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MG MG Y Type - JACK MURRAY

Dear All

I had some very sad news from Mollie Murray to say that Jack had died yesterday (24th May). He was 70.

All of us who own, or have owned, an MG Y Type will of course have known Jack either at the end of a phone or by e-mail and when he and Mollie attended Events with their wonderful YA. He was also at the majority of our Spring Runs and was ever present on the Y Register Stand at MG Silverstone, almost always with Mollie. He was a fountain of knowledge about everything Y and had been Registrar of the MGCC Y Register since its (re)formation in 1991. His records are the most comprehensive of any register of the Y including extensive information, photographs, ownership and other details of each car that he came across from his worldwide correspondents.

Jack met Mollie at Teacher Training College (as they were then known) in Coventry during the mid 1960's. Although trained to cover most disciplines Jack was primarily an Art Teacher and as most of us know he was a very creative and inspired individual with a marvellous eye for detail. Many are fortunate to have received the brilliant and individually styled Christmas Cards that he sent. These featured a drawing of each persons Y, suitably styled with Christmas Festivities and the inevitable Father Christmas, his reindeers and of course Jack's wry message.

Jack completely rebuilt his YA (UMG 290) over six years from September 1986 and took time out to attend evening classes in a range of skills necessary to undertake the project. These included welding, metal fabrication, mechanical and electrical engineering, spraying, upholstery and carpentry. Whilst certainly he possessed some of these abilities Jack was always willing to extend his knowledge.

Mollie and his two daughters Charlotte and Rebecca all played a fundamental role in Jack's life and they were all fortunate to be present at the end. Their loss is immeasurable and to all of them we pass on our love. Those who knew Jack were fortunate enough to have met someone who helped change their lives and a part of him will always be in the Y Types that they own or have owned.

Thank you Jack, our memories of you will not be dimmed by the passing of time and for all it has been a huge honour and pleasure to have known you.

Jerry
Jerry Birkbeck

For me, Jack and Mollie epitomised everything that was good about friends and old cars, especially MG Y types.
We all shall miss him terribly and our thoughts and love go out to Mollie and the girls.
With condolences and fond memories.
Keith and Rita Herkes.
MG YB
Keith D Herkes

Sad sad news.
R E Knight

Jack was probably my first contact when I first saw my MG Y at Silverstone. It was up as a private sale in the Traders Village so I went to find someone who knew a bit about Ys ... and met Jack. Later that day as I test drove it around the Silverstone Track Jack followed in his Y and took photos as we rolled into corners.

Jack was always there for me when I needed help and advice on my rebuild and although we did not always see eye to eye on the running of the main MG Car Club, I am proud to count him as a friend and advisor.

Jack, and Mollie too, thank you for everything that you have done for MG Y Types over the many years and your always kind hospitality and ever open door to MG Y owners. Jack will be sorely missed both in your family for sure, but also in the wider MG Y Family. Thank you to the Murray family for lending him to us.

Heartfelt condolences to Mollie and the girls from all MG Y owners world wide.

Paul

Paul Barrow

Jack will be very missed, as will his Christmas cards!
He was a thoroughly splendid chap and as you all know he really couldn't have been more welcoming to new members of the Y-family or more accommodating to existing members.
Sad news and some fine, apt words from Jerry.

Thanks Jack.

Cheers,
Saul.
Saul Duck

Just read the news of Jack's death. Sad news indeed and a great loss.
D MULLEN

I'm really sad to read that Jack has passed away. 10 years ago, Paul referred me to Jack when I was searching for a nice Y somewhere in the UK. Sure enough, within a couple of weeks, Jack found what was to become my beloved Y. It was then crated up and shipped to Canada. We traded funny Christmas cards until 2014. I sensed something was wrong when I didn’t receive his 2015 card… I will always have special affection and gratitude towards Jack.

Gilles Bachand

A fascinating article Giles. I'll pass all these posts onto Mollie and will advise when and where Jack's funeral will be held.
As you have all noted a lovely man whose passion for Ys was only matched by his passion and love for Mollie, his daughters, grand children and wider family. He will most certainly be missed.

Sincerely
Jerry

Jerry Birkbeck

Such sad news, our condolences to Molly and their daughters. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed. His knowledge of and enthusiasm for, everything Y type was legendary and most extensive. Although we only physically met him once, at Llanerchindda in 2014, it was obvious that his character was of a very friendly chap who had time for any one.
Could have been a better month for the world of Y types.

David & Hazel
D P Jones

I'm sad to say I never met Jack, but did exchange snail mail many years ago when the Australian Register was building. A lovely tribute by Jerry, and followed up with more examples of the actions of a lovely person.

On behalf of all the Australian Y-Typers, we offer our condolences to Jack's family, and salute his contribution to making life for others so much richer.

Vale
A L SLATTERY

Sad news, we visited Jack and Mollie every year , they always made us welcome and Jack always managed to obtain that elusive part we were seeking. Jack was unassuming and modest but was a dedicated member of the World Wide Y Type family. He will be missed. Deepest Sympathy to Mollie, Charlotte & Rebecca
Mel & Davina Fry
Y5103
Melbourne
M.H. Fry

Dear All

Mollie has kindly forwarded the details of Jack's funeral which are included below>

Monday June 13th
2.00 p.m.
Chichester Crematorium
Westhampnett Road
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 7UH
Family flowers only and as little black as possible please
We would like any donations if desired to go The Rosemary Foundation
C/o Michael Miller and Partners
27a High Street
Petersfield
GU32 3JR

Sadly it is unlikely that Jo and I will be able to make it as we will be on the Ferry returning from the EEOTY in France (if there is any petrol!). I will try and see if we can change to a morning departure though no doubt that will be unlikely.

Sincerely
Jerry
Jerry Birkbeck

Dear All.
In Jerry's absence, Charlotte has asked me to post details of Jack's Wake for those who may be able to attend after the funeral.
It will be held at;

THE DEERS HUT, GRIGGS LANE, LIPHOOK, GU30 7PD from 3.30 pm.
If people would like to come along and bring an MG they would be most welcome.
http://www.thedeershutpub.co.uk/


Sadly, Rita and I will not be able to attend as we are away, but our thoughts and prayers will be with the family.
Keith
Keith D Herkes

This thread was discussed between 25/05/2016 and 10/06/2016

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