George Murdoch
George Murdoch died suddenly whilst out for a run on Thursday evening (18th October 2007). George was a close friend to many and a very keen club member having joined the Harriers with his wife Gail over eleven years ago. His love of running saw him become a keen hill runner and after joining the club’s committee he later became our Hill Running Club Captain. George was a true gentleman and inspiration to all. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Gail and her family at this time.
George’s funeral will take place at 11.30am on Thursday morning (25th October) at Dunfermline Crematorium. Gail has asked for those attending not to wear black ties (either colourful ties or none) as the service will be a celebration of George’s life.
I have put some more photos of George HERE
I have been listening to a lot of music this week and this really struck home.
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Comments on George Murdoch
Very much saddened to hear about George. A true gentleman in every sense. Always good company, always a smiling face.
Ian Armstrong
I got to know George after meeting him at the hill races where he always had a smile and an infectious enthusiasm. I remember at the Glen Clova race with the terrible weather a few years ago, laughing with George on the start line about what was in front of us, and when I saw him later, joking about how bad it was and how we “needed our heads looked at”. My enduring memory, though, was when he supported me on the West Highland Way Race, I think he was more excited about it than me! A few miles from the end George ran along next to me, encouraging me and pushing me on when my legs just wanted to give up. Then at the end he was the first to shake my hand and congratulate me as he snapped away taking photos.
I’ll miss George, a real hill man and a real friend.
Richie Cunningham.
George – The Dad
I can remember the first training night after Lindsay was born, George’s smile was so wide it almost didn’t fit on his face.
George – The Husband
He was always supportive of Gail’s running… well almost, he did send me a few emails asking me what on earth I was up to encouraging Gail to run in the hills… didn’t I realise that it would upset the balance of Saturday hill races for George and Sunday road races for Gail!
He was always proud of what Gail achieved in her running even if he did (jokingly??) comment that Gail only had to turn up and she would win Scottish Athletics medals!
George – The Scientist
His approach to training and his schedules so important to him and they all had to be calculated to get those extra few important seconds, a perfectionist I think… oh, and it meant he could buy lots of gadgets!!
George – The Marathon Man
After Gail teased him about having never done a marathon he threw himself into the marathon challenge with his usual enthusiasm and determination…. he was determined that Gail wasn’t going to beat him… and it paid off… JUST!
George – The Competitor
Whilst he would always congratulate me at the end of races, he was always sure that one day he would beat me. His glory moment was at Creag Dhubh – he didn’t quietly sneak past me out on the hillside somewhere, instead waiting until the last 200 yards in front of hundreds of highland games spectators to whoop my ass…. how could he!!??
George – Mr Motivator
In recent times I’ve had a few emails from George quizzing me about routes and races all in the name of motivating other runners into the hills. He always wanted it to be different and interesting for all those willing to try it.
George – The Man
He was one of lifes good guys and will be truly missed by so many.
I first met George as part of his team at 2006′s Cateran Trail.It was clear to see here was a true gentleman.Getting to know George over the last 2 years was a real privilige.He was someone you would look out for at events or club training because he always had a kind word and a smile.He really made you feel at ease.He would be the first one I would single out to ask all my comlplicated Garmin questions to like “George how the hell do you turn the light on.On this thing”.George was happy to share his knowledge.Not only that how many people do you know who would literally give you the shirt of their back.Well that’s exactly what George did for me when my dry clothes went astray after 2006′s Loch Ness Marathon.When I returned the garments he even gave me a row for washing them!George will be sorely missed as a friend,club member and competitor.My deepest sympathy goes to Gail and the wee ones at this sad time.
Colin Reynolds.
George was one of the guys that made turning up on a Tuesday night worthwhile. He was always in good spirits and got on with everyone.
When I was fitter, George was always a guy I looked to measure my performance by. George was so steady! Even if he got injured and was out for a bit he got back so quickly. So, if I was ever there or thereabouts with George I knew I was doing well. Sometimes I’d finish in front of George, sometimes he’d get in front of me. But, I always knew that if George got in front of me in a race, that was that. He was tough as old boots when he was running. I got used to seeing him from the back.
He liked a competition, but he got it in perspective. It was the taking part that counted with George. George would like to beat you, but it was never personal. It was the fun of the event that mattered and George just wanted to do his best. George was always the guy to shake your hand, slap you on the back and say well done.
Its hard to imagine Carnegie Harriers without George. He’ll never be forgotten. George was the benchmark and not just at running. George might not have got quantity in his life, but he sure had quality.
PS My wife, quite rightly, gave me a row for not psoting this on the hillbillies site as a joint entry as we both are very sad right now. We can only echo Colin Reynolds, big Ian in his earlier email and all Harriers in our thoughts for Gail and the kids.
Being at the George’s funeral today was a tough experience, but one that the 50 odd Carnegie Harriers present there would not have wanted to miss. Of course I would have rather run a hundred laps of the whole Devils’ Burden in the blizzard than having our George taken away so suddenly but today’s occasion managed to be both painful and joyful, with promises to keep on running and racing, for fitness, for sanity, for the views, for a laugh and for George’s sake.
I agree with Fabienne, I would gladly run the West Highland Way in six inch stillettos if it meant we could keep George. I also realised that we are not just a running club but a family with the loss of a loved one and as a family we will be there for each other.