Murray FIELD Obituary

I was very saddened to hear of Murray's passing. I have known Murray for some years mainly through the Palmerston Nort Rock & Mineral Club of which he was a member.
My sincerest condolences to the family at this sad time.
I had intended to be at the Service in remembrance of Murray but I have ended up in hospital myself. My thoughts will be with you on Thursday 11th.
Dennis Todd

Dear Nicole,Marcus and Cindy. I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father Murray. May the wonderful memories together with the support from family and friends help you during the days ahead. "Forever in our hearts"

Dear Nicole, Marcus and Cindy. We were so sorry to read of your Dad's passing and are feeling for you all at this sad time. Please accept our deepest sympathy and love. Uncle Phil and Aunty Marg. XOXOXOXOXOXO

My earliest memory of Uncle Murray was staying at the family farm in the mid 60's. Murray, in his leather bomber jacket leaving to go to work in the morning chill on his motorbike with his friends. Later it was watching him ride the mighty T400 Suzuki at the back of the farm.

I had many Sunday trips from Marne St on the back of his A35 ute or later in the Dattie 1200 ute up and down the hills to the Pahiatua track; followed by a day of burning fallen macrocarpa trees, docking and drenching the sheep, collecting sacks of pine cones for the chip heater, pulling ragwort and thistles, catching eels, or, on the wet days, lazing around reading books and ancient Reader's Digests, while the obligatory family discussion raged in the kitchen. I suspect it was to drain the energy out of myself and Greg.

In the kitchen were endless pots of tea, Nanny baking yeasty bread rolls, Pop coughing on his rollies, and Murray stubbing his ciggies out in the butler themed ash tray (Jeeves?). We learned he was kind, considerate and utterly trustworthy. Murray and my Mum had an incredibly strong bond. Murray chopped mountains of fire wood to ensure she was warm, and they farmed as a partnership for many years.

There is probably not a stop bank, flood damaged river or main highway within 100km of Palmerston North that has not had Murray working on it with his scrapers and bulldozers at some time, including the main road from Mangaweka to Taihape. Later I got to know him, as a man, while having drinks at the Royal and the Fitzherbert; and latterly at his home chewing the fat whilst enjoying his home-baked fruit cakes and cups of tea. I looked forward to it. His quips were not only legendary but also incredibly funny.

Murray was a very peaceful man and a devoted and proud dad to Marcus, Nicole and Cindy. Palmerston North and our family has lost a very significant friend. Murray was not the noisiest, but one of the most valuable people you could ever meet. Our warmest regards to his family. From Ken, Elfleda and family (Ballarat, Australia)

I worked at Goughs for 20 years and always loved it when Murray came in. He had the most infectious laugh that brightened up my day. Condolences to the family.