Tributes have been pouring in from across the industry for the former Mortgage Finance Gazette and Lending Strategy editor John Murray who died last week.

Murray had a brief spell in journalism at the start of his career in the late 1960s before moving into financial PR.

He worked for Sun Alliance & London Insurance Group and later at the Distributive Industry Training Board before joining the Building Societies Association (BSA) in 1982.

He managed corporate communications and ran events for the trade body until 1999 when he decided to return to journalism as a freelancer.

In 2000 he took up the reins as editor of Mortgage Finance Gazette, where he remained until 2006.

That year he was headhunted to launch Lending Strategy, which has since closed, but was then a sister title to Mortgage Strategy.

Murray stepped down as a full-time editor in 2009 in order to pursue other interests, but continued to contribute to the industry press and work as a consultant in the mortgage sector.

A few years later he retired from mortgages entirely in order to travel and pursue his interest in creative writing.

Murray wrote three novels, the first of which, Elvis and the Virgin Mary, he published in 2015.

Former colleagues and industry associates have been sharing their admiration for Murray and his work.

StepChange head of media Sue Anderson worked directly with Murray at the BSA and later dealt with him as a journalist in her role as a PR for the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Anderson says: “While most people will remember John primarily for his journalism, I also remember him as my very first line manager when I joined the BSA back in 1990, and the many happy times spent working on the weekly and monthly newsletters, as well as conferences, before he departed for the Mortgage Finance Gazette. 

“We bonded over subversive humour and dogs; John was gaga for his beloved German Shepherd, and understood completely when I spent an embarrassing day largely in tears during my probation period when my black Labrador died. 

“John was a fixture of the mortgage scene for decades, and will be missed.”

Air Cover PR founder James Staunton also remembers Murray’s humour and kindness to junior staff.

He says: “John was a super chap. Some journalists wear rudeness to PR people on their sleeves like a cub scout badge. 

“Not John. Despite the fact I was in my early twenties at the time I first met him – and didn’t understand the role of a broker, let alone an originator – John never showed me anything but patience and respect.  

“I was also surprised that the egomania of some mortgage big-hitters I represented washed off him. 

“I enjoyed a cheeky snifter with him on a couple of occasions despite the age gap. 

“He was a class act and I shall miss him.”

Former Mortgage Strategy editor Robert Thickett worked alongside Murray when he was editing Lending Strategy in the mid-2000s.

He says: “As a young journalist, John was a fantastic character to have around and he knew all the great and the good of the mortgage industries.

“I think he saw his editorials as an opportunity to satirise the excesses he saw in financial services at the time, in particular the then Financial Services Authority and the art collection displayed on its walls.

“He will be much missed by everyone who worked with him.”

BSA head of mortgage policy Paul Broadhead says: “I’m so sorry to hear the sad news about John. 

“He was an oracle on everything relating to the mortgage and savings market and a strong supporter of building societies, having spent over 20 years working at the BSA. 

“I have very fond memories of the time I spent with John, usually in a bar or over an extended lunch. 

“He was always knowledgeable and engaging when discussing the various policy and product innovations of the day. 

“He never tired of telling me what he thought building societies should do next! John always had a point of view, a story to back it up and a knack for writing in an amusing and thought-provoking way. 

“The thoughts of everyone at the BSA are with John’s family at this sad time.”

Others from the lending and financial PR sectors spoke of Murray’s standing in the industry.

Grey Matter marketing consultant Jeff Knight says: “John was one of the first journalists I met when I fell into the mortgage market. 

“This was at a time when mortgage news was delivered monthly, not by the minute. 

“I was always struck by how gracious John was. 

“But moreover, it was his knowledge of the mortgage market that always amazed me.

“I would love listening to his tales and anecdotes. 

“And sitting with him and the great Stephen Knight, listening, was just a great experience. A true gent.”

Lansons chair Clare Parsons was also struck by Murray’s deep understanding of the sector.

She says: “My clients always valued talking to John and hearing his opinion of their business, products, services and strategy. 

“He understood their world and they respected him for this. 

“He was someone who made sure to know the established CEOs and up-and-coming businesses and people in the industry.  

He was a good judge of character, challenged the sector when needed and was a supporter too.”

One Savings Bank group managing director for mortgages Alan Cleary says: “I always found John to be a very honorable and principled man and I offer my condolences to his loved ones.”

BClear Communications director Debbie Stavelely adds: “John was a true gent and a stalwart of the industry, he will be really missed.”

John died at home on July 14 after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife Pamela, his daughter, Natasha, his son Nicholas and his grandson, Thomas.