Tawa College’s auditorium overflowed to the courtyard with more than 500 people who gathered to send off Bruce Murray, a leader in cricket, education, community, church and family on Tuesday.
The New Zealand test rep cricketer died peacefully at his home last Tuesday surrounded by family following a short illness. He was 82.
Murray was never short of a story or two, and the same can be said about the service that spanned more than two hours, filled with laughter, music – care of a vocal group, a Murray family choir and arrangements written by his wife Shona – scripture, and a few tears. He had a big impact on many.
Among those to speak were his children, and grandchildren – the latter dubbed “Poppa’s first XI” – including White Ferns Jess and Melie Kerr. They spoke with grace and eloquence about the love, care and guidance he gave to many, including them.
The former Tawa College principal was recognised as someone who had a strong moral compass, a willingness to help others, a “servant leader” that help shaped contemporary education, a lifelong learner, a loving father, grandfather and husband (“his greatest catch was Shona”), an avid geographer and historian who wrote countless books and was instrumental in establishing Tawa’s Anzac memorial.
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His legacy would live on, said former Tawa College principal Murray Lucas who took the reins from Murray following his retirement in 2002, not only through his family but also at the school.
The most coveted sports prize at Tawa College is the “Bruce Murray stump” for most wickets taken in the First XI, which has “as much competition as the school dux”, Lucas shared.
Among those paying their respects were cricketers past and present, including White Ferns Sophie Devine, Maddy and Liz Green, Katey Martin and Trish McKelvey and former Black Caps Martin Snedden, John Morrison, Bruce Edgar and Ewen Chatfield.
Test teammate Bryan Yuile, who was part of the first team to win a test series in Pakistan, described their first meeting as teenagers. Playing in opposition sides, Murray’s were five down for not many, when out he came “with long legs and arms”.
”We thought he was uncoordinated and ‘we’ll soon have him’,” Yuile laughed. Murray went on to score a century that day and win the game for his school. They became lifelong team mates and friends.
Yuile said in Murray’s early career, he struggled with selection as those in charge didn’t think he was up to facing the English pace bowling. A few seasons later, and after a particular selector had retired, Murray was chosen and scored the most runs for the side on a tour of England.
In farewelling his long-time friend Yuile said: “Standing on the boundary we applaud a fine innings. The shadows lengthen as evening comes, and the light appeal upheld, as Bruce is welcomed at the pavilion.”
Murray’s coffin, adorned with brightly coloured summer flowers including sunflowers, carried by his children, was greeted at the hearse by a rousing haka.
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