HOWARD, Murray Arnold
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Suddenly taken from us, surrounded by family and friends.
Loving husband, best friend and partner of Anne. Cherished father and father-in-law of Sarah and Michael, Matt and Breanna. Adored Papa of Stevie and Raffy.
Devoted son of Stanley (dec) and Val and brother of Helen.
A very happy, fulfilled life taken from us too soon.
Funeral Notice
Service: Monday January 21, 2019The Funeral of Mr. Murray Arnold Howard will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Gellibrand Street, Colac on Monday, January 21, 2019 commencing at 1:30 p.m.
In accordance with family wishes a private burial will be held.
No flowers by request, in lieu, donations to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the service.
30 tributes Leave your tribute
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How l loved talking to Murray about every day issues,truly a wonderful man that l will miss seeing.
Love to the family xoxoxoxo -
I will miss our chats at the pool, my deepest sympathy to the family.
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My condolences to the family Murray was a great man easy to talk to. Great teacher. R.i.p Murray.
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I was very fortunate to meet Murray outside the registration tent the morning of the 2019 Lorne Pier to Pub.
I hadn’t seen him for ages and we talked about lots of things.
He was in really good spirits and looked as fit as ever. We joked about the colour of our swim cap, T-shirt, and our hair all being the same.
He was stoked about it being his 20th Pier to Pub. He has all previous 19 T-shirts neatly put away. I said that I was a bit sheepish about the write up I had got in the Colac Herald re my Pier to Pub. I said that the Lorne Newsagency had sold out.
Murray told me a similar story about a write up he had in Stock And Land. He had asked local Newsagency proprietor, John Blaine, where all the copies of Stock and Land. Murray was very proud of his farm and animals.
We talked about previous swims, and others who were no longer with us. Murray mentioned a photo of a group of Pier to Pubbers that he needed to copy to send to friends.
Murray also told me about his Mum, going into aged care, arranging the sale of her house. I understood where he was coming from, having gone through the same process some years ago. How siblings can sit back and be critical. Loss and change of loved ones as we get older.
He loved being a Grandfather, and was very proud of his children.
Retirement still meant the farm, but he said that he and Ann were getting into the swing of retirement.
He was also excited about the prospects of a trip to Darwin by plane and then coming back on the Ghan. “I’ve never been to Darwin”. He was really looking forward to it.
I had met Murray in 1976 at Teachers’ College in Geelong, so we go a long way back. I asked him about another mutual friend, Lyn Lacey, also a graduate of Geelong Teacher’s College. Again we both agreed that we must catch up with her, as she is held in high esteem by both of us.
I also worked at Elliminyt Primary School with Murray, and found him to be a supportive colleague who was just great to be with. His students, present and past, loved “Mr H”. That affection was so genuine from his students. In fact one of them, Jackie McCoombe, came up to us as we were in conversation.I reminded him of a Friday morning coffee meeting I have with some other friends. Murray said he would try to get along. But I also said that whenever he is town, just give me a ring.
Again, we met at the assembly spot for the start of the swim, and along with others the mood was jovial and everyone wished each well for the swim ????♂️. Murray was always a little quicker than me, so I expected that I would see him and others rested, by the time I got in. This was not to happen.
What a great privilege to have had such a long chat with Murray, not knowing the tragic events of the day that would unfurl. Somehow it was meant to be that I would have this talk with Murray. Something aligned in the stars for a brief moment. I will forever treasure the chat I had with him that day, now knowing it would be our last.
So much to live for. So sad for you Ann, and your children.
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A wonderful man and teacher, who always stopped for a chat. Deepest sympathy to his family
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RIP Mr Howard (Hachie) I’m so blessed that I was taught by you. You will be missed by many ❤
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A fabulous teacher and good friend. Loved to chat about the cats and a really positive bloke.
Condolences to the family- will be sadly missed! -
Sending our love to Anne , Sarah , Mathew and their families on the tragic loss of such a wonderful man, your loving husband, dad and grandfather ,taken way before his time . RIP Murray ❤️
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A precious friend and wonderful man who always had a smile on his face and brought that cheerfulness to the hearts of everyone he met. There was never just a ‘quick chat with Murray – he was always in there for the long run. A caring and thougtful man, wonderful teacher and respected colleque. I was fortunate to have taught closely with Murray for many years and every day he was a joy to be around and share time with. I cannot imagine not seeing that happy face again. Taken way too soon! Sending all my love and condolences to Anne and the family at this tragic time. They say God only takes the very best – that’s certainly right in this case. I can see them having some great chats together. Goodbye my dear friend. Xxx000xxx
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Although we’d yet to meet Murray, his beautiful daughter Sarah is our son Michaels partner. Hearing her stories of her wonderful parents made us feel that we knew them already. Sarah is an absolute credit to both Murray and Anne and I know how desperately she will miss him. Their trips to their beloved cats, his never ending support and just knowing that he was always there. Reading not just the tributes here today but also seeing the beautiful reports on the tv and in the papers have certainly shown that Murray was an absolutely wonderful man and will be missed not just by the immediate family but by the entire community.
A gentleman that will not be forgotten and will be carried on in the hearts of many. Whether a student that he taught or a friend he studied with, a colleague or a fellow farmer he seemed to make an impression on all that he met.
Our very deepest condolences to Anne, Sarah, Matthew and the entire Howard family. Much love to you all at this tragic time.
Deborah & Russell Akers -
A beautiful man taking to soon, a wonderful teacher admired by all his students and the staff. I had the pleasure of working with him at Elliminyt PS and from those days on we had a great friendship always up for a chat when he saw me, I will miss him dearly. RIP my friend, sending all my love to the family.
