Regimental Number: M28701
Rank: Craftsman
Joseph, born on March 23, 1917 was the oldest in Daniel and Lucy Dunphy’s family who resided on a farm near Delisle, Saskatchewan. He completed Grade 8 at a rural school in Saskatchewan following which he worked in the farming industry.
Joseph moved to Alberta in 1938 and subsequently married Phyllis on March 7, 1941. The young couple settled at Carstairs, Alberta where Joseph found employment as a welder.
Joseph enlisted on June 26, 1941 in Calgary. He received basic training in Calgary, Woodstock, London, Kitchener and Red Deer where he qualified as a Class III Driver-Wheeled. He was also a qualified Driver Mechanic “C” and Fitter “B” and Class “A1” Mechanic. Joseph embarked for England in April 1942. He was eventually transferred to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps. Joseph served in Canada, United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean and Continental Europe. He was discharged on demobilization on October 24, 1945 in Calgary. Craftsman Joseph Dunphy received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45.
Joseph and Phyllis had two children, Sandra and Brian; however eventually divorced. In 1946, Joseph worked for a fellow who had bought a hotel in Sylvan Lake and needed assistance with the renovations. Once that job was finished, Joseph went to NAIT where he received his tickets in Electrical, Gas and Plumbing. Joseph was subsequently hired to install the water and sewer system in Cremona, Alberta. In 1977, Joseph decided to buy land in an area of Bezanson known as Kleskun Hills. He married Betty on July 19, 1989. Betty had three children from her first marriage; Judy, Joan and Fred. In 1993, they sold the land and moved to Grande Prairie. Joseph passed away on October 26, 1994 and was buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery. Betty is currently living in Grande Prairie.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Service file
Interview with Lynne Oe who spoke directly to Betty Dunphy