The death occurred of John Thomas Murray better known as 'Jack' on April 29, 2019 at the Mercy Care palliative unit in Young after a short struggle with cancer.

Prior to being in the Mercy Care Palliative Unit Jack was formerly of 10 Samuel Court Young and the property 'Stanley' at Tubbul.

Jack was surrounded by his children Greg, Ann, Paul and Roger at the time of his passing.

An internment took place after a graveside service at the Young Lawn Cemetery.

Jack is survived by his wife Peg, children - Greg and Kathy, Ann and Peter Sheehan, Paul and Jeannie, Roger and Sue, brothers - Les, William and David, 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

First wife Linda, son Craig and siblings Ron, Mick, Fred, Maurice and Phyllis predeceased him.

Jack was born on June 26, 1923 at Young and was raised on the outskirts of Young in a small area known as Flea Hill.

His education was limited going to Wedallion and Tubbul schools until the age of 14 at which point he left school and started his working life.

Only days before his death Jack was reminiscing with his children about his first job.

Jack told them about being left to plough a paddock using eight horses to draw a plough. Having trouble with the lead horse he asked the owner what to do. The response was that Fred came across with a bill whip striking the lead horse which certainly made it move, but unfortunately the only thing the horses were attached to was Jack. He laughed as he told how the plough remained in position and he went flying around the paddock behind the horses.

Many men Jack's age had their work life interrupted by World War II, he enlisted in the army joining the Light Horse regiment at Goulburn until it was disbanded at which time he was given leave.

He was later recalled in 1942 to be deployed to New Guinea where he served for the rest of the war as a supply driver.

Jack never talked much about the war other than telling funny stories, one being how he managed to get on one of the first ships out when the war ended.

He knew his Lieutenant was partial to both beer and a certain type of encouragement so he saved his beer rations and gave them to the Lieutenant and got on one of the early ships out.

After returning to Australia Jack married the love of his life, Linda, on September 29, 1948 at which time he was the manager of the Services and Citizens Club.

Jack and Linda had five children being Greg, Ann, Paul, Craig (deceased) and Roger.

Jack was very lucky to draw a soldier's settlement block at 'Stanley' Tubbul where he moved the family to in 1956 after building a family home on it. He continued farming this land for many years and raising his family.

Jack was a selfless social contributor, not only to his country but to the community. In his lifetime he was Captain of Tubbul School P&C, founding member of the Tubbul Pony Club and president of the Young Turf Club and Picnic Race Club.

Jack excelled at any sport he participated in, representing in cricket, football, golf, tennis and bowls in later life. His last game of football was at the age of 45 where there was a lot of liniment used after. Jack also had a go in the boxing ring once.

One of Jack's great passions was his race horses. This started in the 1970s with a horse named Roman Lass. Not long after her produced a champion, Romulus who won 19 races, some of the highlights being the Wagga Town Plate, Warren Cotton Cup, both the Cowra and Canberra International Stakes and the Newcastle Cup.

Roman Dresser was another success story with Greg and Jack being partners in her. Jack had a superstition about the colour green where no family member was allowed to wear it on race day. Following years of success it was pointed out that he always wore a khaki green hat on race days that he was adamant was brown.

Jack had a full and successful life but there were sad times also.

The 1980s were a particularly difficult time, marked by the sudden loss of his first wife Linda in 1981 and six years later the tragic loss of his second youngest son Craig.

These two events hit Jack hard but like the soldier he was picked himself up and continued with his life showing great courage.

Whilst the lead up to death is never easy, Jack again showed his family great strength by never complaining, telling funny stories to family members and consuming lots of ice cream and apple juice and acceptance was reached not only by Jack but also by his closest family members.

So in finishing off Jack you will always be loved, admired and deeply missed by your family and friends but we take great comfort in knowing you returned to the ones you loved, admired and deeply missed.

Rest in peace Dad and give Mum and Craig a hug from us.