Black Watch friends:

Regret to report the passing of Alex Murphy last Wednesday (16 May) in Ottawa.

Born in Scotland, Alex came to Canada in June 1958 and joined the Canadian Army that September. He graduated from The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada Depot with 85 Squad in March 1959. From there he was posted to our 1st Battalion in Camp Aldershot and went to Germany with 1RHC/ B Company later that year. He returned to Canada/Camp Gagetown with 1st Battalion in 1962 but two years later was posted back to Germany to 2nd Battalion/C Company. He remained with 2RHC/C Company when the unit returned to Gagetown in 1965 and then went to Cyprus with the battalion in 1966. In Centennial Year he toured Canada as a performer in the CF Centennial Tattoo and later earned his parachutist wings at CFB Rivers, Manitoba. In 1969 he returned to Cyprus with 2nd Battalion/B Company. In 1970, like many of us, he re-badged RCR and went to Montreal that autumn with 2RCR during the FLQ Crisis, and to Jamaica in early 1971 for jungle warfare training. Alex retired from the CAF in early 1972.
Alex was a founding members of The Black Watch Association’s Upper Canada Branch and has been a staunch supporter of its activities right up to and including 2018. I am honoured to have known this soldier who will be missed by many of his comrades!
If you are in Ottawa area, please note services below next Wednesday and Thursday.
________________________________________
Alexander Murphy
3 April 1940 – 16 May 2018

Alexander met, courted and married Elizabeth whilst on leave from Cyprus in 1966. Although Alex had Elizabeth’s parents’ consent, legal consent had to be granted by the High Court of Paisley as the Scottish law at the time stated that persons under 18 years became wards of the court regardless of parental decisions. Elizabeth was 17 years old. To the relief of all the High Sherriff gave his consent.
Alex was predeceased by his father Alexander and mother Annie. Son Alexander William – 15/Apr/1973. Sisters Anna & Jean. Besides marrying Elizabeth, his other great achievement was earning his Para Wings – Oct/1967.
Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland to Alexander Murphy and Annie (nee Orr) 3/Apr/1940. He emigrated to Canada in June 1958, enlisted in the Canadian Army 24/Sept/1958, 13 PD Ottawa- Honourable released 17/Feb/1972. Alexander returned to Scotland in 1972 and was employed by Grant’s Glenfiddich (Family Security). He returned to Canada June 1986 and worked 5 years Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, then joined the Civil Service in the Department of Foreign Affairs and completed 2 short tours to Washington- old and new embassies as replacement PRC. He completed 1 tour in Brussels, Belgium for security to First Ministers Conference. Alexander then became departmental locksmith for DFAIT covering North America until ill health forced a long-term disability until retirement in April 2005.
Alex passed out of Depot Trg with 85 Squad March 1959 and joined B coy 1st Black Watch Camp Aldershot Nova Scotia. Moved to Fort St.Louis, Werl, Weshpalia, W-Germany 1959-1962 and again W Germany 1964 June – Sep 1965. To join the 2nd Bn Black Watch – served with 2nd Bn, in Cyprus UNFICYP 1966 and 1969- toured in The Big Show Canadian Armed Forces Centennial Military Tattoo 1967. A short spell in Jamaica and then the October Crisis 1970 Montreal, QC. In 1968 there was a short cruise and stay in Nfld Nov-Dec 1968 on the Frigate HMCS Saguenay 206.
Alex leaves behind his wife Elizabeth of 52 years, Son Sean (Marion) Ottawa, Daughter Elizabeth (John) Alberta, Son Alistair (Tammy) Ottawa and Elaine (Steve) Ottawa.

Services
23 May Visitation
9:30 am - 11:00 am
MAISON FUNERAIRE RACINE, ROBERT & GAUTHIER FUNERAL HOME
180 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1L1B4

23 May Reception
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
MAISON FUNERAIRE RACINE, ROBERT & GAUTHIER FUNERAL HOME
180 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1L1B4

24 May Military Honors & Burial
10:00 am
BEECHWOOD CEMETERY
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario

Condolences at: www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/Alexander...ituary?pid=189037652

R. I. P.
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT