It is with immense heavy heart, sorrow and sadness that I report the death of Shoes Patron and longstanding Club member, Dr John Murray.
John was on a surf surfari in the Mentawai Islands when he died on Saturday from a suspected stroke.
It is reported he returned to the Tengirri Surf Charters boat after a solid session and collapsed when boarding the craft.
A nicer person you would be hard to meet!
John was the Club’s Patron, Board Member and Major sponsor for some five years – and a true blue Shoes Reef rider.
He was mild mannered, a true gentleman, a highly regarded and much loved husband and father, a dentist of high repute, a deep seated Rugby administrator and fan and a surfer who loved wave riding but who always took his turn to catch a swell.
John was terrific to be around. Just so knowledgable, well read, courteous, gentle and with rarely a bad word to say about anyone.
He was the sort of bloke who gave more than he took.
His business connections were broad, allowing him to nail financial support for the Club from a whole stack of enterprises, including Only Organic Foods, Tengirri, WJ Partners, Cronulla Travel, Little Parrot and Tina and Nicole’s Home Delivery to name just a few.
Like a lot of Shoes members, the Oak Park Pavilion and the Reef were dear to his heart and soul.
His too early passing is such a shock to the system.
We all loved Dr John and we will miss him always, while remembering him for his gentle and giving nature, happy temperament and smile and that buzz on his face when he paddled back to the line-up after catching a boom ride.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Karan and family members.
When the time is right, the Club will honour his massive contribution, his life, his giving, the man himself.
image credit: Ian “Macca” McDonald
This is such sad news. John was one of the true gentlemen of the reef. John was always there for a chat and always interested not just how we were doing but also asked about the family. His heart and his generosity were as big as his smile. The loved his sport and always loved having a wave a Shoes. Our thoughts and love are with Karan, his family and all the Shoes crew at this painful time. We’ll miss you John :”(
I am so very sad and sorry to hear of John Murray’s passing.
condolences to family and the wife he talked about with such fondness.
You have really nailed John’s character. What a beautiful man, strong and gentle. He lived life with vigour and grace and is a fine example for all us men to follow. I had the great fortune to have John train with me for many years, where he became a father figure to me. I shall miss you Big John. I’ll ride one for you tomorrow! Stu
My darling friend,
We were flat mates, friends, confidants and each others supporters.
Your girls I love like my own , you are the epitome of a best friend who always has the best advice, love and support.
My love and thoughts to Karen,
Louise , Tara and Amber you are amazing and a direct result of your father , brother and husband.
I know John lives on in each and every one of you and I truly know how proud he is of you.
When I was ill in prince of Wales hospital his mum would come every day to sit with me as my parents were overseas …., forever grateful.
The Apple does not fall far from the tree.
Love you John xxx
Donna and I met Johnny 27 years ago through a mutual friend but over the last 10 years he became more than a friend he became a dad that I lost 33 years ago. When I referred to him as dad he would always said can’t you call me big brother. Thanks for your friendship, guidance and love. You were one of a kind Johnny. We will never forget you mate.
RIP Dr John ??⛷?☕️? ?
Love Greg, Donna, Mitch & Stef
The late-shift morning sessions will have a gaping hole. The sharing of waves, and the laughs, and the solving of the world’s problems. But most of all, the man himself. May you RIP John.
I played rugby at Randwick with John and also surf and I know how much he valued his association with everyone in your Club. Be assured that he will not be forgotten by us as well. RIP John
I met John in 1972 when I joined Randwick Rugby Club he was my dentist for 25 years as he was for many members if the club . His passing has caused lmmense sadness throughout the club and he will be sadly missed by his many rugby mates. Our condolences go out to his wife Karen and his children . RIP Dr John Randwick Rugby Club will miss you massively.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Murray he was a nice man a fantastic dentist. He was so caring and had a genuine interest in his patients. I have a fear of dentist and Dr Murray was aware of this he took me under his wing and looked after me. I will miss him alot. My condolences to his wife Karan and family sorry for your loss. RIP Dr Murray you will not be forgotten.
