Gordon Murphy Passes
Gordon Charles Murphy, longtime starter for the Ontario Jockey Club and Woodbine Entertainment Group, passed away at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, January 5, 2012
. He was in his 65th year.
Beloved husband of Donna (Robinson) Murphy. Dear father of Lisa Walker and husband Scott of Calton, Kristie Hayward and husband Nathan and Hollie Defraga and husband Joe. Loving grandfather of Allie Walker, Brodie and Karlie Defraga and Mitchell Hayward. Dear brother of Roberta Phillips and husband Harold, Dwain Murphy and wife Janice, Gary Murphy and wife Sharon, Esther Wiley and husband Neil, George Murphy and wife Rhea, Danny Murphy and wife Beverly, Rhonda Cutler and Clifford Murphy. Also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Murphy was born in St. Thomas on June 7, 1947 and was the son of the late Ernie and Eva (Simmons) Murphy. The avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan grew tobacco in Corinth for a number of years and was the starter for the OJC/WEG for 25 years.
Friends may call at the H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Sunday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. where the funeral service will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 1 p.m. Cremation will follow. Donations to the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Dialysis Unit would be appreciated. Condolences can be expressed at kebbelfuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gord Murphy.
Another one of the good guys
Another one of the good guys gone to his reward. Rest in peace Murph.
My condolences to Gord's
My condolences to Gord's family and friends. I too had the opportunity to work with Gord for a number of years at Greenwood and Mohawk racetracks. As Mr. Gilders pointed out Gord was a diehard Leafs' fan and many nights he could he seen coming from the starting gate into the paddock either gloating on a Leafs win or cursing with another Leafs loss. Gord went through more tough days than good days with constant dialysis treatments, some days I wondered how he had enough strength to make the long drive from his hospital treatments to Greenwood Raceway especially on a cold wintery night. He was a great starter and was even a better human being. Go Leafs Go, Gord.
My sincerest condolences to
My sincerest condolences to Gord's family and many friends. Had the privilege to work with Gord for many years and he was a great guy with whom I shared many a laugh and practical joke usually at his expense. The kind of guy who took alot of ribbing from most of the horsemen and loved it just as they loved taking his cash for backing his beloved Maple Leafs on too many occasions. The Murph and Norm Urie let me ride with them many a time in the gate and it was something I will never forget, some of the greatest times of my life. One of the good guys in the sport may he rest in peace; although he will probably still be cheering & cussing his Leafs from above.