Burpee Murphy

MURPHY, Burpee George  – 83,  It is with great sadness that Burpee’s family announce his peaceful passing into the hands of God at Northumberland Hall, Amherst, Nova Scotia on Sunday, March 7, 2010.  Born in New Salem, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Enos and Sarah (Rector) Murphy. After successfully completing his grade 11 in Advocate, Burpee taught in Diligent River, Wallace Bay and River Hebert.  Deciding that teaching was very rewarding, he graduated from Normal College in Truro with his teaching credentials and  was a teaching principal at Nappan where he met his future wife. After marriage, he moved to Jeddore, where he and his wife taught in a two room school, he as the principal with the older grades and she as an elementary teacher. He then moved to Dartmouth which he called  home for 57 years.  He was a teaching vice-principal, first in Fairview, then at Greenvale, Prince Arthur, Bel Ayr, and Brookhouse in Dartmouth. Teaching was one of the joys of Burpee’s life, spending many hours planning interesting and creative lesson plans that brought a sparkle to his students’ eyes.  He was a dedicated teacher for 42 years. He had a genuine interest in his students and followed their lives over the years.

Burpee’s love of his life was “Reta”, with whom he shared his dreams for over 57 years.  They not only shared an interest in teaching but also in raising a family of four children and later in watching their grandchildren grow.  Burpee and Reta treasured time spent every day in conversation with cups of tea and working on word puzzles. They also shared an interest in shopping, books and local history.  Burpee had a special spot in his heart for the many pets that became part of our family. Katie will miss curling up and talking to “Grampy”. Burpee taught his children the value of hard work as he was always busy on a project. Burpee enjoyed working on the old farmhouse  fixing it up, upholstering furniture and working the land. He showed us how to celebrate family times together at picnics, outings and special celebrations. Burpee always enjoyed the scrumptious feasts that were part of family birthdays as well as the time spent with family.

Burpee also had an artistic flair.  Reta taught him how to play a pump organ and he went on to teach himself how to play a number of musical instruments including the autoharp, guitar and accordian. He especially loved his player piano. Burpee had a knack for needlepoint and  gardening and tried his hand at many tasks around the house.

Burpee will be greatly missed by his daughters Coral (David) Harris, Nappan and Elsa (Charlie) Connolly, Brampton; sons Dwayne (Judi) and George (Cheryl) both of Dartmouth.  Spending time with his grandchildren was dear to him and he will be deeply missed by Jessica, Stephen, William, Sarah, Kathryn and Cody.  He is also survived by brothers-in-law Leonard Ripley, Ottawa, and Alwin (Ruth) Ripley, Nappan.  He was predeceased by his wife Lida Marguerita in 2008, brother Lorne Murphy, sisters-in-law Joyce Brown, Hazel Ripley and Elsie Ripley and brother-in-law Nelson Brown.

The family would like to thank the staff of 7.2 of the Halifax Infirmary Hospital for the special care Burpee received and the support given to the family. We would also like to thank the staff of  Northumberland Hall for the kind care Burpee received while there.

Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10th at Furlong-Jones Funeral Home, Amherst.  Funeral will be held Thursday, March11 th at  2 pm at the funeral home, Rev. Lloyd Bruce officiating.  Reception to follow.  If you so wish, please consider donations in memory of Burpee to the Canadian Cancer Society or Bayview Memorial Health Centre, Advocate, Nova Scotia.