Charles Murby, of Warminster, died on 30th March 1993, and was laid to rest at St. John’s Churchyard, Boreham Road, Warminster, on 6th April 1993. The following tribute, written by Eddie Stainer, was published in the May 1993 edition of Focus, the parish newsletter for Bishopstrow and Boreham:
When I was asked if I would write something as a tribute to our dear friend Charles Murby, whose recent sudden death came as a great shock to many of us, my immediate reaction was “Oh, no! I don’t think I could find the right words” – though I knew in my heart it was something I very much wanted to do, and now I am grateful for the opportunity.
How does one sum up the life of a good man? So forgive me if I use the words of William Shakespeare, who says it in very few words (where I might take a whole page!)
That best portion of a good man’s life,
His little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.
My own association with Charles goes back some 25 years or more, when for many years we were both members of the PCC, and very much involved with the life of the parish. Charles was a server, and for a number of years a Churchwarden, and continued to act as a sidesman till the time of his death.
His was an unassuming character, with his own brand of quiet humour, which endeared him to all who had to do with him. A devout Christian, with a dedicated sense of duty and loyalty; I for one am proud to have been counted as his friend.
Charles would not wish to be remembered with sorrow. His was a happy and fulfilled life, so may I conclude with the words of Mother Teresa –
“A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. Never let anything so fill you with sorrow, as to make you forget the joy of Christ arisen.”