Murray GUNN Obituary

My sincere condolences go to the nieces and nephews of Murray Gunn. He was an unforgettable man, one who has left a huge imprint on many people. At least twice a year and for many years up to 1968, my family would stay at his Hollyford Camp. We 4 kids would relish the thought of catching his horses with loaves of bread and riding them for the duration of our holiday.One year we 4 children took his loaded pack horses down to Joe Driscoll a track cutter, and were washed out and marooned with Joe for a week before being able to cross the river again to get back to the camp. Needless to say our parents were very worried!. It was a scary yet memorable experience We also worked in his little store for him.I recall Della Reese among others bellowing from his living area. Also his beloved dog Puddles was a treat.Murray introduced me to my future husband who was a helicopter pilot flying in the area and consequently I moved to USA to marry him.45 years later I hold Hollyford Valley as my most special place in the whole world. I can't wait to return there. Murray was such a character. I remember him chasing me up the back steps to his area and I banged my nose on his meat safe...forever reminding me of my beloved Hollyford( with a partial broken nose that was never fixed)!May God Bless the memory of this amazing man Murray Gunn!

We visited Murray (Gunner) at Gunns Camp, back when we were commercially fishing out of Milford, many years ago
now. A magic place, well set up, also
stayed in one of his huts. Murray liked a yarn over a cup of tea, and showing you around his Camp.
We had met a lovely couple, Norm & Mavis Millar, whilst working in Milford, who arrived there, in their yacht "Starlight" whom Mavis later wrote a book. We had a day off from fishing, and took Norm & Mavis into Gunns Camp to meet Murray & have a cuppa with him. They truly enjoyed their day with Murray.
Murray had his little identities around, one being cooked toast pegged on a line outside.
I thought it was probably for the birds, & asked WHY the toast?
Murray came back with, "The Reason is,
there is no Reason, & thats the Reason why". I said "well fair enough," & another cuppa. A saying I remember to this day, and often quote myself. Murray had a unique way of keeping his drinks cold, in a milk crate sitting under a running creek. Also remember Murray's Horse with the very swayed back, {painted on both sides in huge white letters} On one side HORSE, and on the other side COW, I think, so it could be seen at night, if anyone was hunting. Horse sadly died a few years back. Trevor is a very distant Relative on the Willetts side.
The Hollyford was well known because of
Gunns Camp, and Murray will always be well remembered for that. RIP Murray.
Trevor & Debbie

Do not follow where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail..
This you have done Murray..RIP with McScratch

In early 2003 I stayed at Gunn's Camp with the Gore Tramping Club. I was moved by the support and commitment of the half-dozen friends and acquaintances of Murray, who were staying with him, caring for him, and assisting in running and maintaining the camp, which he was no longer able to do on his own. It was obvious that they strongly valued Murray, the Camp, and desired for him to remain in his lifelong home, if they could make it happen.
I am a tramper, and have massive thanks and respect for the Gunn family and folks like them, who have made their homes in the mountains, beside the unforgiving rivers, and provided an interface between those of us living in more populated civilisation and these precious places.
Karyn Brailsford (nee Read) Christchurch