MURPHY, Paul Felix Murphy - Passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, at the Toronto Western Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in London, ON (May 29, 1940), to Mary Eleanor Thompson (1913-2009) and John Joseph Murphy (1913-1976), Paul was the eldest of 8 children: Paul, Denis, Sheila, Jack, Joan, Pat, Frances, and Bill.
In the celestial afterlife, that he certainly had faith in, Paul will be joining his husband and loving partner of 29 years, Jon Comines (1948-2012); his sister, Sheila Sullivan (1943- 2018); as well as other dearly loved friends from the various communities in which he was passionately involved.
Paul was a change-maker and disruptor of social norms right to the very end. His artistic talent, amazing memory, attention to detail, and playful yet caring demeanor, made him a mentor to everyone.
Uncle Paul's boundless love, inspirational creativity, and his stubborn belief in social justice, taught his nieces and nephews lessons on how to live life simply, honestly, and graciously.
We have lost a true knowledge-keeper. Paul will be dearly missed by his extended-family, as well as the wide-range of lives he touched - particularly in the Toronto and Los Angeles artistic, gay, faith, musical, inner-city communities.
Paul undoubtedly added to the colourful fiber of neighbourhood friends at 550 Jarvis St. (where he resided for 46 years). He also spent meaningful time in St. Mary's, Stratford, Winnipeg, Calgary and beyond - where he lived, studied, worked, taught, bicycled, and created.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The 519 (519 Church St., Toronto), on June 15th, from 1-4:30 p.m., where you will be asked to bring any memory or art you have of Paul's to share.
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