Eugene Bernard Murphy

MURPHY, Eugene Bernard

November 22, 1955 ~ January 29, 2016

On January 29, 2016, Eugene Murphy of Wetaskiwin passed away suddenly at the age of 60 years.

Eugene was born in Camrose, AB; the third child of Bernard and Lottie Murphy.  He was an active boy who was always mischievous and loved horses more than anything. His early years were spent living with his family on the Ferintosh farm, where they had everything from chickens, to pigs to cows, with more than enough space for a young boy to let his imagination run free.

At the age of 16, Eugene moved to Camrose, lived with his brother Keith, and worked in the local mill. Any spare time was spent competing on his beloved Stormy or riding bareback broncs in the local rodeos. His drive and ambition to follow his passion of working with horses led him to New Jersey where he began training to be a farrier.  When he moved back to Canada, he worked incredibly hard at forging a reputation within the equestrian world. It wasn’t long before Eugene had firmly established himself as one of Western Canada’s top corrective farriers and was highly sought after by some of the biggest barns in the area.  He found nothing more rewarding than helping these athletes stay sound.  It was around this time that Eugene and Maria met and bonded over their mutual love of horses.  In 1986 they were married and began their life together on the farm west of Wetaskiwin.

Another passion of Eugene’s was his border collie stock dogs and just like any other goal he set for himself, he rose to the top in competitions.  Life quickly grew hectic as Eugene had a full slate of customers and was travelling all over the province, while overseeing a fully operating cow-calf herd.  Life took on new meaning when within six years, Lisa, Katie, Anthony and John blessed his life.  His family was the centre of his world and everything he did was for them.  His children are now third generation on the farm, following the tradition of the importance of family and history.  He was successful at turning most tasks into an adventure, whether it was a picnic in the back 40 during fencing or herding the cattle from one pasture to another.  There was no better holiday in Eugene’s mind than saddling up the horses and riding through the mountains with his family and friends. He valued family above all else.

Eugene lived his life to the fullest. His compassionate nature and generous spirit have helped the lives of three individuals waiting for organ transplants. He will always inspire us with his determination, strength, and respect for all life.

I, Maria Murphy along with my children, Lisa (Mark) Rabel, Katie, Anthony and John, brother-in-law Keith (Barbara), sister-in-law Valerie (Dave) Sonnenberg, and 11 nieces and nephews, invite you to celebrate the Mass of Christian Resurrection that will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church (5113 49 Avenue, Wetaskiwin).

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