My sincere condolences to his wife Karan and family. I was very sad to hear the bad news of John’s passing. He was a great man, energetic and full of life such an inspiration. An excellent Dentist who will be greatly missed. RIP Dr John Murray and you will be forever in our hearts. Love Meri, Michael & Oscar Taylor.
I was deeply saddened by the news of johns passing. I first met John at the Randwick rugby club. He was such a good man , we shared many discussions and laughs on my visits to johns surgery in bondi junction. He loved his sport and keeping fit. I will miss him dearly. My condolences go out to Karen and the family .
RIP john…warmest wishes Diane Rowley
Johnny Murray, what an exceptional human being. He had a deep respect and genuine care for the people around him and a passion for living life to the full. I’ll miss talking about our Bali and Indonesian adventures with each other and his take on the latest Union or league results. Surfing at Shoes is something that i love as do many but it’ll never be quite the same without seeing Johnny paddle out , he was so much part of the place and the people. Gone but never forgotten. His spirit lives on. Johno.
I am greatly saddened upon learning of John’s death. We played together in the back row for Randwick and I enjoyed the training and socialising.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Sincerely Crackers
Can’t stop thinking about JR since I heard about his passing on Saturday afternoon. We started high school together, played football together, partied heavily in our teen years, owned a farm together, surfed together, the list goes on and on. I always thought he would be the last to go with his health and fitness approach to life. The world just won’t be the same without him. My heart goes out to all those who knew and loved him.
Like Jeff, I’m an old school mate of John’s and we played and partied hard in our youth. John was a special person, I always thought he was indestructible. Our time and our memories are precious, John will always be a part of my life. My deepest condolences to his tribe.
For anybody not on the Sandshoes FB page, I’ve just posted this update. I know you all want to be kept up to date
Everything has now raced ahead with final plans only going ahead last night. John will be cremated in Bali tomorrow with his ashes to be scattered at a ceremony on Saturday. Dom has taken Karan over this morning and Pete Greig and myself will be flying in tomorrow to join them. I know the whole Shoes and wider Cronulla surfing community will be there with us in spirit.
Also for anybody who wants to know a bit more about John’s “past life” before he moved to God’s Country, read some of the tributes in the Galloping Greens Newsletter
http://www.randwickrugby.com.au/rdrufc/archives/5164-remembering-john-murray
Randwick Rugby will be honouring John this weekend wearing black arm bands and observing a minutes silence before Saturday’s game. There is nothing planned as yet but no doubt there will be a huge send off for him at some point in the not too distant future and no doubt we will be organising our own tribute and John’s beloved reef.
I will keep you all up to date
I too like “Scruff”cannot get my head around John passing…..its like he was so fit and always maintained a high level of health…..all said and done there are no rules to this life so let us enjoy every day.My condolences to his family and to all who had the priviledge to have known him….SEE YOU UP THERE JACK….
Kingy
I am really sad.??
He was the one how really care when i was child.
RIP John.
Warmest wishes Made Pandri
Our long association through football, surfing, parties, our daughters growing up together, you will always be with us. Happy journey JR. Allan & Cynthia Norley.
Johnny Murray was my coach at Randwick back in 1997 in what was one of the best years of my life. He was a great mentor and coach, we all looked up to him, but aside from this he was also our mate.
He looked after us like we were his sons. Such a great guy and he will be sorely missed.
Gone but not forgotten. RIP Coach.
Kodak
John will be missed by all who knew him. We all started surfing at Maroubra in the mid sixties, we played rugby together, went to school on the same buses and looked to John for leadership. My last meeting was at a Waratahs game last year when he smiled that smile…nothing else was needed. Those who will miss him the most are those who surfed with him and it is a true pity that the next generation of young surfers will not have the benefit of learning from John Murray. The Shelley Beach pavilion will now become a landmark to remind us of Johnny Murray. Our thoughts are with Karan and the girls.
