In Memoriam

Lucas Murnaghan, MD
September 26, 1975-March 23, 2021

On March 23rd, the Canadian surf community said goodbye to one of our own. Lucas Murnaghan, co-owner of Surf the Greats, water photographer, orthopedic surgeon and partner to Antonio Lennert, passed away peacefully in his Toronto home, surrounded by loved ones.

It’s difficult to sum up the fullness and richness of who Lucas was here. He was a doting son, brother and uncle; a devoted doctor; an assured athlete; an entrepreneur; a loving partner; a loyal friend; and a bold and unabashed creative. As a doctor he was dedicated to the principle of ‘growing athletes’, working diligently with pediatric and adolescent patients to help them achieve their athletic goals. As an artist he was fearless in his physical and conceptual explorations of vulnerability, confidence, shame, pride, loneliness and solitude. 

Lucas’ start in photography began by documenting the local surf scene on the Great Lakes. Always striving to master his craft, he was soon shooting classic surf breaks and surf competitions around the world, but his creative heart was in the fine art, underwater photography that he became known for. 

In 2019, after a decade of practicing medicine, Lucas stepped into a second career as full-time co-owner and operator of ‘Surf the Greats’. Side-by-side with his partner Antonio, Lucas devoted himself to the surf community, creating a space for connection, in and out of the water.

In February 2021, while shooting big waves on Oahu’s North Shore, Lucas was diagnosed with a rare cholangiocarcinoma. He and Antonio returned to Toronto where he received treatment at Princess Margaret before going home. He spent his last two weeks of life surrounded by the love and positivity of good friends and family. At 2:30am last night he took his final breath and peacefully dove into his new chapter. 

Lucas lived fully and earnestly, always staying true to himself by chasing his passions and challenging those around him to do the same. The water was his place of refuge, and it is where we will go to find solace from in grief. Thank you, Lucas, for your life. We will always love you