Commentary
Rex Murphy was a national treasure—a master of the English language who skillfully combined contrarianism, witticism, and Newfoundland wisdom to become a beloved voice in Canada. Above all, he was a remarkable Canadian.
Reading Murphy’s final column, where he eloquently criticized the Canadian government’s lack of leadership in handling the Middle East conflict since the October 7 massacre, was a poignant experience. Little did I know it would be his last piece. It speaks volumes about Murphy’s character that he devoted his final days to crafting and sharing his thoughts to guide Canada towards a better path. He did so impeccably, surpassing the writing abilities of many despite his failing health.
Rex Murphy’s genuine passion for his work set him apart. His love for what he did, coupled with a deep curiosity and thirst for knowledge, made him stand out. In addition to his intellect and vast vocabulary, Murphy exuded a relatable charm that endeared him to his audience. Despite his brilliance as a Rhodes Scholar, he never condescended to his readers, although his wit could be cutting towards those who drew his ire.
During my years working as a surveyor in remote oilfield locations, CBC Radio was often my only source of entertainment. While much of the content left much to be desired, I always looked forward to listening to Rex Murphy’s show “Cross Country Checkup.” Interestingly, Murphy seldom shared his opinions during the show, instead focusing on questioning his guests and allowing callers to express their viewpoints. He valued understanding others and gave everyone a chance to speak without interruption.
Any career can become monotonous over time, but Murphy seemed to retain his passion and enthusiasm for his work until the very end. His unwavering dedication made him a captivating figure to listen to and read.
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Murphy possessed a sharp sense of humor, which could be biting for those in his sights. He had little patience for nonsense and didn’t hesitate to call it out in the strongest terms.
Although Murphy leaned towards conservatism, he wasn’t a partisan figure. He was equally quick to criticize conservative and progressive politicians, demonstrating his independence of thought and lack of allegiance to any party or individual.
It’s challenging to imagine another figure emerging in the future who could leave as significant a legacy as Rex Murphy did. The media landscape has evolved, making it unlikely for someone to rise through the ranks over decades as Murphy did. He truly was one of a kind, and his passing marks the end of an era. Inspirational icons like him are exceedingly rare.
Canada was fortunate to have Rex Murphy inform, entertain, and sometimes provoke its citizens throughout his illustrious career. He left a lasting impact on the nation, always with the best interests of the country at heart.
Rest in peace, Mr. Murphy. You have left an indelible mark, and we are grateful for all you shared with us over the years.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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