William was born in Edmonton the second youngest of eight children of Molly and Patrick Murphy. At a young age the family moved to (Rocky) Rochester, north of Edmonton, to establish a homestead. William became accustomed to the hard work of a homestead life, a trademark that would serve him well for the rest of his 96 years of life. William later farmed in various areas of Northern Alberta until he was stricken with a severe medical condition that required major surgery and a long stay in hospital. This medical incident caused William to sell his land, vehicles and equipment to pay for this medical expense as there was no universal health care at that time. William went on to work for various companies as a mechanic, handyman and supervisor. He was once told that he was the best worker but the worst supervisor as he would rather just do the job himself and get it done.
Uncle Bill’s hunting was legendary as he would walk many miles back in the bush and shoot a moose then call the nephews to help pack the beast out. We suggested that he carry a salt shaker and just eat it on the spot.
William was an excellent bowler and won the world championship five pin bowling in 1975. This was an incredible feat given that Bill had lost his thumb on his dominant hand but it made him the only bowler to be a gold medal winner without a thumb.
William will be remembered for his kind gentle spirit, his willingness to help others and for the true gentleman that he was.
Rest well Uncle Bill
Though the eyes of a child Uncle Bill was a man we always were very excited to see. As a adult he had lots of stories to tell us and we enjoyed his visit weather for hunting or a special occasions.
A good man who was dearly loved and will be very missed.
William Murphy was my Uncle Bill, my father Charles Murphy was his oldest brother. Even as a very young child , we all looked forward to Uncle Bills visits. He would pretend he was sleeping on the couch, just so my two younger sisters and I could braid his hair and put pretty bows and curlers in it . He would jump and snore making us laugh and giggle thinking we were pulling a funny prank. As we grew to be teenagers, one by one, he would take us to the Calgary Stampede for a full evening of food, rides and the rodeo show. Ending with front row seats in the grand stand to watch the fire works. Uncle Bill was a special mentor and roll model in my life and my seven other siblings. In 1975 I was honoured to have his presence at my wedding later I announced to him of the births of my two sons. He was always on the top of our invite list for all the Murphy family gatherings weddings, birthdays, anniversaries. I have a laminated guest list I made in 1975 for my wedding invitations and Uncle Bill, Aunty Molly and Uncle Doug were on the top of that list. Fair well and Gods speed Uncle Bill, you were loved and I am grateful to have called you my Uncle
Bill was like a grandpa to me. He was around me my whole life. A big part of my life. He would take me and my big brother Blair places and teach us things. I have a lot of great memories with Bill. I remember being little and always sitting on his lap and dunking Dad’s oatmeal cookies into his coffee and he would always be left with chunks of cookie at the bottom of his cup. I will miss Bill always.
Bill was a kind, generous, loving, and humble man who always went the extra mile for others. His gentle presence where he journeyed left a lasting footprint on those he met. RIP Bill.
Bill was a wonderful human being who helped everyone he knew in one way or another. I met Bill when I was listening to and struggling as a 17 year old. I became the person I am today because of this angel of a man. He will be missed by so many people.