VALE - Murray Wheatley

Most Vales are written about world famous people but the funeral next Friday in the small town of Heathcote will be attended by hundreds of the state’s horse people.

Murray Wheatley, a true blue, down to earth horseman and all round good bloke was known by everyone in the equestrian world, from Olympians to pony clubbers.

He evented and showjumped, was a huntsman of Oaklands Hunt Club (Vic) and a mounted marshal at Melbourne Show and Barastoc for many years. He instructed hundreds of pony club children from various Victorian pony clubs, and adult riders. He was always ready to offer advice or a helping hand and his timely (and usually humorous) advice to riders about to start a cross country course, or get back on a horse after recovery from injury, helped many.

Aside from horses he was a skilled trainer of working dogs and a CFA volunteer for 40 years.

Murray, 78, had his last ride on Father's Day this year. He refused to let prostate cancer rule his life for many years and lived life to the full. He is survived by his wife Bronwyn and daughters Kirsten and Clare. His daughters are carrying on the Wheatley riding tradition.

The funeral will be held on Friday December 7 2018 in the Heathcote (Vic) RSL Hall at 11am followed by light refreshments over the road at the Heathcote Bowling Club.