Philip Michael Murphy Musician and Educator

On behalf of the members of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association I would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Philip. Our sympathies are with you.

Dear Midge and the entire Murphy Family, Sending our deepest condolences on the passing of Phil. For many years we always looked forward to the many drives from Windsor to watch Phil and the Encore band play at Central High School. He was such an inspiration to so many, and a wonderful friend to Al Sr, who spoke of him fondly and frequently. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. May you rest in peace, Phil. Sincerely, Shelley, Al and Sammy Shipley

To all the family my sincerest condolences. Thanks for the many happy memories during our years together at CCH.

To Laura and family. Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father…a truly accomplished man. Blessings to you at this sad time. Jerry and Mary Verdel

My condolences to the Murphy family. Phil made a big impact on my musical life and set a very high standard to which I always aspired. He enriched the life of so many of his students.

I have many good memories of Phil and the Catholic Central High School Band, in particular our European trip in July 1971. It was Phil who made it possible for me to realize one of my lifelong dreams: to meet the Pope. Little did I know then that would also be meeting a Saint (Paul VI). I also remember Phil's tremendous talent as a musician. One one occasion I was in the old band room listening to a recording of the Weber Concertino. Phil came into the room, unceremoniously picked up my clarinet, and started playing along with the recording - cold, but flawlessly, all by memory! Phil continued to impress me throughout the years. I was so touched when he visited me and my family in this very place (Westview) upon the passing of my brother, Dan (2007) and my father, Frank (2016). I am so sorry that I am not able to return the favour and travel here from Fresno, California at this time. My heartfelt condolences to Midge and to the rest of the Murphy family.

Condolences to Midge and family. What a life that was so full, productive and well spent, influencing so many. We did not always agree but that was the fun part. It was such a pleasure forming Encore and watching the increasing success of the band under his leadership. We also shared the challenge playing together in the Shrine Band and listening to Phil hold court during our many enjoyable lunches at the Shrine. I am grateful to have shared lunch with him before Xmas at the Shrine with some of the regulars. R.I.P. dear friend and tx for the memories !!!

Phil left me much, in music, and as a recently re-connected friend. My dad would say the same. Well done, our friend. Very well done.

A donation has been made to AHMAA. Message from the donator: Our sincere and deepest sympathies. Apologies that we could not be there for either service. Our thoughts are will all of you at this time! John, Franca, Lucas, Alyssa Wells

To the Murphy Family – Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Phil. Definitely, London has lost one of its finest music icons and educators! He enriched the lives of so many persons, and leaves behind an amazing legacy. He will truly be missed. I feel so privileged to have known him. Phil and I shared together in numerous musical ventures in London, including his accompaniment with several choral groups, plus music performances at The Grand, Aeolian Hall and elsewhere. So often I sought his assistance/advice; he always provided the answers. Above all else, Phil was proud of his family, and simply glowed when he talked about each of you. Do know my caring thoughts are with you. Norma Clare

I was so sad to learn of Phil's passing. He was so important to so many of us here in London ON -as a fabulous musician and a great mentor. Phil introduced me to many London musicians starting in the mid-eighties when I arrived to attend Western . I had the privilege of learning from him on the bandstand and also on the breaks between sets when he would share those fabulous stories. It seemed like we played hundreds of gigs together through the late eighties and nineties. Of all the highlights of playing with Phil, it was the " clarinet jazz quartet" -one of his later groups that gives me many joyful memories. Phil's musicianship was exquisite in this setting and he had such a beautiful command of the clarinet. I thank him for all the opportunities and insights he gave to me over the years, my only regret is that I hadn't stayed in touch with him as I might have. My sincere condolences to Midge, Chris and all of the family. Rest in Peace Phil.

So privileged to have known Phil as an influential teacher, mentor and supporter of my musicianship from my early high school days at CCH, through the path that would see my return as a teacher. His legacy lives beyond photos, trophies, instruments, music and mementos that remain at the school; it continues in countless musicians who trace their musical roots back to CCH Concert Band, Stage Band, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra and more. I will cherish memories of Phil’s visits in his retirement to the school, (taking his place in his old office chair), and the pride with which he reminisced with my students about CCH Music and his days as my teacher, and I as his student. His advice and support will be remembered with fondness and with gratitude. Rest in peace, Phil. Deepest sympathies to the family.

My condolences to the family of Phil Murphy. Great man and great teacher. I had him as a teacher at Beal Tech in the Early 60's. Rest in Peace Phil.

Dear Murphy Clan We were sorry to discover the passing of your father. Phil had a great reputation all across London. He made the world a happier and a more 'swing' place for several generations on many of my family tree branches as well as the greater London. Who has not danced or tapped their toes to his musical bands? A legend in music as a performer and teacher. Mostly, he was known as a really nice man who with Midge, raised a very wonderful and talented family. Please pass on our condolences especially to Laura and Chris- whom I knew better. God Bless Phil! Maureen (Richardson) & Craig Wood

Please accept my condolences. I had the privilege to be a member of Encore...The Concert Band while Phil was still the conductor. I enjoyed playing music under his baton. I definitely noticed his great talent. A highlight of our rehearsals were when Phil would go down a rabbit hole with one of his famous stories. Always entertaining.

