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Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) conferred upon Dr. W.M. (Bill) Murphy

On October 21, 2007, Dalhousie University conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) upon Dr. W.M. (Bill) Murphy. For almost a quarter of a century, Dr. Bill Murphy practiced dentistry in his hometown of Liverpool, on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. In a small town, you really get to know your patients and their families when you’re guiding their oral health care. But Dr. Murphy’s concern for his fellow residents extended far beyond the dental clinic. He realized the area’s future economic prosperity depended on investment from local business leaders. Forty-three years ago, Dr. Murphy co-founded Mersey Seafoods Limited, a harvesting and processing company for fish and shellfish. It’s now one of the leading employers in Queen’s County, providing work for more than 100 people. The company exports across the U.S. and Europe and as far away as China. He retired from dentistry in 1979, but continues on today with Mersey as president and CEO.

Dr. Murphy received his undergraduate science degree and his doctorate in dental surgery from Dalhousie. Indeed, his entire family has a long, proud history here. During his seven years on campus in the 1950s, Dr. Murphy played varsity rugby and met his wife Janet, who was also working toward a pair of degrees. His sister Ruth Pulsifer earned two degrees from Dal as well, and so did his daughter Lisa. His son Jon also studied science at Dal, and works with his father as Mersey Seafood’s vice president. Now a third generation of Murphys is making its way through Dalhousie.  

Dr. Murphy served as Liverpool town councilor where he was concerned about the welfare of local youth, and worked to ensure rural access to health care. In 1992, he received a Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada 1867-1992, in recognition of his significant contributions to his compatriots, his community and Canada.

Throughout his career, Dr. Murphy has maintained his professional roots and remains a loyal supporter of the Faculty of Dentistry. He exemplifies how varied interests and a willingness to innovate can contribute to society in many ways, in many sectors. 

The Faculty of Dentistry congratulates Dr Murphy for his entrepreneurial spirit and business leadership, his compassion and his personal commitment to the future of his community.

pictured L_R Dr. Tom Raddall '61, Dr. Dave Precious '69, Dean, Dr Bill Murphy '56, Dr. Rodd Fraser '56.