I am alone in my room in Bali reflecting on
what was the saddest day of my life.This is
Karan, Johns wife.I have been awake for hours
& thought I’d click on the website as I’m
constantly kept updated on all of the
wonderful tributes to my Johnny.
Johnny & I have shared our lives for just under 25 years having been married for almost 20
of those years.I can’timagine anyone having
such a close , amazing & loving partnership
for so many years.Yes, you are all right in describing Johnny in the way in which you all
have.My words could never do him justice-
he was my Johnny, my everything .
I was the luckiest girl alive to have met such a unique man, one who shared my interests, one who protected me, one who loved me with all
of his heart & one who put up with “the worlds
most passionate & greatest animal lover”.We travelled the world together & experienced
things that most could only dream of.There was really only one trip each year that we weren’t
together & that is the boat trip with the boys
the trip that was to be his last.I always encouraged Johnny to do these trips as I knew
how much it meant to him to be bonding with
good mates & surfing some amazing waves.
Johnny was always chasing the elusive barrel
which he so often would moan about never being able to do- probably because he was built like an ox & just too bloody big & heavy to get into one!He never gave up on it though. Like all who knew him, I thought that Johnny was the fittest, strongest man I have ever known. He looked after himself like no- one else, regular check-ups etc…. how could this happen to my Superman, the worlds fittest man ?…..We have no answers & I continue to be in disbelief & often struggle to even breathe…
After not not being able to get Johnny home the decision was made (I didn’t really have a choice)to come to Bali & have Johnny cremated & then spread some ashes here as were his wishes that he shared with me a few years ago.
Yesterday, on what was the saddest & most difficult day of my life we had a beautiful ceremony .Our Balinese families whom we have supported for many years were there in traditional costume offering prayers & endless support for me. Our dear friend Dom who has not left my side ,as well as one of Johnnys closest surfing buddies Muir from NZ, all of the Willet family whom Johnny adored , long time friend Ronnie Davies were there also . Johnny would have been so proud to see his amazing daughters, Tara & Amber together with myself united & strong & sharing so much love- this would have made him so happy. It was a simple, yet beautiful ceremony -just the way Johnny would have wanted it. So now my friends, my beautiful & amazing hubby, Johnny is resting in peace in the Island of the Gods , Bali,our second home.I take some comfort in knowing that the spirituality of the Balinese,their constant prayers & their presence will guide Johnny to the place where he will now rest.
I have lost the love of my life, my world , but I will continue to try to put one foot in front
of the other & draw on Johnny’s strength to just keep going…arghhh
I am so grateful for all of the kind words you have all written. Johnny touched so many lives, far & wide & I know a lot of people are suffering.
I am sorry for your pain , but we will all just keep Johnny in our hearts & never let him be forgotten,let us all draw on his strength .
To all of the wonderfully kind friends who have sent cards,sent flowers & written amazing tributes, those who have visited me (please keep dropping in)& those who continue to talk about Johnny, I am truly grateful. I may never get to see or meet you all but please know how much it means to me.To Dom Smith & his amazing wife Kayla,Greg & Donna Sheehan, Pete Greig, Simon & Suzanne Boylan (all part of the Sandshoes community)I couldn’t do this without your amazing support- I will never be able to repay you, please know how much you all mean to me.I can’t even start to mention all of my special girlfriends (you all know who you are)- Thankyou…
There is so much more to say but that will hopefully come another time…
I will miss my Johnny & I know you all will ….
but how fortunate were we to have had him in our lives.
I love you Johnny..
My darling girl !!!! Your beautiful words about Johnny , have BLOWN me away , WOW , AMAZINGLY …. SENSATIONAL…. Johnny …. ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL LOVE YOU DARLING MAN .. ??????
Dearest Karan words do not describe how I felt when I heard the sad news we have worked together for so many years and always remember Johns tender love for you, my thoughts are with you my friend I wish you all the strength to hold onto the beautiful memories you shared with your sole partner Johnny.
