Dennis Francis Murphy
1936 ~ 2026 (age 90)
Dennis Francis Murphy was born on January 29, 1936, in Dodsland, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family farm and began his schooling at Algona and Beaufield Country Schools. Dennis later attended Saint Thomas College in Battleford, but not long afterward made the decision to return home to help with the demanding work of the family farm. He farmed alongside his father, Fred, and his brothers Wilfred, Pat, and Bud, where teamwork and hard work were a way of life.
A hardworking and versatile man, Dennis was involved in muskrat trapping, goose hunting, and running a mixed farm. He eventually carried on the family farm after his father’s retirement, continuing to farm with his brothers. Dennis enjoyed fastball in the summer and hockey in the winter with Millerdale and Dodsland. He even tried senior hockey in Kerrobert before returning to community league play with the Dodsland Terriers.
When it came time to settle down, Dennis met Helen Borschneck of Broadacres, and they were married on October 14, 1967. The couple made their home on the family farm, building a new house on the northeast quarter, while the original home continued to shelter multiple generations. Dennis and Helen were blessed with six children, and their home was always bustling with life, activity, and laughter.
Dennis will be remembered as a dedicated farmer and devoted family man, whose life was defined by hard work, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land and the people around him. He was actively involved in coaching hockey and baseball in the community and contributed quietly but meaningfully to the area he loved. Dennis and Helen retired from farming and moved into Kerrobert in 2000 to continue their life together.
Dennis enjoyed attending old-time dances and travelling, with trips to Switzerland, Houston, Orlando, Russia and North Dakota for hockey, and Ireland on a family tour, which he especially enjoyed. He could often be found in the shop, garage, or arena, standing behind his skate sharpener, proudly maintaining his reputation as the area’s preferred “sharpener.” Dennis was also a familiar face at the local coffee shop, where he could always be found discussing all the important matters of the day.
Dennis will always be remembered for his quick wit and gentle demeanour and will be lovingly remembered by his family.
Beloved husband of Helen Murphy, he will be deeply missed by Duane (Lisa) and their children Danielle (Luke), Taryn (Reid), Ariel (Todd) and Colin; Brad (Tara) and their children Quenton (Kim), Taylor (Hayden), Keili (Wyatt), and Chayse (Hannah); Keith (Bonnie), and their children Landon (Brooke), Lauren (Andrew) and Mikaela; Todd (Damara) and their children Presley, Porsha, Tanner and Camryn (Connor); Tara (Brad) and their children Tyler (Nicolle), Kaelyn (Connor), Brett (Payton), Matthew (Courtney) and Michael (Liz); Curtis (Kelli) and their children Reese (Gabriel), Carter (Annie), Chandler (Jill) and Hayden; and six great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Frances and all his nine siblings. He leaves behind three sisters-in-law, Irene Murphy, Bev Murphy and Josy Borschneck, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 430 Yukon Ave., Kerrobert, Sask. It was live-streamed at the link below from the Church of the Assumption Catholic Church Facebook page.
For those who wish, donations in memory of Dennis can be made to KDL Foundation Inc.