Greetings,

The person I am writing about is Edward Murphy of Kippens. He happens to be married to my wife's sister, the former Thelma Hodder. Their parents were Clarence and Lucy Hodder, who ran the old co-op store in Kippens when that was part of Stephenville.

I met my wife Verna in 1952, when I was stationed at Harmon Field in the Army while working for the Air Force, and we were married in Oct. of '53, after I got out of the Army.

We've been back to the Rock five or six times, and we never get enough, we absolutely love it. On one trip, we stayed for six weeks, and Ed and Thelma took us all over the island to visit far-flung relatives.

We have connections in Leading Tickles, Twillingate, Brighton, Triton, St. John's, Botwood, Carbonear and who knows where.

Every time we come to the island, I write a poem for the occasion, and this one is special because it clearly defines Ed Murphy, a man of many talents and a heart of gold.

We really love Downhome; there is always something in there for us. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Dick Gallagher

Edward Murphy

There stands Mr. Murphy, the leader of the clan
By all accounts I'd have to say
Ol' Murph is a real fine man

Mis Kitty sure knew what she was doing
When she picked him for her man
Together after all these years I'm sure she
Would say it's been great

He's one heck of a cook and a good carpenter too
There's not a lot of things that Edward can't do

He's strong as an ox and tough as a bear
But there's still lots of room for gentleness there

Just ask all of those who've called him Poppy or Dad
and I know you'll never hear about anything bad

He has a good sense of humour and a right hearty laugh
But he'll never make fun on someone else's behalf

Whenever he is working as the day rolls along
Whether cooking or chopping he will be singing a song

It might be country or gospel or something he just heard
He's happy to be working and singing like a bird

But the one song he will sing without nary a mumble
Is his favourite "Oh lord it's hard to be humble"

Murph stands for what all good Newfoundlanders should be
Proud, honest people from the woods and the sea.   Submitted By: NULL