bobbi
Bette and family…..so sorry to learn of Dee’s passing. Only a few weeks ago Dee was a topic of conversation and laughter with my softball friends in Grand Falls. There are so many memories of this “colourful” man. I was glad I was on his team and not the opposition! He was a great coach and I was fortunate enough to benefit playing softball under him, in the 70’s.
May your heavy hearts be lightened by all the many memories and stories that surely will bring much laughter in the days to come.
Ann, Joni and families,
So sorry to hear the sad news of Dave’s passing. Much sympathy at this difficult time…..you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Condolences to the whole Murphy family!
Lynn and Bruce Fisher
Ottawa
Sad to hear of Mr Murphy’s passing. He was a good man with a big heart . When I moved to town from central he made sure I got to more of the games I had to officiate than metro bus. He was always good for a story and some sound advise. My deepest sympathy goes to Mrs Murphy the family and especially Ted. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing, I knew him well through softball. It was a just a short time ago I saw him at Duey’s funeral. so shocked to hear of his passing.
Betty my sincere condolences to you and your family. I regret that I will not be able to attend his wake or funeral as I am out of town on business.
But thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. He will be greatly missed
Ann, Joni and families…
Our sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. Stay strong. Healing hugs from Jo and Bob, Ottawa
All the Murphy family
Our deepest sympathy with the passing Dee. I have fond memories of your father on Mullock St. I loved hanging out on those steps .
My regards to all your family,
Betty, Dick, John, Dennis,Ted, Kelly and Mary
Christine & Richard – New Zealand
Ann and David
Deepest condolences , stay strong my friend,
Lots of love
Joanie and Gene
To the Murphy Family, sincere condolences on your loss. My first introduction to Dee was through the media softball league, where he brought many of the media personalities/companies together for a night of ball and truly, I don’t know how else you could have done it. Great Job Dee! He always had the classic stories from his time in sports. RIP Dee.
Betty & family,
You know Dee played a major part of my adult years. We had many laughs together and he will be missed by many, especially in the sports area. My thoughts are with all of you at this sad time, but, as you know Dee didn’t want any part of a Home.