Cory Morgan: Canada’s Fortunate Tribute to Rex Murphy, a Rare and Respected Journalist

Commentary

Rex Murphy was a national treasure—a master of the English language who skillfully blended contrarianism, witticism, and Newfoundland homespun common sense to become a cherished voice in the country. He was truly a great Canadian.

Reading Murphy’s final column on Tuesday, where he eloquently criticized the Canadian government’s lack of leadership in handling the Middle East conflict post the Oct. 7 massacre, I didn’t realize it would be his last. This speaks volumes about the character of Rex Murphy, as he dedicated his final days to sharing his thoughts in an effort to guide Canada in a better direction. He did so brilliantly, surpassing what most of us could achieve even in good health.

Rex Murphy had a genuine passion for his work, setting him apart from many others. He found joy in every moment of what he did, fueled by a true sense of curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Alongside his intellect and impressive vocabulary, Murphy also exuded a relatable quality that made his readers and audiences feel a connection with him. Despite his elevated brilliance as a Rhodes Scholar, Murphy never seemed condescending, except perhaps with his sharp wit when critiquing others.

During my time working in remote locations like the oilfield, I often tuned in to CBC Radio, with Rex Murphy’s show “Cross Country Checkup” being a highlight. Interestingly, Murphy seldom shared his opinions during these shows, instead focusing on questioning the guests and allowing callers to express their viewpoints uninterrupted. His genuine interest in understanding others and giving everyone a voice was palpable.

Any profession can lose its luster over time, but Rex Murphy seemed to maintain his passion and engagement throughout his long career in media, starting back in the 1970s. His love for his work made him all the more engaging to listen to and read.

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Rex Murphy possessed a great sense of humor, albeit sharp if you found yourself as the target of his wit. He had little patience for nonsense and wasn’t hesitant to call it out in no uncertain terms.

While Murphy leaned politically towards conservatism, he was not a partisan figure. He held both conservative and progressive politicians equally accountable for their actions, showcasing his independent mindset and refusal to be influenced by any party or individual.

It’s hard to imagine another individual emerging in the future who could leave as impactful a legacy as Rex Murphy did. The landscape of the media world has evolved, making it unlikely for someone to ascend to Murphy’s level of influence over decades. He stands as one of the last of his kind and generation, making his passing all the more poignant. Genuine inspirational icons like him are truly rare.

Canada was fortunate to have Rex inform, entertain, and challenge its people throughout his illustrious career. He left a lasting imprint on the nation, always with its best interests at heart.

Rest in peace, Mr. Murphy. You have left an indelible mark on us all. Thank you for sharing so much with us for so long.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.