RIP Johnny xxx
I was so sad to hear of the death of John Murray. I knew him as a dentist and he showed me inordinate kindness.
My heart goes out to his family, friends and work colleagues.
Thinking of you all and especially of John.
John was one of a rare breed that could be considered genuinely as both great man and a gentleman. He will be missed by many and one of the few that can leave this earth knowing he gave more than he took.. My heart felt condolences to his family.
Today I had the absolute honour of starting the process of interning our great friend John Murray to his final resting place. At 4.30 this afternoon, four of us, accompanied by Karan headed out to Middles reef at Kuta to scatter Johns ashes at the place he loved and returned to year after year. Myself, Dom Smith, Pete Greig and Muir, took some of Johns ashes, mixed with the sand of Sandshoes to remind him of home and a piece of the Pavilion to ensure he had somewhere to hang his towel, and paddled into the line up, watched from the boat by Karan.
I know Karan would be happy for me to share the words I spoke to him, edited of course to make more sense than they may have as I struggled to speak them.
We have come here to honour a friend who touched so many people in so many ways and left us too early, doing what he loved. We have brought him here, to honour him in a way we know he would have wanted, in a place he loved, on an island he loved, amongst a people he loved. He was, our great friend and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Johnny.
We then entrusted his ashes to the ocean and sat with our own thoughts for a minute, before paddling into the lineup for one last surf with our friend. It was 3 ft, offshore and only 2 others in the water. Johnny definitely would have.
Simon, really appreciate the way that you’ve kept us connected back at home. The image of you guys out at middles brought a smile to my face. Surfing those reefs will hold new meaning.
I saw this page last Monday I am so glad I have waited the tributes to John are so fitting to a graceous man. To Karan Amber and Tara how dose one describe a man like John Murray CARING LOVING THOUGHTFUL OF OTHERS when you where in John’s presents he made you feel so special important the touch of his voice left you full of confidence that everything would be ok. I first meet John some nearly 30yrs ago I needed a dentist so my brother Stephen said I have a mate who is a dentist go and see him, little did I know that he would marry a dear friend of mine and little did I know that John and Karan would be a great support network to me and my family. When I started taking the children to him ,he said that if I frighten them now they will never come back how true was that so they lay on my stomach while he worked on there teeth. Only the other day when I was there some two and a half weeks ago he said . Chrissy remember when you came to see me in your pj’s with one of the kids he laughed. John has left his FOOTPRINTS in the world that we know . We all have a story to tell a picture book of John Murray what he meant to us all, he truly cared about everyone, anyone that he made contact with and if he could share any info to make your day better he would. To everyone that has supported Karan, Amber, Tara thankyou John Murray was unique he had friends far and wide from school, uni, dentistry, work colleagues ,Rugby , Maroubra ,Bondi, Cronulla etc etc and to all the special pepole that looked after John and Karan I thankyou . John was a man true to himself loyal ,giving we luv you and thankyou for all what you have done for so many people but most of all for being JOHN MURRAY words will never ease the void you have left in our lifes . Ride the Highest Waves John
Its taken me a week to digest the loss of this wonderful man. I can only share the feelings of my mate Neil Coleman with regards to the gaping hole left in the line up. He spoke always with respect and love for Karan and was a great role model for all us blokes. Of all his friends and there were many -Dom was always mentioned with fond affection.
If I recall Neil our last conversation covered a broad range of issues including the problem with the dentistry industry today.
To Simon thank you for all your efforts at this sad time. RIP John
I have just read the e-mail from Jim Briggs and feel so sad.I didn’t believe it at first. Iworked with John as a dental nurse in England in the early seventies so only really knew him as a young man but what a lovely,funny wonderful dentist he was.My husband Dave and I corresponded with him occasionally over the years, sent family photos….that sort of thing.He always spoke about his family, there was so much love there…..my love and thoughts go out to them, I am so very sorry….RIP JM.
