DAVE MURRAY
Farewell Dave Murray!
It is with a heavy heart that Pixel reports on the passing of Dave Murray
Dave Murray
A Lifetime in Imaging • Dave was kicked out of university, aged 18, for playing rugby instead of studying. • He then started work as a junior salesman for Elena Mae, a Scottish photo retailer who, at the time, operated between 20-30 stores. • He then joined an independent operation called Vennal Cameras in Ayr (who are still trading). • From here, Dave took a year out, working with Cadbury/Schweppes, learning the ropes of working as a sales rep. Then, onto… • JJ Silber, looking after the traditional territory of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North East of England. • After four years with JJ Silber, Dave moved on to work under the almighty Stafford Ford at Introphoto, where he spent five years looking after both consumer - and pro-facing activities with both Jim Mackay and Mac Bills. • This post took Dave through to 1990, where he left to join (the then named) Hama PVAC Ltd. He spent a year on the road, and then came indoors to work on product management. • In 1992, he began working with Tasco, a guest brand within Hama, selling lowend binoculars and telescopes to the mass market.
T
he team at Pixel recently learned that Dave Murray, Senior Vice President, International Business Development at Celestron, has passed after a lengthy battle with cancer. We heard from Nick Grey, who had worked with Dave for many years, both at Celestron, and prior to that at Hama, where Nick was MD for more than 20 years. Nick told us: “I started working with Dave in October 1992 and quickly realised he was a force to be reckoned with. He became a rock for me over the years. Although, sometimes difficult to handle due to his strong belief that he was always right, he was often seen as awkward, self-opinionated, did I mention “Grumpy” Scotsman”. Nick continued: “I have never known anyone in my life to fight an illness like Dave with such
dignity, determination and gusto, not once letting it get on top of him or what he was doing in the 8.5 years he fought the illness. I’m sure many of you will agree his spirit for life itself and wildlife was infectious. I think it would be fair to say Dave’s knowledge and inspiration is hard to follow, he is someone that we have all been proud to be associated with, indeed, everyone who met him, had their lives enriched a little by him. He will be truly missed by all of us here at Celestron Global Ltd. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dave’s wife Jacqui and his son Andy at this difficult time”. Dave’s funeral took place at the Thatcham Crematorium on Friday 2nd September. Thoughts and condolences from the Pixel offices are with Dave’s family and friends.
• It was at this time that Nick Grey joined Hama, and together they pushed the Tasco brand far and wide. Their efforts were not enough to protect the US operation from entering Chapter 11, ultimately leading to Hama’s alliance with the Celestron brand. • Dave continued to work with Hama and Celestron through till… • August 2013, when he left Hama to take a role at Celestron. Initially a European Sales role, it quickly developed into an all-encompassing role, taking care of the international division (with a team of two). • That takes us through to today, with Dave heading up the new Celestron Global Ltd operation with the title of Senior Vice President International Business Development.
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