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Today, he couldn't be happier with the new life he created for himself.
 Kevin Murphy of Inuvik moved from Nova Scotia five years ago and hasn't looked back. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo |
Alone and seeking a change, mingled with a bit of adventure, Murphy left his Pictou County, Nova Scotia, home and took a job with Northmart.
"The town was bigger than I thought but not a lot different than a small town in Nova Scotia," Murphy said of his first impression of the Northern community.
Murphy said he began to develop hobbies such as going on nature hikes and becoming a director of the Inuvik Food Bank.
"When I came here, I had a two-year plan and then would go back home," Murphy said.
"But it's home now. It really does grow on you. I love it up here."
Murphy said his job was one factor in his change of heart.
"There are a lot of Maritimers and Newfoundlanders here in town and working in the store," he said.
"It still feels like being at home and you get to meet people from all over the world. This summer, I met people from France, Italy and Germany.
"And there are several people from Holland and Sweden who work here," he said of the culturally diverse environment.
"I enjoy people and it's actually fun coming to work every day. And the good thing about working here in the store is that I get to see everyone in town at least once a week," he laughed.
A highlight this year was a first-time visit in July from his mother, Ellen, and his sister Fay -- an experience both enjoyed immensely.
Although he said his mother usually does not like to travel too far from home, it became "a trip of a lifetime for her."
"She once said she felt sorry for me being so far away but when she visited, she thought it was great. She'd like to come back."
Overall, Murphy said he is quite happy with his decision to explore the North. "It's been a good five years. I'm planning to stay."
