KNYSNA NEWS - Arthur Murray, a well-known local with a deep love for dogs, tragically died in a collision between his scooter and a motor vehicle as he returned from a day of dog-walking at Kaws on Saturday 22 March.
Driving past the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (Kaws) on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, you may very well have seen a tall man in a chequered shirt walking one or more dogs. This would have been Murray.
On behalf of Kaws, Belinda Speed said Murray had been a dedicated dog-walker for the last few years - always the first to arrive and the last to leave.
On the days he volunteered, he made sure every dog on the property was walked - sometimes twice, just because. On the days he wasn't walking, he would often pop in with toys or treats for the dogs or cats.
"He lived alone and had no family, no kids and no wife. Every dog was his favourite and he made sure every animal knew how much it was loved," said Speed.
"He loved every animal on the property as if they were his own. Some days he would be the only walker, yet he still ensured that every single dog got a walk. His unwavering commitment, his love for the animals, staff and fellow volunteers is hard to explain. Kaws was his everything.
"Sadly, on Saturday, Arthur was killed in an accident on his scooter. He had all his Kaws stuff - his multiple leads, dog treats, toys - all still with him as he returned from his day of dog walking.
"Arthur was more than just a dog walker and volunteer. Every part of him lived and breathed Kaws. He would message his circle of friends whenever a dog or cat was adopted, or share pictures and stories of the animals up for adoption.
"For Arthur, Kaws was a place of healing - both physically and mentally. It was his solace."
Missed by animals
Speed said Kaws would miss Murray every day - his bright, welcoming smile, cheeky grin and his piercing, blue eyes. "His lavish stories about his interesting life always left us wanting more. He had the biggest, kindest heart, and the dogs, cats, staff and volunteers will forever be grateful for what he meant to us. A friend, a mentor, and a volunteer in a million."
Missed by his best friend
His long-time best friend, Michael Freund, now living in Toronto, Canada, said Murray was part of the Knysna community and touched many people's lives.
"I have been a good friend of Arts since we were four years old," Freund said. "We have frequently been in touch even though I have been in Canada over the last six years. He overcame some real difficulties in his life to become a big part of the Knysna community and touched many people's lives, as evidenced by the outpouring of emotion since his passing."
Police confirm death
Sergeant Chris Spies, police spokesperson for the Southern Cape, said a culpable homicide docket was opened on Saturday 22 March.
"Police were dispatched to a scene at Main Street, Knysna, at about 14:00. Upon arrival they found a motor vehicle and motorcycle that had collided. The victim had sustained serious injuries and was declared dead by paramedics on the scene. Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation," said Spies.
A memorial service was held for Murray at Kaws yesterday, 26 March. There will be no other memorial service.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
