William Barclay Murphy

          It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Barclay Murphy - Barry - on August 8th, 2025 at Woodstock Hospital, after a brief illness.  He was our family anchor and his passing leaves such a deep break in our hearts. 

          Barry was predeceased by his cherished wife and partner of almost 58 years Marilyn in February of 2025.  He leaves behind his beloved daughter Kim Murphy Shaw and much adored grandchildren Ethan (Alex), Lauren, and Aiden.  He was the youngest of 7 children and is survived by his sisters Dawn (Greg) of Kitchener, and Doreen of Ottawa, and sister-in-law Joane of Brockville, as well as many nieces and nephews and family of Marilyn’s.  

          Barry was born on April 2, 1945 in Ottawa to Ethel and John Murphy.  He spent many summers working at the family plastering business Murphy and Morrow.  He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Bishop’s University and his Master’s degree in social work at the University of Toronto.  Barry worked for many years in social services in Woodstock and the surrounding areas, helping to establish groundbreaking at-home care for people with disabilities.  He always cared for and deeply advocated for others in need.  Barry had a strong knowledge and interest in history and loved to travel.  He was happy to visit Ireland and England among other countries in the UK, Europe and beyond.  He always had a way with words.     

          He was an avid reader and a fantastic storyteller.  He was a proud and dependable dad and grandpa who was constantly available to care for and attend events for his grandchildren, help give a ride, provide advice or help fix something.  He was a lover of trains from the time he lived in Ottawa and loved nothing more than a trip on the train or perusing new model trains.  He was a great lover of animals and had so many cats and dogs over the years - many of whom were rescued and would otherwise have been abandoned.  He leaves behind his cherished grand dog Cooper.  He looked forward to cheering on the Blue Jays, watching hockey and Canadian football.  He will be greatly missed by many long-time friends including, Wayne and Teresa Scherle, and Mike and Marg Ware. 

           Barry has chosen to be cremated and to not have a formal funeral arrangement.  Family and friends will gather together to remember and to celebrate his life at a later date.  If so chosen, a donation in Barry’s memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders, or Canadian Friends of ANIQUEM.

Wareing Cremation Services, 161 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at www.wareingcremation.ca