God bless. Sue (Big Sue)
Karan we all shocked & heartbroken for you & John’s family. What an awful ordeal for you. I know Erol has been on the same surf trip & never was i concerned for his safety just happy he was enjoying himself doing what he loves. And John the same. Our thoughts, prayers & love are with you Karan. xx
I had the great privilege and wondrous good fortune to meet John in the early seventies when we worked together in dental practice in Walthamstow , London. We immediately struck up a terrific friendship and maintained that even though we were on opposite sides of the world. John and I had some great ski holidays in Europe and USA and I feel very honoured to have been ( no still am!) a friend of his. A more gentle and courteous man you could not find. He was a great dentist who gave so much care to his patients. With the onset on emails we had contact several times a week and that wonderful smile would always come into my head when we had contact.
I am, like so many, devastated that such a guy who took so much care of his wellbeing should leave us.
My wife,Beth, and I send all our love to Karan, Tara, Amber & Louise .
I’ll always remember the wonderful guy who meant so much to us all; dreadfully missed, so many, many happy memories….and that smile which is in my eyes right now.
Karan, words can’t describe the shock of hearing John’s passing.
Although we’d only met John a few times we loved being in both yours and his company.
Deepest sympathy Karan
Ros & Rosemary
John Murray’s passing -what a devastating loss for Karan, John’s family , friends and patients.
Gone too early but never forgotten!
I met John Murray about 24 years ago through my beautiful friend Karan. What a special man- kind,generous, considerate and an exceptional dentist!
Thank you Johnny for your genuine friendship, impeccable dental work and all the interesting articles you sent me from your dental journals. You certainly have left a ” giant footprint” on humanity and will be sadly missed!
Lots of love to Karan who is so brave and doing her utmost best for Johnny in these very sad circumstances.
Heartfelt condolences to Louise, Amber & Tara.I’m so sorry for your loss.
RIP Johnny it was a privilege and an honour to know you.
I toured with John to Japan in1972. The Rugby grounds varied from good to a clay tennis court surface in Taiwan. The gravel rashes were so bad all team members consented to John s suggested treatment, Scrubbing out the dirt “it will hurt boys but it will prevent massive infections” He volunteered my services ” Nurse Finnane will hold you down ” It was like a scene from the US Civil War. I only saw John occasionally since ’72 but I was devastated to hear about his passing. Sincere condolences to family Steve Finnane
I was shocked to hear about John’s death. I first played against John in 1971 for Port Hacking when we played Randwick at home and I remember sharing a beer with him after the game. My brother Allan was a team-mate of John’s and so over the years I would see John and I much enjoyed his company a real gentleman and a great bloke. Another one gone too early.
Rest in peace john thank you for your friendship there are so many great memories and I enjoyed our times in the boatshed fixing some of your boating adventures but never your fault just bad luck you will be sorley missed …love john Healey & family
I was absolutely shocked and devastated to learn today that my wonderful dentist Dr John Murray passed away whilst surfing in Bali. I had the privilege and good fortune of knowing Dr Murray only in recent years when he became my dentist after my previous dentist had died. From my first meeting with Dr Murray as my new dentist, I was hooked. He was clearly a great and caring dentist who did a wonderful job with my difficult teeth. I loved hearing his surfing, skiing stories….since I have also been an avid skiier. Visits to the dentist are never easy, but with Dr Murray it was a different story. I always looked forward to seeing him despite the unpalatable fact that the conversations were held whilst in the dental chair. He seemed such a fit, healthy man…this news is quite devastating. I shall miss him as my lovely caring dentist.
My condolences to his family.
Chris Walker.
So sad to hear of Johnny Murrays death yesterday only from a fellow dentist who played rugby with him
I haven’t seen the great man for years but have fond memories of going up to Queensland surfing back in the 70’s, and partying with him etc
Also I knew John from primary school and High School. A very lovely person always
A very good dentist too
So sad to lose you, but you went doing what you loved