Tributes flood in for Portgordon community stalwart Derek Murray
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TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the sad passing of a Portgordon community stalwart who left an “indelible mark” for the good on the village.
Derek Murray, who latterly chaired the Portgordon Community Trust (PCT) died suddenly at his home on April 10. He was 61.
His commitment to driving Portgordon forward was long-standing and well-respected and included the ongoing drive to bring the village’s harbour into community ownership.
PCT vice-chairs Sonia Lawrance and Rainer Herbert paid tribute to Mr Murray’s dedication to the village which spanned more than two decades.
They said: “Portgordon and the trust are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed chair and beloved friend, Derek Murray.
“Those fortunate enough to have known him join us in mourning his loss.
“Derek was first and foremost a devoted husband to Audrey and a loving father to Molly and Rosie. He was also a cherished friend who held a special place in our hearts.
“His dedication to the former Portgordon Community Harbour Group, now the Portgordon Community Trust, was exemplary. Over the past 21 years, Derek approached his responsibilities with tireless effort and unwavering determination, gracefully confronting each challenge that arose.
“As a key figure heavily involved in the Harbour Gala and various initiatives aimed at the development of the harbour, Derek held positions of chairman, vice-chair, and director, leaving an indelible mark on our village. His gentle and thoughtful approach, coupled with his vast experience in local government, made him a mentor to all who had the privilege of working with him.
“In essence, Derek was the keel, guiding us through both trials and triumphs.
“We are committed to honouring Derek's remarkable legacy and ensuring that his passion for community lives on within us.
“During this difficult time, we humbly ask for your continued support as we navigate this tragic loss together.
Local councillor Marc Macrae spoke of his shock at hearing the news of Mr Murray’s passing.
He said: “It came as a great shock when I heard of Derek’s passing, coming just a short time after the trust had led very successful workshops in the village.
“We had spoken at length about the potential for the harbour and how the village could maximise the benefit of future developments both commercial and residential.
“Derek will be very much missed, his commitment and dedication to Portgordon and the local community was second to none.
“My thoughts are with his wife Audrey, and their family Molly and Rosie, at this saddest of times. Derek was a friend to many and will be missed by so many, may he rest in peace.”
Fochabers-Lhanbryde ward colleagues Councillors Shona Morrison and Ben Williams also praised Mr Murray’s huge contributions to Portgordon.
Councillor Morrison described Mr Murray as nothing short of a “pillar of the community”.
“My deepest condolences go to all of Derek’s family and friends at this time of great loss.
“The shock of losing such a pillar of the community will be felt by so many as they come to terms with Derek’s passing. I am in no doubt that all those who knew and loved Derek will be of great comfort to each other over the coming weeks and months.”
Councillor Williams spoke warmly about Mr Murray’s “passion” for Portgordon.
He said: "I’m extremely sad to hear of Mr Murray’s passing.
“His absolute dedication to making his community a better place for all was palpable from the conversations we had, and from the passion and excitement with which he spoke about Portgordon. My heartfelt condolences go out to all those who knew him, from the members of Portgordon Community Trust to members of the community at large, but especially to his family and friends at such a difficult time."
Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead paid tribute to Mr Murray’s dedication to Portgordon, saying he would be a “big loss” to the community.
He continued: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Derek’s passing and my thoughts are of course with his loved ones, as well as his many friends in Portgordon.
“I’ve known Derek for many years as a committed and active member of the local community, and he cared a great deal about the village, which was demonstrated through his involvement in the trust and many other groups in Portgordon down the years. I’m so glad I got to see him at the recent event to celebrate the work and success of the trust to date.
“We would always have a good chat when we saw each other, especially about how our children were growing up, given that we happened to bump into each other on holiday many years ago when they were very young.
“Derek will be a big loss to Portgordon and he will be sorely missed by his family, his friends on the trust and in the wider community.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross - who previously was a councillor for Portgordon - said Mr Murray left behind him a “fantastic legacy”.
He commented: "It’s such very sad news to hear about Derek and my thoughts are with Audrey, Molly, Rosie and his many family and friends at this difficult time.
"I have known Derek for a long time, right back to when I was a councillor for the area and he was an excellent officer to deal with in Moray Council. He was an incredible stalwart of the Portgordon community and fought tirelessly to deliver improvements to the local area.
"He had been part of the community trust since its inception and his presence will be greatly missed. I saw him just a few months ago at an event in the Richmond Building where he spoke passionately about what the trust had achieved so far, and their ambitious plans for the future.
“I also enjoyed chatting to him about his own plans and it is such a shame he has been taken far too soon.
"Derek leaves behind a fantastic legacy for others to build upon in Portgordon, which is testament to how he always put his community first.
“I know his family will be struggling with his loss, but I hope they can take strength from the fondness and respect everyone had for Derek. He was a true gentleman who cared passionately about the local community and he will be sorely missed."
Mr Murray will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 23 at Moray Crematorium.
