Phillip David Murphy, the much-loved owner of P.D. Murphy Jewellers in downtown Orillia since 1961, died earlier this month. He was 85.
Murphy is being remembered as a family man and a strong community supporter who was behind many downtown projects.
He was the long-time president of Santa’s Village in Bracebridge and also served as a member of the Rotary and Shrine Clubs in both Orillia and Bracebridge. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Long-time city councillor and fellow downtown Orillia merchant and Rotary Club member Ralph Cipolla says Murphy was a big help when he was starting out.
“He had started his business before us and I looked to him for advice and he was just so helpful and a great guy all around,” Cipolla said.
When Cipolla heard of Murphy’s passing, he said it brought tears to his eyes.
“He will always be in my heart and my mind, and I will always remember him as one of the great contributors to the retail and commercial endeavour of the downtown,” he said.
Cipolla says that without Murphy’s contributions to revitalizing the downtown core in the late 1970s, the downtown might not be thriving as it is today.
“The downtown needed a lot of work, things were falling apart, there was no trees or anything, so he was instrumental in changing that and his support went a long way to make things happen,” he said.
Michael Knight, chair of the Downtown Orillia Management Board and president of Town’s Jewellers, says Murphy always treated everyone with respect and kindness.
“I knew Phil as a great competitor selling the same product, but I always found him to be a gentleman,” Knight said.
“It was always nice to run into him, he always spoke to me and had a kind word and the odd time he would even stop into the store to see how things are going. I can’t say enough about him,” said Knight.
Knight is pleased to hear that P.D Murphy Jewellers will remain in business.
“The nice part is his son John is going to continue Phil’s legacy. They have a great store and it’s been apart of Orillia forever and ever, and I expect it will continue on that way,” he said.
“It is a cornerstone down here, one of those solid retailers that has a good business, a great following, and we expect the store to be there for a long time yet," said Knight.
Knight echoed Cipolla's comments, lauding the contributions of Murphy.
“Without guys like Phil, who were a part of the revitalization of downtown, I’m not sure downtown Orillia would be here today. It would just be closed shops,” he said.
Murphy was predeceased by his wife, Adele. He was the much loved father of David (Kim) of Bracebridge, Carolyn (Jon) of Texas and John (Laurie) of Orillia.
The family provided OrilliaMatters with the following statement, reflecting on the life of their dad:
Lessons from below…I am convinced that we never know on whose shoulders we stand until they pass from this life.
Today, we remember our father’s life and celebrate the legacy left for us. PD Murphy (Phillip David Murphy), born in Port Antonio, Jamaica.
PD has left big shoes for us to fill.
Dad lived and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Our father’s work ethic which he instilled in his children and grandchildren was from a generation that seems foreign today. There was no limit to the effort he extended to have a vision or dream come to fruition.
We vividly remember the time he was expanding his business to other locations. There were many a night he would sleep on the floor of the new store to be sure the merchandise that arrived would be safe until the alarms were installed.
His word was his bond and he built trust within our family, as well as his customers.
Some may remember his business slogan…PD Murphy Jewelers, “A Name you can Trust”.
In addition to trust, he would go that extra mile to provide exceptional customer service.
For example: A customer asked for help to make his engagement proposal memorable and of course dad agreed! He showed up at the restaurant at the perfect time with the engagement ring on a silver platter.
There were many a Christmas Eve, Dad would make a grandfather clock delivery ensuring it was set up just right. That was my dad - always going a step above what was expected.
He spent his teenage years growing up in Bracebridge and that town remained near and dear to his heart.
At a recent celebration for PD for his leadership at Santa’s Village, Bracebridge, President Brad Duntley shared: “Phil was quick to tell you there were many people who contributed to the establishment, growth and longevity of this remarkable place.
One of the prominent founders was Phil’s dad, Mr. Yorke Murphy. It is not surprising that Phil’s association with the village started at a young age. I recall him telling how he came down to hike the property shortly after the idea of Santa’s Village was conceived. Phil soon became a shareholder, then a director and ultimately, its President, the role for which he was best known.
During Phil’s 40-year tenure, he oversaw the development of the “sleigh coaster”, Elves Island, Sportsland, as well as Santa’s campground. His sheer determination, dedication and genuine love for this park resulted in what you see today”.
In his spare time, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Rotarian, and a Shriner both in Orillia and Bracebridge communities. One of his great joys each year was at the annual “Rotary Funfest” held in Couchiching Park. For days leading up to that weekend and days after, he assisted with set up and tear down.
He would join the group of workers early in the morning delivering tables, chairs and doing whatever was required to make the weekend a success. In addition, he was a proud “Dessert Rider” along with good friends Sonny Connor, Jack Mundell, Morris McParland and many, many others. They were the original group of Shriners driving their mini cars seen in parades today.
While leading a busy life he always had time for his family. Sundays at the cottage were filled with boat rides, water skiing up and down the river, friends, and BBQ’s. As life progressed nothing made him prouder than his five grandchildren.
He provided us truly a charmed life.
We are profoundly grateful for all the kind words and memories shared about our father. He was a great man and it is comforting to know others felt the same way.
