His first job after leaving school was at the ANZ Bank in Kaitaia, before transferring to Mangonui. From there he went to Auckland to study accountancy at night, and to work in a bank during the day. A few doors along from his digs in Mount Eden lived "a beautiful young lady named Doreen Woods. They met at a local dance and the rest, as they say, is history," Mr Leonard said.
They lived in Blockhouse Bay for 30 years, raising daughters Heather and Joanne, and son Stephen, there, while Murray began working for Hurley Bendon, where he remained for more than over 35 years, but he remained a son of the North.
"Houhora [where he and Doreen retired to] was made for a man like Murray. Fishing, diving, hunting, boating - he knew the harbour back to front," Mr Leonard added.
"How many people he fed from that smoker was incredible; the memories of eating a mullet out of newspaper for a plate."
He shared his love of the outdoors and fishing with his children ("Famous flax darts that Murray carved names into with his trusty pocket knife") and also loved music, especially the piano accordion.
"Us kids would all groan when he cranked up Foster and Allen's Maggie (which featured as the recessional music at the service).
"It must be said, a mighty Northland kauri has fallen in our forest. He was a man we looked up to and he enjoyed his life with passion for everything he did.
"Rest in peace Murray. I know, wherever you are, there will be fun and laughter and you'll be catching the biggest snapper around. And hopefully you can play that bloody accordion properly."
Ian McHerron, former CEO of Bendon, who worked with Murray for more than 30 years, wrote of memories including Murray going to the company safe and handing each machinist $10 to tide them over the weekend when their pay packets didn't arrive.
In the 1980s he was involved in the negotiation of New Zealand and Australia's Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement, and succeeded in ensuring equal access to both markets.
"I will always remember him as an excellent and proficient manager and a tenacious and skilled negotiator without peer, who always got the job done. He was highly regarded by the industry as a whole," Mr McHerron added.
Joanne Rae told the congregation that her father had been a people's person.
"It wasn't until my teens that I realised not all fathers were like Dad. I thought that all dads sat on red velvet chairs playing a piano accordion. Dad told us he could talk to his dogs and they could talk to him. He always carried a pocket knife and empty cartridges in his pocket, and one time he was pulled up by Customs for it," she said.
"Dad had a great attitude, and always encouraged us to go for it.
"You're on the deep end of the net today Dad."
Natalie Raddock said her Pa had always inspired her to achieve great things, while granddaughters Cassidy Woods and Summer Rae read poems for their Pop and Poppa, including the advice not to sit in his chair when the "footy's on".
Daughter Heather thanked all who had supported her mother through sadness that had brought the whole family together.
Acting Far North District Council CEO Colin Dale listed Murray's numerous achievements in business, and also spoke of him as a friend.
"I must say how inspirational he was for me. He was a magnificent role model. I idolised the fulla to be quite honest. He was a real gentleman and had a constant smile," he said.
"He was full of good ideas. There was no question about his enthusiasm. I'm very proud to have known him, and we will all learn from his legacy."
