Bryan Murphy

MURPHY, BRYAN J.R.

Nov 29, 1937 – Mar 29, 2019

With family at his side, passed away Friday night of March 29, 2019 after a short illness.

Bryan was born in Belfast Northern Ireland.   After graduating from Queens University Belfast with a B. Sc. in Mech. Eng. he then completed his M.Sc. Aero Eng. degree as a specialist in Aerodynamics at Cranfield Institute of Technology in the U.K.

He came to Ottawa, Canada in 1962 to work as Supervisor, Project Manager at the Aerophysics Research Laboratories at Computing Devices. It was in Ottawa that he met and married Nola Findlay.  He was extremely proud of his son Shaun and his daughter Heather, for whom he was a wonderful father.  He was a special Grandpa to Ronan (6) and Fallon (4) who will always remember his love.

Bryan had an interesting and remarkable career.  He went on to work for the Government starting in 1973 at Supply and Services Canada where he directed a special team responsible for the procurement of the CANADARM for the Space Shuttle and led the negotiation of the order by NASA for additional CANADARM systems.

During this time, he was privileged to be chosen in the early 80’s to attend the prestigious National Defense College Course in Kingston, Ontario.

He then joined the Hydrogen and Energy Storage Program as Manager, Engineering Systems.  In 1985 he became Deputy Manager of the Canadian Astronaut Program where he planned and directed astronaut team tasks in support of Canadian astronaut’s planned flight on the NASA Space Shuttle.  He also managed the development of a Space Vision System employing NRC technology for use on the Space Shuttle.

In 1986 he became Deputy Director of the Canadian Space Station Program where he was responsible for strategic planning and coordination of all elements of the Program.  Bryan achieved formal recognition for “outstanding contribution” to the Program.

He moved on in 1989 to Marketing Services where, as Project Manager, he conceived, planned and established an Intellectual Property Services Office for NRC.  Bryan achieved formal recognition for “outstanding manner” in which the job was conducted.

He continued in other capacities at NRC until his retirement.

Bryan enjoyed a wide range of music including classical, Irish, folk and many others. He had a passion for flying, sailing, building award winning models of British aircraft, and restoring his classic Jaguar.  He was an accomplished acoustic guitarist.  He loved his daily swims from Spring through Fall and got great enjoyment from his love of pets, always having dogs that were very special to him.

Until the very end, Bryan maintained his kindness, conscientiousness, pragmatism, positive philosophical outlook, and especially his sense of humour.

Bryan is survived by Nola, his wife of 55 years, son Shaun, daughter Heather (Matt), Grand Children Ronan and Fallon, sister Mags (Tracey), brother in law Michael (Judy), cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He will be sadly missed by family, friends and little Yorkie, Riley.

Condolence and Memories on line at https://www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/listings

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Ottawa Dog Rescue would be appreciated.