In honor of the memory of a major contributor to the musical life of London. He was a teacher of hundreds of young students, a performer with the London Symphony as well as a well-known and widely performed jazz musician. After retirement he continued his playing and was condcutor of the encore Band of London - including former students he had taught. His legacy continues through the many students he taught and those who have passed on his wisdom and knowlewdge. To his family, Judy and I send our deepest sympathy and condolence.

Laura and family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. He made a significant impact in the music world - and an even greater impact with his family. Take care at this time and in the days ahead.

Dear the Murphy family….I’m very sorry for the loss of Phil. At my school we have many talented music teachers and Stephanie has joined the group. I have several foundations who support the school and we are always looking to add teachers and we would be pleased to add to our roster of educators. Our newest music teacher Stephanie and Tiffany obmaba will be in contact with you to add two music teachers to our staff. I always liked talking to both of you and the foundations will be pleased to promote two cadets to rember Phil. .the people from the foundations will be in touch. Say hello to your family for me and we will recognize Phil for being a great educator.. we will contact you soon…mike drabick royal military college blog london

A donation has been made to Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association. Message from the donator: I have left a tribute on the tribute wall. i am honoured to make this donation in Phil's name. Blessings.

The Cauchi Family wishes to send our sincere condolences to the Murphy Family on the passing of Phil. Phil had such a profound positive impact on our lives --- Mary (CCH Band and Orchestra Parents' Association - 1965 - 1976), Gary (wife Nancy) (CCH Band and Orchestra 1965-1971, and thereafter at Western's Faculty of Music) and Geoff (wife Jennifer and daughter Jacqueline) (CCH Band, Orchestra and Stage Band 1971-1976) . He was a true Catholic gentleman, outstanding teacher and mentor, and knew how to instill in his students a great love of music, for a lifetime.

I never knew Phil but I’ve heard about him in the music world and through Laura. He sounds like an amazing man and will leave quite a legacy behind. He lived a full life. Your family will rejoice with all your memories My condolences

Laura, My deepest condolences to you, your Mom and everyone in the family. I have some good memories of your Dad that you and I share. He will certainly be missed.

Please accept my condolences I had the privilege to be a member of the Phil Murphy Band for 3 years. I learned so much from that experience that I came to understand how great a talent and educator he was. He was very patient with me. Music just naturally flowed from him. He is irreplaceable John Bellone

To the entire Murphy family, my heartfelt condolences. I have so many fond memories of Phil, on and off the stage and was truly blessed to count him as a teacher, mentor, fellow musician and a friend. He embodied that poster we have all see in music rooms, "successful in life, successful in music...No coincidence" and left his mark on so many of us as students growing up. I will miss him but have many fond memories to cherish.

Sending much love and deepest condolences to the Murphy family. I was very fortunate to have had Phil as my high school music teacher. He was an outstanding educator and such a superb musician. He taught me how to be a professional, and as a result I have been lucky enough to have had a career as a trombonist, Music Director, and orchestrator. Everyone has a story of a teacher who changed their lives, and Phil was that for me. Rest in Peace Mr. Murphy.

My deepest condolences to Phil's family. I have often said Mr. Murphy was the most influential teacher I had. To start the day (at 8:00 AM ) with Phil made going to school very easy. I have so many fond memories of him sitting at the front of the class and band, so patient and understanding with all us new to music. We have lost an amazing soul this week. Rest peacefully Phil, you will most assuredly be missed by many.

Your family are in our prayers - so sorry for your loss. Fond memories of the Kingston Ave. Neighborhood. Erich

To Midge and all of the Murphy Family. We are holding you in our hearts and prayers as you remember Phil's life. He touched so many people with his music and as an educator, and he will be greatly missed. Please know that, while there is now a certain hollowness here on earth, the music in heaven has become much sweeter. -Anna (Spada) and Tom McInerney

My deepest condolences to the family. I enjoyed being in his music classes and in band at CCH. He was a very kind, caring teacher. Find comfort in knowing he is at peace. Thoughts and prayers to all. May your memories keep you strong.

Laura and family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest sympathy to Phil's family and friends - May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss. Phil was my music director at Beal where I happily played clarinet until graduation. I still connect with some of the Beal band members. Also with my love of music, I attended and helped out at Encore at Central Secondary School. Take care and God bless. Joy

Sincere condolences to Midge and all of her family. Phil was a good friend to my family and my Dad, my brother and myself all had the privilege of interacting with Phil musically in one way or another. I came across this photo of my Dad and Phil a few years ago and it always reminds me of that friendship between our families. Rest in peace Phil - you have earned it.

To Midge and the family, So sorry to hear the passing of Phil Murphy, who was an extraordinary musician and educator. I was the dean of the Don Wright Faculty of Music when we inducted him into the Hall of Fame. During that celebration and over lunches, I so enjoyed the stories told with such passion. My the coming days and months provide moments of reflection on such rich memories. Betty Anne Younker