Leanne Blake -
Not enough words to describe how much of a great person Murray was. I was fortunate enough to be taught by him in primary school then become friends with his daughter. Kind, genuine and hilarious, you will be missed mate.
I know how much he was loved by not only his family but everyone that knew him.
Taken way before his time. Much love to Sars, Anne, Matt and family at this time. Sending you all much love.
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I was only lucky enough to meet murray once, but for some reason the memory has stuck with me all these years.
Matt and I were off to trade school as murray came out to see us off for the week, he’s bright and bubbly personality made me smile and i thought “here’s a guy that loves life” he was such a happy person and his happiness was contagious.
That day was 13 years ago and I remember it like yesterday! I guess some people you just can’t forget.Im thinking of you matt in these tough times mate, you should be proud to have such a great father.
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There will never be anyone quite like Murray again. I have so many happy memories of childhood times at Rosebank and Bambra spent with him. Such a kind, gentle man, who always had a smile and goodness in his heart. I always loved being in his company he always made you feel good. He was my very special cousin and I loved him so. My heartfelt thoughts are with Anne, Sarah Matthew and their families. RIP Muz
Jan KaylerThomson (Nean) -
It is amazing just how much Murray has had an impact on everyone he’s come into contact with in his life. So proud to call him my Uncle. His passion and love of life and his family shone through every fibre of his being. The lesson I learn from Murray is that family is everything, do what you love and do it well. I will miss you so much Uncle Murray xo
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Deepest sympathy to Murray’s family. Primary School Colleague from Bambra (just, I was little then) – beautiful bush start to life. I don’t think Murray ever got in to ‘trouble’ at School 🙂
Friend of another veteran Pier to Pub’ber, Don Fagg (RIP).
Martine van Haren (nee Waite) -
Receiving the news of Murray’s death on Saturday was one of those moments where time stops, I could hardly take it in, it simply couldn’t be….
Murray was my cousin and whilst seven years older than I was he never made me feel that age difference. Summer holidays on the farm up at Bambra are great memories. Murray taught me to shoot, ride, and a number of practical every day things. I looked up to him (still do) and, to read the tributes of others I realise the impact he has had on so many people, this makes me further proud.Reconnecting in recent years, our shared love of the Geelong Football Club and, for me, now a cherished day with him at the Pivots watching the Cats beat Richmond will stay with me forever. Our recent Fusea family reunions, the day out at Violet Banks are now more precious.
My heart goes out to Anne, Sarah & Michael, Matthew, Brianna, Stevie & Raffy and, to Val
A life well lived my friend, taken too suddenly and too early!
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Murray was a wonderful man. I first met him at Geelong Teachers’ College but got to know him best when we taught at Laverton Primary School in the early 80’s. He was a dedicated teacher who showed great care to his students and support to his colleagues. He was always ready for a chat, to lend an ear or join in the fun. An all round great guy. It has been a long time between catch ups but he will always be remembered as a good friend, who will be sadly missed. Love to Anne and Family.
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So sad for you and your family Anne. There is a saying ,”That it takes a village to raise a child.” Murray was part of that village that influenced and nutured our two children during their time at Primary School. Thinking of you with love.
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Annie we are so sad and sorry for you and your family at the loss of your wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Murray taught our 3 kids at school he, was a much loved and devoted teacher.
Thinking of you with love at this sad time
John and Denise Guarracino -
I met Murray 37 years ago. A lovely man who loved teaching and spending time with his family and horses. Another bright light gone out too soon. Thoughts with Murray’s family. Sandra (Greening) Carey and Greening family .
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So sad to hear of Murray’s death, fond memories of a gentle man and work mate at Elliminyt Primary who loved a chat and a laugh. Thinking of you and your family Anne at this sad time.
Lorraine Mahoney -
To dear Annie and family,
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad and difficult time. It was truely an honour to have known Murray and he will be remembered in our hearts forever.
Much love from all your colleagues and friends in Theatre. -
We had the pleasure of meeting Murray and Anne at Lorne and always enjoyed our chats with them , such a lovely man. Our thoughts are with Anne and family at such a sad time. Sharon and Bill Lewis
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A true gentleman, you will be sadly missed Murray. My thoughts are with you and your wonderful family.
Love Kerryn Boyd, Grace and Marnie
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Dearest Annie and family,
Our thought are with you all at this sad and difficult time.
It was an honour to have known Murray and he will be remembered in our hearts forever.
Lots of love
Your friends and colleagues in theatre xx -
A very caring and wonderful man always up for a chat the best teacher ever ..Thank you for teaching and guiding my children they have never forgotten you
Sympathy to Anne and family
Chris Milner and family -
You got a great “send-off” today Murray. Well deserved ! I first met Murray as a parent of two sons that were students at Elliminyt P.S. and it didn’t take long that we both had a common interest in the Geelong Football Club. My last conversation with Murray was late last season at Kardinia Park He was still hopeful for a “good outcome”…….I wasn’t quite so sure. He always had that positive attitude. I’m so glad that Tim and Matthew had the privilege to be taught by you in Grade Four. They both expressed their gratitude of “H’s” friendship and guidance. (Unfortunately neither were able to attend the funeral service today.) It was a privilege knowing you and always being treated as a friend. Condolences to the family and all those grieving. Laurie Savage.
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How saddened we were to hear about Murray.
A true gentleman and wonderful teacher!
We loved to stop and have a chat with Murray over the years.
We have many great memories of times at Elliminyt Primary School.
Deirdre, Stephen Tillack and family. -
So sad to learn of Mr H’s passing my condolences to all the family he was a great teacher to me a person I looked up to as a kid growing up you made a impact on my life for the better I’ll always remember your kind words and advise you gave me it was a privilege to know and have you in my life taken way to early symphony to Anne and family
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