William and Robert Murdoch ’60 (Lake’s)

Commemorating the service of father and son
Saturday’s Chapel service, following a meeting of the Board of Governors on Friday, presented an opportunity for the School community to give thanks to the late William Murdoch and his son Robert Murdoch ’60 (Lake’s) for their combined four decades of service to Shawnigan as governors.

Jay Connolly offered an eloquent introduction to Mr. Murdoch and put into context for the student audience the significance of the names on the Chapel plaques and the legacy to Shawnigan of those commemorated. “It’s difficult when you’re young to appreciate the legacy of people long gone before you arrived, because it’s hard to see the connection to your life,” he said. “But I hope each of you at some point in your school career will come up here and sit for just a couple of minutes and think about the idea behind the words etched into these commemorations. The plaques record and preserve the names of leaders and servants who have made a significant difference to the life of the school.”

Following Mr. Connolly’s introduction, Mr. Murdoch took to the podium to make his own speech. He talked about his memories of two legendary Shawnigan figures commemorated on nearby plaques—Eleanor Stanton, the School’s first head matron, and Eric Ellis, the School’s first chaplain—describing them as “Two people who dedicated their lives to Shawnigan and who are remembered in this beautiful chapel—the heart and soul of our School.” He also paid tribute to his father, the late Bill Murdoch, a governor of Shawnigan for 17 years, explaining, “He would be, as I am, deeply honoured to have our names inscribed among these great contributors to Shawnigan.”

He applauded the quality of the singing in Chapel and wrapped up his speech by offering his listeners a few final thoughts about what Shawnigan has meant to him. “First, it’s about place—a lasting connection to one of the most beautiful places in the world. And you’re sitting in its oldest building and most spiritual place. I always come here when I visit Shawnigan and feel uplifted when I leave. Second, it’s about exposure to great teachers and mentors, who certainly shaped my life—they helped make me who I am. Finally, it’s about the great friends I made when I was here. If you’re as lucky as I was, some of these people will be your friends for the rest of your life.”


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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.