506-832-5541 reids@reidsherwood.com Hampton NB




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Obituary of Tim Murphy
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Timothy Michael Murphy “Flipper” announce his passing, which occurred on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Sussex Health Centre, Sussex, NB. Born in Saint John, NB, on March 10, 1977, Tim was the beloved son of Cathy (O'Connell) Murphy and the late Michael Daniel Murphy. Tim passed away exactly 17 years after his father's death, a poignant connection that underscores their enduring bond.
All people die, but not all people live. Tim lived! He lived with humility and honesty. He packed so much life into his almost 48 years. He was a devoted son, a steadfast friend, and a cherished member of the Hampton Fire Department for an impressive 19 and a half years, where he forged deep bonds of camaraderie. He considered his fellow firefighters to be his second family. The fire chief said that you could not ask for a more honest and humble friend, a sentiment shared by many who had the privilege of knowing him. Tim was always there for his younger sister, Katie, and knew he could count on her with just a quick call or text.
He found his rock in Maureen, the love of his life, and often expressed his love for her, saying, "I love you to the moon and back." Becoming a dad to Patrick brought him immense joy. Despite knowing from the start that his cancer was incurable, Tim faced each day with dignity, integrity, and courage, supported by his entire community. His journey was a testament to living fully and with purpose.
Growing up in Hampton, Tim's life was rich with memorable experiences and cherished friendships. His first car, a beige K-car, became a local icon—everyone in town knew it was Tim when they saw that car approaching. In the summer of 1989, Tim spent the summer hanging out with Rob Barrett at Wally’s Campground. Their bond, along with friendships with Greg Cutler and Guy LeMay, became the stuff of legends, forming an inseparable group of lifelong friends. You couldn’t find a better group of guys. Speaking of legendary, for many summers, Tim hosted the annual Flipstock party at the family cottage, drawing in an ever-growing crowd each year.
Tim's lifelong love for sports was evident in every aspect of his life. In his youth, he dedicated many hours to timekeeping at the Hampton Community Centre. It was there that his untied high-top sneakers earned him the nickname "Flipper" from Tony Damon—a name that stuck with him through school and well into his twenties and is still affectionately used by many who knew him. It brought Tim immense pride to know that this very facility, where he had spent so much time, will soon become the new Mike Murphy Memorial Field House. This brought Tim joy, knowing that the Community Centre, so integral to his own life, would carry forward in memory of his father.
From 1989 to 1994, Tim served as the gofer for his dad's senior hockey team, and from 1994 to 1996, he lent a helping hand to the Hampton High School boys' hockey team in the same capacity. His passion for baseball was just as strong; Tim umpired numerous local baseball and softball games and was a dedicated Blue Jays fan. Hockey was another great love of his—Tim was a true Montreal Canadiens fan, and a highlight of his life was a memorable trip in 2016 with Mo and Pat to watch two Habs games.
Tim's joy for sports extended to his family. He was incredibly proud that his son Patrick shared his love for sports. He cherished the summers spent at the ballfield watching Patrick play baseball and the winters at the rink watching him play hockey. Tim's enthusiasm and support for his son's athletic pursuits brought him immense pride and happiness.
After obtaining his class 1 license, Tim's first full-time job was hauling pigs for Jim Sherwood. Though long-haul wasn't for him, his friendship with Jim endured, marked by weekly phone calls and many shared birthday celebrations. Tim then spent 12 years delivering home heating fuel for Irving Oil. For the past 15 years, Tim drove the garbage truck for the Town of Hampton, becoming a familiar and friendly face to residents, people often expressing their gratitude for his simple yet heartwarming waves to their children.
Tim is survived by his loving wife Maureen (McNulty) Murphy of Hampton, NB; his son Patrick Murphy of Hampton, NB; his mother Cathy (O’Connell) Murphy of Hampton, NB; his sister Katie Murphy of Pocologan, NB; his father and mother-in-law Pat and Cheryl McNulty of Saint John, NB; his brother-in-law Mike McNulty (Darlene) of Saint John, NB, and their children, Matt, Mitchell, and Mariah. He is also survived by his aunts Sharon (Murphy) Ward of Richibucto, NB, and Claire Murphy of Rexton, NB; his uncle Mike O’Connell of Glen Levit, NB, and several cousins.
A special thank you to the Saint John Regional Hospital Oncology department, including Dr. Smith, Dr. Michaels, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Gilmore, Dr. Lim, Dr. Langille, and all the dedicated nursing staff. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sussex Extra Mural and the Sussex Health Centre Palliative Care team and their kind and compassionate nursing staff.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541) 1063 Main Street Hampton, NB, where visitation will be held on Friday, February 7th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, from Reid’s Funeral Home chapel.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Tim may be made to the Hampton Fire Department – Christmas Cheer Campaign (etransfer: deputy.chief@hampton.ca) or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com