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Percy William Dunphy
Percy Dunphy
Centenarian

Percival (Percy) William Dunphy[1][2] (3 October 1923[1] – 14 May 2024[1]) was a canadian WWII naval veteran, centenarian, and fisherman living to the age of 100 years and 224 days. Percy was born in a village named Ingonish, Nova Scotia and was raised by his parents William (primarily used Freeman) Freeman Dunphy and Christine Irene Dunphy (née Hines). Percy's siblings were; Nora Dunphy, Chester Elmer Dunphy, Sylvester Alexander Dunphy, Edna Dunphy, Cecil Patrick Dunphy, Bartholomew (Bart) Kennedy Dunphy, Angus (Gus) Dunphy, and an Unnamed Dunphy. Percy and his brother Sylvester Alexander Dunphy were both fisherman in Ingonish for a period of time, not sure how long, but had a photo residents of Ingonish seen at times named Dunphy Bros., in which they catch an incredibly large swordfish by Ingonish, this is the image;


In the 1940s, Percy was enlisted to WWII, along with his brothers Chester, Sylvester, Cecil, Bart, and Gus. All of them survived WWII and survived many more years. Percy married Amelia Frances Robinson on September 5, 1956 in Ingonish Beach and together they had five children; William, Bruce, Darlene, Belinda, and Margaret Jane Dunphy.

I am unaware of much of Percy's life after this, thus I will use his obituary:

Percy, Dad, Poppy, or Great Poppy, whatever you called him, he was larger than life. An accomplished fisherman and naval vet in his youth, he spoke frequently and proudly of his time in the Navy during World War II, and of his time fishing with his brothers in Ingonish. He also spoke fondly of his dear wife, our mother, Amelia. Although they both grew up in Ingonish, they met in church in North Sydney. Later in life he could be found building his signature dories and sailboats and swimming. In fact, up until he moved to Harbourview Hospital in 2019, he could be found swimming at the Northside Community Pool weekly with his friends. He was even still diving off the diving board at age 96. He also looked forward to his yearly trips to the Seagull Restaurant in Ingonish. In the last few years, his favourite pass time was playing crib. He was always willing to have a game, and even if you didn’t know the rules, he was always willing to teach.

Percy, a devout Christian, joins his dear wife, Amelia, who he has missed every day since her passing in 1979. Along with his parents, Percy was predeceased by his siblings Nora, Chester, Sylvester, Edna, Cecil, Bart, Angus, and Barbara; daughter Margie; son-in-law John: all who he missed dearly.

Left to carry on Percy’s memory are his children; Billy (Veronica), Bruce, Darlene (Paul), and Belinda. He also lives on in his greatest joy, his grandchildren; Tara (Mike), Krystal (Rob), Kyle (Aimee), Ryan (Jackie), David, and Nicole, as well as many great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way. Finally, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Percy truly knew everyone.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors, and support staff of Harbourview Hospital for their care of our father over the last five years. Your compassion will not be forgotten. A special thank you to Barry Cooke for your many visits with dad. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 17, 2024 at St Joseph Church, North Sydney, with Fr. Doug MacDonald officiating. Donations in memory of Percy can be made to the Northside-Harbourview Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choosing. Online condolences can be left for the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com.

A few more photos and info about his family tree available at FamilySearch profile ID: GL9J-7KS

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