Lonnie (Leonard) Murphy, 71

Windsor, N.S.

Lonnie (Leonard) Murphy, 71, of Windsor, Nova Scotia, (formerly of Tanglewood and Reserve Mines), passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at home. Born in Reserve Mines, N.S. he was the son of Michael (Skipper) and Brenda (MacDonald) Murphy.

To know Lonnie was to love him, and it is with tremendous, heavy-hearted grief that we announce his passing. We find solace only in knowing how many lives Lonnie touched, and in the abundance of beautiful memories he left behind.

Lonnie was a graduate of Reserve District High and Saint Mary’s University, and later went on to achieve a Master’s in Education from St. Francis Xavier University. He was a teacher for over 40 years, finishing his career at Glace Bay High where he was loved by many students. Lonnie made an impact on every community he was part of, including many years of service at St. Joseph’s Parish and the Men’s Club.

Lonnie was a longtime member of Lingan Golf Club and cherished the time he spent there with friends who were like family. He loved playing hockey and spent a lot of time on the ice with the Sunday Knights and then the Huff and Puff league. The best jokes were had in the dressing room.

Camping was also a passion for Lonnie, and Cheticamp held a special place in his heart. For the past ten years he went to Florida in the spring, spending time in his “happy place” at Indian Rocks Beach. Lonnie enjoyed travelling and made deep friendships wherever he went.

Lonnie’s favourite pastime of all was spending time with his family and friends. In recent years, “Papa” found a lot of joy in cheering for his grandkids on the side of a court, rink, or ball field. He gave so much of himself to so many people. He was an exceptional father, husband, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a role model. He was our hero. We will spend the rest of our days trying to be as good of a person as Lonnie was, and to carry on his legacy in any way we can.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Danette (LeBlanc), who was the love of his life and whom he treated like a queen. He leaves behind two cherished daughters, Sarah (Jerry) Jarvis and Genna (Josh) Squires, and his sons-in-law were very special to him. Lonnie is also survived by a large and loving family of two brothers, Michael Murphy and John (Rose) Murphy, and six sisters: Theresa Slade, Marybelle (Darrell) Murrant, Brenda Murphy Campbell, Millie (Eric) Anthony, Noelle Murphy, and Colleen Murphy. Lonnie also leaves behind Drew and Alex Jarvis and Rowen and Tristan Squires, his doting grandchildren for whom “love” is simply not a big enough word. Lonnie is also survived by his brother-in-law, David (LeBlanc) White, and by many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

Along with his parents, Lonnie is predeceased by his brother Blaise Murphy, brother-in-law Bobby LeBlanc, and in-laws Genevieve and Danny (LeBlanc) White.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11 a.m., all in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. Reception to follow at the Reserve Mines Pensioner’s Club, 165 Main St., where all are welcome. A private interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Holy Family Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Holy Family Cemetery Fund.

“And thus the heart will break, and yet brokenly live on.”

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists.

Words of comfort may be shared with Lonnie’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.