Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Murray was born in Renmark, SA, to parents William Richardson and Ellen (nee Kenny).  He had two younger brothers, John (deceased as a small child) and Desmond Haig (born 1929).  Ellen owned and managed a hotel in Mt Gambier SA up until her death from breast cancer when Murray was nine years of age and Desmond was five.  Their father "Bill" had left the family home some time before this time and was wandering around South Australia and Victoria taking odd jobs.  Upon the death of Ellen, Bill returned only to tell the little boys he was in no position to take care of them and again left, never to be seen by the children again.  They were effectively orphaned and were institutionalised in the Catholic orphanage system.  Two old maiden aunts (Sis and May) fought the system to ensure the boys were not separated when the church moved to adopt the younger boy out.  

Upon completion of his senior education, Murray worked until he joined the Navy at 18 years of age and served until he was 21.  During this time, Murray was securing Desmond's educational opportunities and was effectively his primary carer, assuming the parental role from an early age.  His early experience had made family of utmost importance to Murray and this was evident by his dedication to his brother, wife and children for his entire life.  

Following his discharge from the Navy, Murray followed the Coal Mining Industry as a Shovel and Dragline Operator around SA, NSW and QLD and supported Desmond during his completion of a Tertiary Education.  

In 1954/5, Murray purchased a grazing block (3,700 acres) on Beelbee Road, near Kogan Qld.  Soon afterwards, Desmond and his family (wife Cynthia and daughter Carinya) purchased the block next door.  In 1956, Murray met Ethel Elizabeth (Betty) Graham at Dalby.  In 1957 Desmond Michael Richardson was born at Dalby and was followed by Kathleen Mary Richardson in 1958.  During the time as a grazier, Murray also worked full time at the local sawmill, which was located on his property, to supplement his income.  Both brothers raised their families at Beelbee until a severe drought whereby Desmond took a job with the PMG and moved to Brisbane in 1970 and Murray took a job as a Dragline Operator with Thiess Brothers at Blackwater Qld soon after.  

Murray remained in the mining industry until a forced retirement on his 60th birthday, after which he worked at a small tin mine in North Queensland before taking up a position on a large cattle station near Moranbah Qld.  He remained in this position until he was 68 and ill health (cancer) forced him to return to Dysart until his death in November, 1993.  (Betty passed away in Dysart Qld in 2006 aged 80 years.)

Murray was a very honest, hard working man who remained committed to his family and friends until the end.  He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather to his immediate family and remained very close to his brother and niece throughout his life.  He had a great love of history and Irish music and had a wonderful sense of humour.  He was very gently and loved animals and would not tolerate any cruelty.  He is still very much loved and sadly missed by his children and grandchildren.