22 Jun A tribute to Stuart McMurray

Stuart with his beloved wife Colleen.

A tribute to Stuart McMurray

It is with sadness that we note the passing of Stuart McMurray, a long-standing Safire board member, after a short illness.  A dedicated farmer, Stuart actively participated on many of the timber industry boards with the purpose of ensuring that all were looked after. Stuart was known as a man with a lively sense of humour who lived life to the fullest.

Safire CEO Pierre Bekker says, “Stuart was a founder member of the Safire Board and his wisdom and sharp mind were valuable assets to the company. It was a pleasure working with him and his contributions in the boardroom were always sound and sensible. He was a kind and generous person with a humble nature who always had time for everyone. Stuart made us laugh and together we all had a lot of fun.  I will remember our dealings fondly.”

Ruth Bezuidenhout of Safire, who worked with Stuart for many years, says, “One of my fondest memories of Stuart was, when visiting him on the farm, we used to carry out the risk survey in his old Mercedes “NO 2”.  Stuart was not one to waste money on cars and his old car doubled up as a 4×4 bakkie on the farm for many years.  Stuart referred to most business meetings as having taken place at the Top Office and if not the Top Office the Town Office. I was later to discover that the Top Office was the Mntonjaneni Pub and the Town Office the Bowling Club pub in Melmoth town!  Bowling was something Stuart enjoyed and he was good at it. Lots of fun and games took place at these events and when attending away tournaments. He was a real character, a great guy to have known and he will be sorely missed.”