A “superlatively decent man”, as characterized by a colleague and friend, died peacefully at the Halifax Hospice on October 23rd with his wife Sandra by his side. He had maintained his dignity, humour and concern for others during his difficult journey with Multiple Systems Atrophy.
Born in Halifax on March 21, 1948, the son of Marguerite and Gerald Murphy, he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra, daughter Gillian (Brent), son Timothy, brother Patrick (Gail), brother-in-law Cameron Pulsifer (Diana) and numerous nephews and their families. He was predeceased his sister Claire and brother-in-law Gilbert Correia.
Terry was educated at St. Patrick’s High School, Saint Mary’s University, Fordham University and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He spent his working years from 1975 to 2001 at Memorial University in Newfoundland where he taught in the Religious Studies Department and then served as Dean of Arts from 1993 to 2001. In 2001 he returned to his alma mater, Saint Mary’s University, as Vice President Academic and Research, a role he held for nine years after which he returned to the classroom with a joint appointment in Religious Studies and History and under the auspices of which he later became Professor Emeritus.
Terry also had active research and writing agenda which he continued avidly after his retirement in 2013. His principal area of research was the religious history of Canada, with an emphasis on the Atlantic region. He was author, co-author and co-editor of a number of publications including Creed and Culture: The Place of English-speaking Catholics in Canadian Society, 1750-1930 and A Concise History of Christianity in Canada. He served as past editor of Historical Studies, the journal of the Canadian Catholic Historical Association. Post retirement he and Sandra greatly enjoyed travels to Rome, London, and Dublin where he used the archives and she enjoyed the art galleries. The archival work, which focused on the Irish Catholic community of Halifax, resulted in a series of published articles and conference presentations. In addition, he served on national and local advisory boards including the Council of Historica Foundation and the Board of the Holy Cross Cemetery Historical Trust.
Terry was greatly concerned with supporting immigrants and refugees. He Chaired the Atlantic Centre for Excellence in Immigration from 2004 to 2013 and was also involved in several efforts to sponsor refugees dating back to the Vietnamese efforts in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
We wish to acknowledge the many friends who accompanied Terry along the way providing companionship and help of many kinds to both him and Sandra. They all knew Terry as an avid baseball fan (especially of the Washington Nationals and only grudgingly in his last days of the Blue Jays) and as the chief architect and head gardener in his beloved garden on Mayfield Avenue.
The family would like to thank the exceptional healthcare workers and carers who supported Terry throughout his illness.
A service to celebrate Terry’s life will be held at First Baptist Church Halifax at 2pm on Saturday Nov 1st 2025 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Refugee Fund at First Baptist Church Halifax, to the Halifax Hospice or to a charity of your choice.