I have just received the sad news from Bill Rowe, that Murray "Muzza" Oates passed away at 0930 this morning. Murray was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a couple of years ago and his battle has finally come to and end.

Murray was a bit of a devil in his younger days, but as he matured he was still a bit of a devil, but a very skilful one. I served with him in Parramatta, in the mid 80's. I would say he was a bit of a rough diamond, didn't mince his words and didn't mind rolling up his sleeves and hooking in to get a job done. He was an excellent steamer and when I left Parra as Chief Tiff, Murray was being trained for his Engine Room ticket, as a Kellick. He was a damn good operator and maintainer!

After paying off from Pussers, he continued in the steam industry, doing boiler inspections and maintenance in many factories, plants etc throughout Victoria. Some years ago, Murray met Cathy, who managed to settle Murray down. Then, a couple of years ago, Murray & Cathy had paid off their house, Murray retired and they planned on doing lots of travelling. Sadly about the same time, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and their only journey was for extensive treatment involving chemo and radiation.

I not only had the pleasure of serving with Murray, but also had the honour of being a long time member of his circle of friends. My deepest condolences go out to Cathy, Murray's kids and all his friends.

Murray will be sadly missed, but he will never be forgotten.





RIP Murray, your watch is done.

_________________
Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).

I was at Lonsdale and, I think, Melbourne, with Murray. He got into more strife than NedKelly (not our Ned) but always managed to steer clear of any serious trouble.

He worked hard and played hard.
I used to catch with him every Anzac Day for a couple of beers at the Māori Chief Hotel in South Melbourne after the March for at least the last 15+ years.
I missed this year and feel sad that we didn’t get to have that last Anzac Day beer.
Once a friend, you were a mate for life.
Rest easy Murray, your job here is done.

_________________
Peter Sneddon
R95971
Ex CPOMTH4
18th JR Intake
23rd MOBI Intake
Jan 67 to July 91
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Sydney, Perth, FMP-W, Stuart, Penguin/Ships Divers course, Stuart, Lonsdale, Melbourne, Kuttabul, Cerberus, Stuart, Swan, Nirimba/ Q course, Cerberus, CPSO-M

Didn't know this man but it is always sad to hear of the passing of shipmates as such.
RIP Muzza.

_________________
Graeme 'Smiley' Rhodes
R94714
Ex-CPOMTP(D)5
Jan'65 Leeuwin Intake (10th) - Jan'66 Nirimba Intake (20th)
Jan'65 to Mar '88
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Stalwart, Samarai, Lae, Penguin, Curlew, Buccaneer, Navy Office, Barbette, Cairns, RANTTU (based in Port Moresby), Stirling, Bunbury.

Here is the streaming link for anyone wishing to view Murray's Funeral on December 2, at 1400.

https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outl ... reserved=0

_________________
Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).

The funeral of the late Murray Oates is to be held this Friday at 1400 at the Hidden Valley Country Club, Wallan.

Be a sad day.

_________________
Peter Sneddon
R95971
Ex CPOMTH4
18th JR Intake
23rd MOBI Intake
Jan 67 to July 91
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Sydney, Perth, FMP-W, Stuart, Penguin/Ships Divers course, Stuart, Lonsdale, Melbourne, Kuttabul, Cerberus, Stuart, Swan, Nirimba/ Q course, Cerberus, CPSO-M