Murray John Telfer

Role: Patriarch of the Telfer family — Mark's paternal grandfather
Born: 24 March 1924 — Tumby Bay, South Australia
Died: 1 May 2009 (aged 85)
Occupation: Grazier and farmer, South Australia's Eyre Peninsula
Grandson: Mark Kenneth Telfer (1986–?)
Great-grandchildren: Levi, Zabella

Family

| Relation | Name |
|----------|------|
| Mother | Amy Ellen Telfer (née Provis) |
| Father | Francis Charles Telfer (1875–1954) |
| Spouse | Shirley Edna Telfer (1929–2017) |
| Children | Daryll William Telfer, John Robert Telfer, Grantley Keith Telfer, Timothy Neil Telfer (1959–?), Kathryn Mavis Telfer (1961–1965), Susan Shirley Lawrie (adopted) |
| Siblings | 9th of 10 children — including Reg, May, Eddie |

Life Summary

Murray was a grazier and farmer in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula — worked horse teams, drove Fordson tractors in tandem, cut chaff with a Hornsby oil engine. Could plough 30 acres a day with a 20-row combine.

His Christian faith was the defining thread of his life: elder at Ungarra and Tumby Bay Churches of Christ, secretary for 20+ years, Gideons International member, lay preacher, Sunday School teacher.

Stories & Memories

Well-known for his playful humour, storytelling, and a mischievous streak. As a lad, he tied two cows' tails together — one got docked. His recorded life memories (compiled by son Grantley) form the basis of the family memorial book.

Timeline

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 24 Mar 1924 | Born in South Australia |
| ~1930s-40s | School at Ungarra, then farm work |
| WWII era | Military service |
| ~1950s | Married Shirley Edna Telfer (1929–2017) |
| 1964 | Last crop at Garravale |
| 1980s-90s | Active in Church of Christ, Gideons |
| 2007 | Telfer Memorial Plaque, Pioneer Park Ungarra |
| 1 May 2009 | Passed away peacefully |

Notes

📄 Full memorial book: Family History/History/Celebrating the life of Murray John Telfer - 24th March 1924 - 1st May 2009.pdf

Written and compiled by the family — includes photos, stories, Murray's own memories (recorded by son Grantley), and tributes.

Sources

• WikiTree profile: Murray John Telfer (1924–2009) — confirms birth location Tumby Bay, SA


• Geni profile: Francis Charles Telfer (1875–1954) — confirms Murray as son of Francis Charles


• WikiTree profile: Amy Ellen (Provis) Telfer (1884–1951) — confirms Murray's mother's identity

Links

• Shirley Edna Telfer (1929–2017)


• Timothy Neil Telfer (1959–?)


• Mark Kenneth Telfer (1986–?)


• Caroline Amelia Telfer (1842–1929)


• Francis Telfer (1809–1895)


• Margaret Wright Telfer (?–1892)


• Celebrating the life of Murray John Telfer


• Family Tree