Leura, NSW, Australia
Howard Murphet's Passing
Howard Murphet passed from
his body on 28 September 2004 (the birthday of Shirdi Sai
Baba).
His passing was peaceful
while he was alone with his son Richard.
Howard Murphet played a
remarkable role in bringing news of the Avatar to tens of
thousands of people throughout the world through his series
of books on Swami and His teachings, and his personal
experiences with Him.
Howard was also active in
the early establishment of the Sai Organisation in
Australia.
Thousands of people treated
him as a personal and loving friend.
On behalf of all Devotees
in Australia I express our gratitude for a life well lived,
in helping so many along their spiritual path.
May his soul be at rest
with the Giver and Receiver of all things.
Attached is a summary of
the proceedings at the funeral on Tuesday, 5 October 2004
prepared by Chrystabel Carter, of Bathurst Centre, NSW.
Yours, in Sai service
Sgd. Neville Fredericks
Central Coordinator, Australia
Sathya Sai Organisation Australia & Papua New Guinea
"Coachwood"
1 Jamberoo Mountain Road
Robertson NSW 2577
11 October 2004.
Howard Murphet's Funeral
5 October 2004
— by Chrystabel Carter,
Bathurst Sai Baba Centre
On 28 September 2004,
Howard Murphet's spirit left his body. As many of you
know, Howard reached the age of 97 years, and first came
to Swami in 1965, on his spiritual quest. On meeting
Swami in a house in Madras, he knew he had found his
Sadguru. Since that time Howard has a written a number
of books, including the renowned Sai Baba, Man
of Miracles. His funeral was held on a
sparkling spring day at Leura Memorial Gardens, in
Sydney's Blue Mountains, on Tuesday 5 October. Both his
immediate family and his Sai family attended to honour
his passing, and celebrate his life.
Guests were invited to sign
a memorial book before the service commenced. Numerous
beautiful bouquets of flowers were also brought to rest
beside his casket. Sita, his carer for the last 10 years of
his life, handed out rose petals for people to place beside
Howard.
Neville Fredericks (Central
Coordinator of the Sai Organisation in Australia) led the
service, thanking people who attended, particularly those
who had travelled long distances, as many people had made
the journey from interstate. He introduced all speakers and
singers who participated in this celebration of Howard's
remarkable life.
Wendy Cameron sang a song
of devotion; this was followed by two eulogies. The first
was from Howard' son, Richard Murphet. He spoke lovingly of
the relationship he developed with his father over the past
20 years, speaking of their shared love of poetry. He read
Howard's favourite poem, John Masefield's "I must go
down to the sea", as a tribute to his father. He also
encouraged us all to read "Mort D'Arthur",
which deals with the death of the legendary King Arthur, as
Howard felt that King Arthur's death reflected an honourable
way to die. When thanking a handful of people who had
impacted Howard's life, Richard gave his first thanks to
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, for the peace and
contentment that he brought to his father's life.
Ron Farmer gave a moving
and personal eulogy, which was spoken directly to Howard in
the first person. He reflected upon Howard's spiritual
journey, from the Theosophical Society to Swami. In those
early days Howard made many car trips with Swami. Ron also
spoke of his skill as a writer and his capacity so late in
his life.
Linda and Christian
Mushelknautz sang the beautiful hymn "Amazing Grace"
to further lift our spirits. Following this, Arthur Hillcoat
spoke In Memoriam, talking of his personal
experience and friendship with Howard. He drew attention to
the spiritual principle that we never die and that Howard
remained a part of each of us.
Krishnan Nair spoke of the
profound impact Howard had upon his life in bringing him to
Swami. When Howard travelled to Malaysia to write one of his
books, Krishnan travelled to sit at his feet each evening to
hear the magical and wondrous tales and teachings of the
Avatar Howard had met, Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Lawson Sai Centre led two
bhajans "Take my hand in your own" and "Bolo Bolo
Sab mil bolo". All attendees then sang the Asathoma
Prayer. Blaise Murphet, Howard's 20 year old grandson, lit a
candle to represent the lighting of the funeral pyre. This
was a very touching and special moment.
Moyia O'Brien completed the
service by speaking of her long friendship, and reminding us
of Howard's important role in bringing Swami and his
teachings to so many of us. After this, 9 Gayatri Mantras
were played from a Prema Deval recording. The Murphet family
then left the chapel, followed by the guests.
To further celebrate
Howard's life, all were invited to a wake at the Carrington
Hotel, Katoomba. Over refreshments that included Devonshire
tea and sandwiches, people came forward and told their own
stories of their experiences with Howard. Each of these
people then lit a candle.
It was a fitting
celebration for this extraordinary man who was instrumental
in bringing knowledge of Swami and his teachings to all of
us here in Australia. His family were touched to hear such a
broad range of people speak of their father and grandfather
with such love and admiration.
