Tributes to the 'wordsmith from The Rock' from his many saddened fans, plus comments on other issues of the day

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Re: Rex Murphy, the sharp-witted intellectual who loved Canada, dies at 77 — Tyler Dawson, May 9

It was with profound sadness that I read of the death of this remarkable man. For literally decades I have enjoyed his insight and moral clarity.

Rex Murphy had the gift of asking the right questions and had the moral courage to state unequivocally his position — an often unpopular one in these days of cancel culture.

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He was the intellectual champion of the common man and woman — the bus drivers, oil field workers and grocery store clerks, to name but a few. He was a grounded man never lost in his own brilliance. Our country will miss him.

Colin Lockhart, Florenceville-Bristol, N.B.

We have lost a great Canadian. Never boring, always witty, he understood Canada, its strengths as a country, and the weaknesses of our leaders. His pen — as sharp as any sabre — pricked and skewered inflated egos and cut to the nub of any issue. His moral compass never wavered. Looking forward to reading him and then discussing not only what he said but how cleverly he said it was a pleasure for his readers that will be lost to so many and to those yet to come who might have enjoyed his work.

Ron Hoffman, Toronto

Rex Murphy, peerless original intellect, journalist, writer, Newfoundlander, is gone.

Not since the death of the equally formidable George Jonas has there been a greater loss to the exclusive field of fearless, brilliant journalism.

“Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!”

Barry Stagg, Toronto

Along with everyone else, I mourn the premature passing of Rex Murphy, our beloved writer, Canadian (Newfie!) and supporter of democracy.

His columns in the National Post were a must-read, every time, his use of the language was second to none, his human values were exemplary and his messages were educational, interesting and of peace.

Along with many others I shall miss his columns. May his memory be a blessing.

Bill Gruenthal, Burnaby, B.C.

Not since the death of Mordecai Richler have I felt such a pronounced feeling of sadness as when today I learned that we have lost another one of the Greats.

Rex was an inspirational voice for all Canadians and his love of Canada was obvious in all his writing and other media work.

Rest in peace Rex, you have fought the good fight.

Steen Jessen, Victoria, B.C.

Canada has lost an intellectual giant. There are those people in life, who cross our paths, who truly stand out and can only be best described as characters. Rex Murphy was such an individual who truly made a difference in life and who made Canada a better place to be.

I will always remember hearing his distinctive voice as the host of Cross Country Checkup on CBC, when he would ask his caller “Where are you calling from?” That question helped unite us as Canadians. Goodbye to the wordsmith from “The Rock,” a true Canadian character.

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