Sean Murphy died unexpectedly in
Toronto on November 6, 2023. He was
predeceased by his parents, brother
Larry and his sisters Fran and Kay. He
will be sorely missed by his beloved
wife, Karen, his sisters Bernie, Brid,
Carmel and Lori and his many nieces
and nephews.
Sean was born in Dublin, “in the rare old
times”. His career in travel began on
Fleet Street in London where he was
head hunted by Bord Fáilte/Irish Tourist
Board to return to Dublin. His success
over the years led him to Toronto in
1983. In 1989, he left the Irish Tourist
Board and launched his second career
by opening the Irish Travel Bureau; his
first job was coordinating the travel
arrangements for the Irish games at the
SkyDome. Over the many years he
brought thousands of people to and from
Ireland.
In 1985 he had the good fortune to meet
Karen Whitaker and on November 18,
1989, in an unforgettable wedding in
Niagara on the Lake, Sean and Karen
were married. Karen was the love of
Sean’s life and Sean’s rock.
In 2007 Sean was chosen as the Irish
Person of the Year and in March 2008
he led the St Patrick’s Day Parade as
Grand Marshall. Both of these honours
were in recognition of his enormous
contribution to the Irish community in
Toronto.
“The Murph”, loved his adopted country
but never forgot his love for Ireland.
Sean was such a huge character ... he
was a unique individual, never short of
an opinion and his generosity knew no
bounds. He will leave a void that cannot
be filled.
Sean, we will miss you forever.
Ní fheicimid a leithéid arís.
We shall never look upon his like again.
The family would like to extend a
heartfelt thank you for the many years of
excellent care given to Sean at St
Michael’s Hospital, by a comprehensive
team of medical professionals,
especially those in the Dialysis Unit.
Make a donation in memory of Sean Joseph Murphy.