Noel Murphy (politician) facts for kids

Noel Francis Murphy (born December 21, 1915 – died March 10, 2005) was a very busy person! He was a doctor, a radio host, and a politician. He lived in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Growing Up and Education

Noel Murphy was born in England. His parents, Dr. John J. and Elsie Murphy, were living there at the time. His father helped start St. Clare's Mercy Hospital in St. John's. Noel's grandfather, known as "Gambo Jack" Murphy, even started a radio station called VONF in St. John's in 1932!

Noel went to school at St. Bonaventure College in St. John's. He also studied at Ampleforth College in England. He first tried studying electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But after six months, he decided to change his path.

He moved to Britain and became a doctor. He earned his medical degree in 1942 from London Hospital. During World War II, he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He worked as a medical officer for a special squadron until 1945. He reached the rank of flight-lieutenant surgeon.

Doctor in Newfoundland

In 1945, Dr. Murphy came back to Newfoundland. He worked at the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital in Norris Point. This hospital was on the western coast of Newfoundland. For ten years, he was the only doctor there. He handled all the medical needs in this remote area.

To reach patients in winter, Dr. Murphy traveled by horse and sleigh or even by dog team. Later, the government gave him a snowmobile. In the summer, he used planes and boats to visit communities.

In 1954, Dr. Murphy left the hospital. He started his own medical practice in Corner Brook. He became a specialist in helping mothers and babies.

A Career in Broadcasting

In 1959, Dr. Murphy helped start the Humber Valley Broadcasting Company. He became the company's president. They opened a radio station in Corner Brook in 1960. By 1975, the company had 10 radio stations!

Dr. Murphy hosted a special Christmas morning radio show for 47 years. On this show, he would call Newfoundlanders living far away. He also contacted communities named Newfoundland around the world.

Life in Politics

Noel Murphy decided to enter politics. He joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the 1962 provincial election, he won the seat for Humber East.

In 1966, he became the leader of his party. This made him the Leader of the Opposition. He led his party into the 1966 general election. However, his party lost some seats. Dr. Murphy himself lost his seat in Humber East to Clyde Wells. Clyde Wells later became a premier.

Dr. Murphy was also elected mayor of Corner Brook three times. In 1971, he was surprisingly appointed as a minister without a specific department. This was in the final government of Liberal Premier Joey Smallwood. But he lost his next election in Humber West to Frank Moores. Frank Moores later became Premier.

In 1978, Dr. Murphy was again elected mayor of Corner Brook.

Hobbies and Awards

In his free time, Noel Murphy enjoyed photography. His photos were published in the Newfoundland Magazine. In 2003, he wrote a book called Cottage Hospital Doctor. It was about his experiences working at the Bonne Bay hospital.

Noel Murphy received many honors for his work. These include:

• An honorary law degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland (1975).
• Canadian Broadcaster of the Year (1984).
• The Order of Canada (1988), which is a very high honor in Canada.