We regret to advise of the death of Major William David Herd “Bill” Murphy, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 13 July 2025 in Burlington ON, in his 84th year.
A native of Toronto, Bill kept busy in his youth by selling newspapers on the streets of Toronto. During his high school years, running the lighting committee was a source of pride for him. At 18, in need of summer employment, Bill joined 2nd Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto (now 32 Combat Engineer Regiment) in 1959 through the Student Militia Training Plan. He subsequently instructed on this program for three years and this was the start of a 37-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers.
Bill attended the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, where he qualified as a Field Engineer as well as completing the Regular Force course in Mine Warfare. He filled a variety of positions in 2 FER. He was the Squadron Sergeant Major of 47 Field Squadron and was then responsible for the Field Engineering Trades Courses and Mobile Command Training. Bill served as Unit Training Warrant Officer and Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant before being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer in 1971 and being appointed Regimental Sergeant Major.
Bill was commissioned from the ranks in 1974 and served at Toronto District Headquarters (now 32 Canadian Brigade Group) in the Comptroller's Office before rejoining the Regiment. As a regimental officer, his appointments included Unit Training Officer, Adjutant, Officer Commanding 47 Field Engineer Squadron, and Deputy Commanding Officer. Bill subsequently served in the Militia Officer Training School of Central Area Command (now 4th Canadian Division) from which he retired in 1991 with the rank of Major.
In his civilian life, Bill took a lot of pleasure from his various careers, enjoying the challenges along the way. Working for Cara Foods was one of Bill’s career highlights, where he streamlined the food supply operations for airlines' in-flight food service. His final post was with the Ontario Ministry of Health, procuring the ambulance fleet.
Funeral arrangements were private. A Celebration of life will be held in late summer.
