EULOGY - HeavenAddress

Page1 of 3
EULOGY
Presented by RODNEY LIND at the funeral service on behalf of the FAMILY
Murray was the fourth of seven children born to Ted and Alice Nelson, a typical
working class family from Alberton South Australia, he was born on the 23 rd
January 1934.
He attended the Alberton Primary School from 1939 until 1946, his secondary
education was at the Woodville High School, where he stayed until he reached
the minimum school leaving age of fourteen when he then left to start work.
This was a very common occurrence in those days, as it was important for both
sons and daughters to contribute financially to the running of the household.
I can speak from experience, it was very daunting, one day being a school boy
then being thrust straight the workforce the next day. It was very tough no
transition training, or work experience was available, we just had to man up
overnight, which I know Murray did.
His first job was as an office junior with a small engineering firm in Adelaide,
after he had acquired a bit of knowledge of office procedures, he applied for a
more senior office position with the Adelaide Wallaroo Mt Lyall Fertiliser
Company, and worked in both their Adelaide and Port Adelaide offices, even
though he was still quite young, due to his diligence he was being groomed for
a senior managerial role further down the track. Whilst he was working at
these two jobs he was studying at the School Of Mines of an evening,
eventually obtaining his accountancy qualifications.
Murrays decision to live his life as a Christian and attend and serve the Church
was made very early in his life. He regularly attended St. Margarets in
Woodville then later on St. Augustines in Woodville Gardens. Bearing this in
mind it was a natural transgression for him take up his next position as
assistant manager of the Canterbury Book shop in Adelaide, which at that time
was specialising in books of a religious nature. This suited him down to the
ground, as he was a prolific reader, and it also was a step closer for him to
serve the Church in a small way.

Page2 of 3
At this juncture I will digress slightly and address some of Murrays other
attributes. His only hobby that I am aware of was photography, and over a
period of time bought some very expensive cameras, the majority of his
photographs were of his Nephews and Nieces who he loved dearly. He
maintained a general interest in most sports but only participated in Golf,
Squash and attended a Gym regularly. I had some great times with him
pumping iron finishing up with a sauna and a swim. His other love was his dogs
which he showed with some success, he was never without a canine
companion that he loved to walk daily, and socialise with his neighbours.
Murray never married, although he had quite a few girlfriends that I know of
when he lived in Adelaide, I guess the right one never came along. By this time
in his life Murray had become the lynch pin of the family, undertaking a
patriarchal role, his advice and guidance was sought after by not only his
ageing Mother and Father but practically every one of his siblings at one time
or another, myself included.
Back on track again. The next chapter in Murray’s life was a major change for
him and his family, he announced that he had applied for the position of
Registrar at the Diocese of Wangaratta and was accepted. This was his ultimate
goal and he was very happy. Judging by the number of friends he still has
contact with in Wangaratta he was a very popular man. Even though he was
interstate he was visited by family members often and we all looked forward
to his trips back to Adelaide. We all looked forward to receiving his yearly
Christmas card and letter which we all loved to receive.
Well all good things must end, Murray had another huge decision to make his
Mother had passed away and his Father was having difficulty in caring for
Murrays elder brother Wilfred who is intellectually disabled and always lived at
home. He left Wangaratta and bought a house in Murray Bridge and modified
it to accommodate Wilfred and himself.
Wilfred obtained employment in a sheltered workshop and his lifestyle
improved dramatically, so much so that when he retired he was able to live in
a group housing situation with some of his new found friends, where he is still
living at present, and will do so for the remainder of his days. This outcome
was only made possible due to the way Murray set up Wilfred’s finances.
Murray now had more time for himself but he still monitored Wilfred’s
situation regularly.

Page 3 Of 3
In 1985 Murray obtained a position as Registrar with the Murray Diocese
which he held for fourteen years until his retirement. During his last months at
Murray Bridge he was involved in mentoring a serving staff member as a
replacement for his position which was undertaken successfully.
Retirement at Victor Harbor was probably busier than when he worked, he was
involved with the following organisations:- Probus, University of Third Age,
National Trust, Victor Harbor Library, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Research Fund,
Conservatory of Music at the Adelaide University and last of all and most
importantly his work with the Anglican Church.
In summary Murray was:-
A true gentleman at all times
A generous donor too many charities
A person who always made his time available to assist and care for others
An animal lover
And last of all a man who loved and supported everyone in his family
Your suffering is now over. Rest In Peace