Murphy, Richard (Dick)
(May 8th, 2023)
It is with sadness that we share the sudden passing of Richard (Dick) Murphy on May 8, 2023, which occurred while he was preparing his boat for another season on Kootenay Lake.
Dick was born and raised in Nelson, BC, attending St. Joseph School and Columbia College before he went to train as an industrial electrician. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 1003 and enjoyed traveling to various parts of western Canada and Montana for jobs.
The mountains, and waterways of the west Kootenays have been the lifelong home and inspiration of Dick Murphy. He expressed himself as a “Kootenay Elder,” promoting suitable hunting and forestry practices. His long-term dream was to see fish ladders built on the Columbia Basin dams for the return of the salmon to our rivers and streams.
In recent years, Dick found great joy introducing the magic of nature to his grandchildren. Seeing the fourth generation of family play in the sand at the Murphy camp, filled him with pride. Isabella and Sebastian loved Grandpa Dick’s canned pickles, handmade wooden toys, and cherry pie.
Dick leaves behind his grandchildren, children, Kaitlan, Robert, and Colleen (Hans), sister Kathy, brother Bob and nephew Drew. The family will be having a private gathering. If you would like to contribute to the memory of Dick Murphy, we invite you to make a donation to https://www.friendsofkootenaylake.ca/take-part/donate/
