Paul Gordon Murphy of Charlottetown, P.E.I. passed away peacefully at the Atlantic Baptist Home on Jan. 1, 2026, at the age of 83.
He was born on April 28, 1942 in Charlottetown, where he lived throughout his life, to Mary Murphy (Berrigan) and Emmett Murphy. Paul and his two sisters were raised by a very special grand-aunt, Minnie Bradley.
Teaching was his chosen career and he began teaching at St. Dunstan’s High School. After obtaining a B.A. from St. Dunstan’s University, he moved to Colonel Gray High School when it opened in 1967. School extracurricular activities were important to Paul and among these activities, basketball took priority. He coached and assisted in the basketball program throughout his career and was a part of many provincial winning teams. Remembrance Day and associated activities were also a priority, and he always had his history students participate in the Legion Remembrance Day programs. After 30 years of teaching, Paul retired from Colonel Gray in 1997. On his retirement, Paul received many notes from students expressing appreciation for the ways he provided support to them during their high school years.
Outside of the classroom, harness racing was Paul’s passion. He was a proud horse owner on various occasions and a regular at the Charlottetown Driving Park, and later Red Shores. Paul was also an avid historian of harness racing on P.E.I. and positively involved in the promotion of the industry. He published two books that focused on the lives of individuals, past and present, who made significant contributions to harness racing. The family extends sincere gratitude to the many people in the industry who were great friends to Paul with special mention of Gary MacDonald, Ann MacNeill, Jerry McCabe, and Anne and Dale Boswall.
Paul is survived by his cousins, George Berrigan (Janet), Coleen Maks (Bob), Nancy Seymour, Debbie Trimble and Joe Vingo (Norma); his brother-in-law, Kimball Blanchard; nieces, Kim Lyons (Scott) and Tarra Robbins; nephew, Ken Robbins; grandnieces, Tess Lyons and Allyson Gibson; and grandnephews, Emmett Lyons and Anthony Gibson. In addition to his parents and grand-aunt, Paul was predeceased by his sisters, Eileen Blanchard and Madelyn Robbins.
Cremation has been carried out by the Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home and there is no visitation or funeral service at this time by personal request. Interment and celebration of life will take place at a future date. If so desired, charitable donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the P.E.I. Humane Society or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at hccpei.ca.
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