Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba, Horizons, no. 69, March 2024, p 8:
Fr Edward (Don) Murray: A Life Devoted to Faith, Family and Community, by Ingrid McTaggart

Edward Vivian (Don) Murray was born in Toowoomba on 24 May 1931 to Edward Ernest Murray and Mary Jean Vivian Penrose. He had two brothers, Francis and Henry.

Don attended convent schools in Charleville, Emerald and Taroom. He also attended St Mary's College Toowoomba, Quilpie State School and Downlands College.

In 1951, Don started at Pius XII Seminary, Banyo, for senior and priesthood studies. In 1955, at the request of then Bishop of Toowoomba, William Brennan, Don moved to Rome to complete his studies at The Pontifical Urban University and Propaganda College. Fr Don was ordained on 21 December 1960 at the Chapel at Propaganda Fide, Rome, by Cardinal Gregorio Pietro Agagianian.

Upon his return to the Toowoomba Diocese, Fr Don was in active ministry from 1961 to 2006. His diocesan appointments included time at Chinchilla, Stanthorpe, Dalby, Miles, Augathella, Wallumbilla and Allora. For 18 months, during his Stanthorpe appointment, Fr Don took leave as Chaplain to CBC Training College, Mulgoa. He served on the Diocesan Council of Priests from 2000 to 2006.

Fr Don retired from Allora and supplied at weekends in various parish communities in the diocese. He lived privately at Cambooya until ill health in 2019 forced him to move to Vianney Village at Lourdes Home. He died peacefully on 31 December 2023.

At his Funeral Mass, 12 January 2024, Fr Don was remembered as a pastoral and prayerful man with great love and devotion to his family. In his words of remembrance, Fr Terry Hickling described Fr Don's pastoral nature. Even while holidaying at the beach, Fr Don took time to visit former parishioners. "When visiting Warwick, driving with me in the car," recalled Fr Terry, "he would say, 'So-and-so lives here we must go and say hello'."

Dominic Murray, one of Fr Don's nephews, delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the family. "To many here today, he was Fr Don Murray; to us, his family, he was simply Uncle Don," said Dominic. He recalled many times Fr Don visited with family for big celebrations or dropping in while passing through town. The last gathering Fr Don attended with family was for a great nephew's birthday. He enjoyed wine, food and catching up with many family members. "He finished the evening with a huge smile, declaring it was the best party ever!"

In Horizons Issue 58, on the occasion of his 60th Anniversary of Ordination, Fr Don humbly observed, "There is nothing particularly remarkable about my priesthood, just a fairly ordinary life." Judging by the number of people gathered to celebrate and remember his life, Fr Don underestimated the impact his ministry had on family, friends, and parishioners.