Una Murray, who won the hearts of many with her endearing personality and love for others, died on Wednesday after a short illness in Sigatoka.
By RACHNA LAL
Una Murray, public relations manager at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, with her endearing personality and love for others had won the hearts of many.
Therefore, her death has created a vacuum in the lives of many, including her family, friends and colleagues.
Ms Murray, who worked at both Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji and the previous, Reef Resort for 32 years, died at the Sigatoka District Hospital on Wednesday after a short illness.
Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji general manager, Peter Hopgood, said Ms Murray’s ready smile and perpetual good humor were synonymous with the resort.
“She was public relations manager for as long as anyone can remember and I can comfortably say that she knew every person of note in Fiji,” he said.
“Presidents, Prime Ministers, foreign dignitaries and sporting stars all took the time to drop by the resort and catch up with our beautiful Una.”
Una’s legacy
Mr Hopgood said one of Ms Murray’s legacies can be found in the cocktail list of the resort’s Vakavanua Lounge and it reflects her love of life and her passion for dancing.
“It is the Una’s Boogie Boogie cocktail. Even at the age of 70, you would find Una at the Vakavanua Lounge partaking of a glass of red and having a ‘boogie boogie’ with our guests,” he said.
Ms Murray’s personality and her love of life made her an icon of the media in Fiji.
In her role as public relations manager, she was always able to get her stories through to editors and media representatives.
Her contribution to the tourism industry was acknowledged when she was named winner of the Frontliner of the Year at the 2008 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Reflections by Shaw
Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji chief executive and chairman, Geoffrey Shaw, reflected on the life lived by Ms Murray.
“Una joined the then Reef Hotel on Fiji’s Coral Coast in 1981 as public relations manager,” he said.
“She transitioned to Outrigger on the Lagoon ∙ Fiji, built on that old Reef site, during construction of the resort in 1999.
“She helped to keep our industry partners, employees and past guests abreast of project developments through her contributions to our regular Vuvale News letter over that time.
“As part of the opening team in 2000 she excelled in positioning our property through her extended media contacts and her eager interaction with our guests.”
Mr Shaw described Ms Murray said someone who possessed a richness and depth of character giving freely of her time, enthusiastically engaging with dignitaries, guests and staff alike.
“We are the poorer for having lost an industry icon, a passionate professional and a person of real worth,” he said.