Harold was one of Oldham’s finest

MUCH missed . . . Harold Murray

TRIBUTES have been paid to “one of Oldham’s finest” who served the community for years as a college governor and magistrate.

Harold Murray (62), from Werneth, recently died after a long battle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.)

He worked as an electrical engineer and served as a magistrate at Oldham Magistrates Court, from 1984 to 1996, and as a governor at Oldham College.

He leaves behind a son, Damon, and two stepchildren Natalie and Tony.

His partner of nine years, Alison Solan, who cared for him throughout his illness, said: “He was an incredible man who did many things throughout his life and always wanted to help others.

“He was a fighter, my soldier, my hero, my world, he suffered so much but never complained. We spent every minute of each day together.

“There will never be another man like Harold.”

Harold was born in Werneth to the late Harold and Edith Murray and was able to use his significant knowledge of industrial relations to help Oldham College.

Julie Davis, the college’s director of human resources, said: “It was with great sadness that we heard of his death.

“Harold was a well loved and highly respected governor in the mid to late Nineties, serving seven years as an active and highly supportive member.

“His fellow governors and those who worked with him at that time will remember Harold as a highly compassionate man with a very strong belief in equality and fairness.

“After resigning as a governor, Harold remained an active member of his local community and was a true ‘Oldham man’.

“He gave a lot to his local community and to the development of the college, now one of the top 10 per cent highest performing colleges in the country, and for this he should be duly recognised.”