Murray Arthur Witheford

6th October 1947 - 12th December 2022
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Service Details
J Fraser and Sons' Chapel,
Cnr Esk and Doon Streets,
Invercargill
Friday 16 December 2022, 1:30PM

WITHEFORD, Murray Arthur. Passed away on Monday 12th December 2022. Husband for more than 50 years of Margot, loving father and father in law to Ben and Sharon,Jon and Carleen, Simon and Charlotte and Juliet and Stephen and adored Mur to Hannah, Caleb, Ryan, Fraser, Carter, Izzy,  Livvy, Lillian, Jack and Charlie. Much loved son of Arthur (deceased) and Eileen (deceased) and brother of Von, Lyndal and Peter (deceased). Son of Noel and Bessie (deceased), and brother of Peter(deceased), Timothy Robert, Ginny, Lyn, Bev, Alan and Euan His wisdom, humour, patience and love will always be remembered. A service for Murray will be held in J Fraser and Sons’ Chapel, cnr Esk and Doon Streets, Invercargill, at 1.30pm on Friday, 16 December, followed by a private cremation. Donations to Hospice please instead of flowers. Messages may be sent to Murray’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes Murray’s tribute page provides an opportunity for you to register your intention to attend the service, and also provides a link to a Livestream view of the service for those unable to attend in person.

Messages

With sadness I write, to me Murray was a great example of true leadership, his example of service and care is something I will forever remember.

Your smiling face says it better than I can.

RIP
Robin, Invercargill
Dear Margot and family
I have valued Murray’s wisdom and calm manner throughout my career. I look forward to joining with you on Friday. . Much love Mike Prouting
Mike, Alexandra
To Margot and family, Murray's passing is a devastating blow to so many of us who loved and admired his wisdom, sense of humour and kindness. A family and community minded man with a huge sense of integrity and values.
See you Friday xx
Sharon Hamilton
Sharon Hamilton , Invercargill
Please accept our Deepest Sympathy in your loss. Treasure all your memories
Shirley and Grattan McCully , Scott’s Gap
Happy Memories of Murray at Bible Class in Ashburton. Sincerest Sympathy to you All.
Ann Woodham, Christchurch
My deepest condolences to Margot and family. Murray will be remembered with great respect and fondness. We will always be grateful to Murray for his commitment and service to Education, for his personal attributes of integrity , kindness, professionalism and great wisdom and for helping us with very difficult pieces of work . Jyotika Sharma.
Jyotika Sharma, Wellington
So sorry to hear that Murray has passed on.

Had the absolute privilege of working with him for almost three years recently, in a difficult and heavy environment.

He was always extremely kind, caring and wonderful to everyone he met.

A beautiful soul who will be greatly missed.
Andrea , Wellington
Our deepest sympathy to Margot and family on Murray’s passing.
He gave so much to our community with his wisdom, leadership and kindness.
We are so sorry we will not be able to attend his funeral but our thoughts are with you all.

RIP

Murray and Jan Pfeifer
Jan Pfeifer, Invercargill
My first job as a speech therapist was with Murray as the manager at Southland SES. He was such a wonderful man to work with and learn from. I have such fond memories of him. What a giant legacy he has left in his community. I'm praying for all who miss him.
Esther Bird, (neé Kennedy), Melbourne
Margot and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sure you will have many memories to help you through this difficult time. May it help to know that others are thinking of you also.
Pat Service, Invercargill
Susannah and I are very sad we cannot attend Murray's funeral tomorrow. We will be thinking of you, Margot especially.
So many memories come to mind. Murray was the perfect son-in-law for the Pinckney tribe.
Susannah has many fond memories of Murray,s kindness and skill with his work in Education and we are sure you will be overwhelmed with accolades and stories from so many parts of the community. Our regards and love, from James xxxxx
.PS We are in North Canterbury helping Henry & family move into new earthquake rebuild house. Hope we see you soon Margot.

James Pinckney, Wanaka
Our thoughts are with you Margot and the wider family. Unfortunately his Jenkin cousins are unable to attend in person but we are with you in spirit and many will be joining via video link. Our family has many special memories of family gathering and more recently in Invercargill when we have been in town. Murray was a man of integrity who supported both fellow professionals and those who were his clients. It was an honour to know him.
Keith & Margaret Jenkin, Christchurch
Dear Margot and family

Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Thank you to Margot and Murray for welcoming us to more than one of your Christmases. We have fond memories of those days and we will miss Murray.
Litia & Steve Buller, Dunedin
I remember very fondly working with Murray back in the Special Education/MOE days as the Admin Co-ordinator. I have a huge amount of respect for him, his smile and chuckle and his leadership which I learnt alot from over the years. Thinking of you Margot and family.
Sarah Warren, Invercargill
To Margot, Ben, Simon, Jon, Juliet, and your families - our thoughts are with you - so sad to lose Murray, a great man, husband, and father - we will miss him. We thank him for all he did for the extended family, and we will miss the regular post rugby texting across the ditch.
Love from Colin and Paula
Colin and Paula White, Adelaide, South Australia
I have fond memories of Murray managing Special Ed in Invercargill . He was held in high regard by Principals in Southland. Murray was so professional, knowledgeable, solution focused & acted with kindness, integrity and good humour. I am sure he will be so missed by Ben & Sharon and his whole family. Thinking of you all.
Linda Fraser, Gore