25
Mar
Guard of honour for Harrogate gardener and firefighter who died skiing
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Firefighters will form a guard of honour at Stonefall Crematorium in Harrogate today (March 25) for the funeral of a former colleague who died in a skiing accident in Scotland.
Shaun McMurrough served as a firefighter for 30 years and worked as a gardener in the Harrogate area for about 20 years.
He died on February 18 after a fall while skiing at Nevis Range the day before. He was 60.
In recognition of his years of service, a fire appliance will attend today’s service at 1pm and firefighters will show their respect with the guard of honour.
Ryan Cooper, Shaun’s son-in-law, described Shaun as “a respected retired firefighter, known for his dedication to both his profession and the community”.
Shaun grew up in Leeds and joined West Yorkshire Fire Service in 1987. He was based at Moortown and later at Cookridge, where he became a watch manager.
Shaun McMurrough
He moved to South Drive in Harrogate in 1990 and in between firefighter shifts he completed a qualification at York agricultural centre Askham Bryan College and became a well-known gardener in the Harrogate area.
After retiring from the fire service in 2018, he worked full-time as a gardener, which enabled him to engage in his passion for the outdoors and nature.
Ryan said:
Shaun loved being outside and spending time in the mountains, whether walking in the Lake District, exploring Scotland, or travelling further afield. He enjoyed football, rugby, climbing and skiing and embraced every opportunity to be active in the outdoors.
He was a much-loved father to his three daughters, and his son, and a proud grandfather to his two grandchildren. His family meant everything to him, and he was incredibly proud of them all.
Known for his kind nature and big smile, Shaun will be sorely missed by so many people whose lives he touched.
Today’s service takes place at 1pm.
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