Murphy, John

Dr. William “Liam” John Murphy, born in Londonderry, N. Ireland, passed away on August 6, 2010 in Thunder Bay, Ontario at the age of 63. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Patricia Elaine Zurkan, whom he adored, and his two daughters, Sarah and Kiera, who reside in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Liam is also survived by his three sisters, Sheila, Dolly and Bridie Murphy, all of Londonderry, N. Ireland, sister-in-law, Sandra Zurkan, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and brothers-in-law, Melvin, Ronald, Larry, Gary and Gerald Zurkan all of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Liam was predeceased by his parents, William and Cecilia Murphy, sister, Margaret Owens, and brother, Patrick Murphy all of Londonderry, N. Ireland. Liam received his B.Sc. at the University of Sussex, Brighton, England, in 1968 and his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Bradford, Bradford, England in 1971. Liam was a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Ulster, Coleraine, N. Ireland from 1971-1974, and at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario from 1974-1978. Liam went on to work as a Senior Research Chemist at Imperial Oil, Ltd., Sarnia, Ontario from 1978-1995, and as a Senior Research Associate at ExxonMobil, Baton Rouge, Louisiana from 1995-2005. In addition to receiving numerous patents and accolades for his achievements in chemistry, Liam was an accomplished woodturner, photographer and metalworker. He also enjoyed reading and traveling abroad with his family. Liam was a brilliant man, and an exceptional husband and father. He was wholeheartedly loved and will be sincerely missed for his kindness, wit and selfless nature.
After cremation, a funeral service was held on August 11, 2010 at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, Thunder Bay, Ontario. A memorial service will take place in Londonderry, N. Ireland in the near future. Donations to The Alzheimer’s Society in Liam's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family. Thank you to Dr. Morrison and the nursing and support staff at L.P.H.