Lt.-Col. Paul Murphy, CD (Ret'd) - Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Health Centre on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 92.
Paul was born and educated in Toronto. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves for over 18 years. After graduating from high school, he entered the Canadian Officers Training Corps in 1955 and was commissioned in 1957. He served with 5 Column Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and both 1 and 2 Toronto Service Battalions. In 1968, he was appointed Officer Commanding 136 Company RCASC. In 1970, on the reorganization of the militia, he joined the Toronto Militia District Headquarters and served as Staff Officer 2, Administration and Logistics and as District Controller in two separate periods. In 1978, Paul transferred from Mobile Command and joined the 709 (Toronto) Communication Regiment as Deputy Commanding Officer. He completed the Senior Reserve Officers Course at Canadian Forces Staff College and was the Commanding Officer of the Regiment from 1979 to 1982.
He was a former member of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps Officers’ Association, the Canadian Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1972 and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 in recognition of his service to the Canadian Forces.
He was also a former board member and vice-chairman Etobicoke division of the Metro Toronto Association now known as Community Living Toronto supporting people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
He held various management positions and retired from the Workers’ Compensation Board. He was active well into his senior years - cycling, trail walking, swimming, and kayaking on Lake Ontario and family cottage vacations. He also enjoyed woodworking, painting and travelling.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edgar Lawrence and Violet Murphy (nee Walker), his sister Marie and his brothers John and Edward. He will be missed by his children, Laurie (Vince) and Karen, and his grandsons, Matthew and Brendan. He will also be remembered by his extended family and friends. Special thanks to caregiver Elizabeth and Home Instead for their care and support over the past months.
Following cremation, a graveside service and interment will be held on June 17th, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Last Post Fund - Ontario Branch to honour our Veterans.
Funeral Details
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Interment
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026 1:00 PM
Info: We will be meeting at the grave, and Laurie has a map with the precise location if needed
Reception
Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Info: The reception will be held on the second floor of the funeral centre