Obituary of Darrell Joseph Murdoch

It is with deep sadness that the family of Darrell Joseph Murdoch, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, announces his passing on May 29, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Beloved husband of Eleanor (Murphy) Murdoch, and loving father to daughters, Brookee LaPointe (Andy) and Shannon McKinnon (Troy). Darrell was born on October 26, 1947, in Fredericton to the late Robert and Ruby (Donahue) Murdoch.

Darrell was an incredibly kindhearted, selfless, and patient person. He had a quiet strength, a gentle spirit, and loved his family, food, music, and animals. He was also known for his remarkable skill at loading the dishwasher with precision and his ability to build and fix just about anything.

While he rarely spoke about himself, he was always curious about others and often engaged in conversations filled with questions. He had a special gift for making his grandchildren laugh, and he truly appreciated the small moments in life.

Darrell grew up and attended school in downtown Fredericton. In his teens and 20s, he played drums in several bands. After working as a glazier, he went on to establish his own glass business, Klear Glass and Mirror Ltd., which he successfully ran for nearly 30 years.  He was widely respected for his integrity and strong work ethic.

In retirement, he enjoyed a variety of activities, including spending a few winters in Myrtle Beach and on Hilton Head Island, working on woodworking projects, golfing, bowling, renovating, and volunteering as a driver for Meals on Wheels. He was always enthusiastic about attending performances and sporting events in which his grandchildren participated and was happy to drive them to and from their extracurricular activities whenever needed. His grandchildren treasured time with their Poppa, and have so many special memories, including summers and Christmases spent by the lake at “the camp.”

In addition to his wife, daughters, and sons-in-law, Darrell is survived by his much-adored grandchildren, Olivia and Graysen LaPointe, Hayden, Luca and Caleb McKinnon; sister, Verna Shaw; sisters-in-law, Elaine Murdoch, Isabel Murphy, Alleen Parsons (Dave), Sandra Smith, Tess Hooks, Karen Murphy, and Janet Murphy (Sandy Malcolm); brothers-in-law, Pat Murphy (Annie), David Murphy (Donna Wong), Rob Murphy (Sandra), as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was predeceased by siblings, Rowena, Roberta, Bob, Nancy, and Ron Murdoch; sister-in-law, Shirley Murphy, as well as brothers-in-law, Bob Shaw, Don Smith, Tom Murphy, and Wayne Nightingale.

The family is sincerely grateful for the kindness and care shown to Darrell during his illness by his doctors, the Extra-Mural, and Palliative Care teams.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels of Fredericton Inc., the Fredericton SPCA or a charity of the donor’s choice.