Gregory Murray Pickworth

Knowing Greg for nearly 4 decades, I have, like so many others that he touched, been left speechless and heartbroken by the tragedy of his death. We had only just welcomed in the new year, and there was so much living to look forward to in 2026. In years past, we walked and worked alongside each other …sharing life, homes, and communities that became and still are intertwined. We had a friendship and respect that endured time and many challenges. Life in his presence was definitely more vibrant and a bit more chaotic….like the eye of the storm. And yet Greg’s energy and commitment to a task were absolute. He was a mere mortal, treading lightly and living only by the grace of God… his words, not mine. I am forever grateful for all that was learned in his presence and because of our mutual commitment to sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. But mostly there was the ‘delight'

I watch the posts and appreciate as another is added, and I write a little in order to help myself process Greg’s sudden and complex death, with the intention of at some stage getting to today and add my words to this tribute page. Thank you for this choice to give us all the opportunity to speak. My deep condolences to Julia, Simon, their families, and to all of us who loved Greg. My concern for the Yarra Valley BK community. I first meet Greg at the Brisbane BK Centre 2002. Soon after he invited me to use Woodstock Street as my town house in exchange for watering the garden. I was commuting to Brisbane from Boonah for work. Greg has since accommodated so many of us in his beautiful homes. He was living in Sydney and contributing his design skills to the renovations at Wilton. As mentioned by others we will continue to be grateful and uplifted by his creations. The spaces where the

Dear Greg, It was always a beautiful sunny day when I stayed with you in Brisbane, clean blue sky with pure white clouds. Were you looking at the beautiful sky when you were fixing the roof? Then, you accidentally fly to the sky. I miss you, dear friend, when I look at the beautiful and sunny sky because you are now there. 2016, was the first time I met you. You looked serious, and I guess that you didn't like to laugh heartily. You had eyes with smart and rational spots, prudent and careful but friendly and kindly. You asked me, can you make dumplings? Of course!!! We made many dumplings and vegetable soup. You were happy and ate a lot of food. You ate the broken dumpling wrappers with chill sauce and said “This is good, this is good!” I wish to cook for you again, in your wood kitchen with big window. But, you are not here any more. Now, you are part of the Light and nature, you step

The Pickworth family have been connected to my family for at least 70 years when we became neighbours to Greg’s grandparents, Mr and Mrs Murray. Later Greg and Camille lived in the house. Greg shared a love of classic cars with my father who helped Greg work on MG TC. Greg was one of the few people to whom Dad lent tools as Greg always returned them. Greg was a talented architect who converted our 2 bedroom house into a spacious 4 bedroom home. Every day I am grateful for his clever design. Greg did a similar transformation on his own house adding a bedroom wing and enlarging the living space to make a light filled home. Greg also designed an extension to my parents’ home which was built by both our fathers. The addition blends in with the original plan of the house - another example of Greg’s prowess as an architect. Greg was a quietly spoken thoughtful man. He was determined. Gr

Ive been reading some of he heart felt reflections on Greg…all seemed to have a thread of gentleness; a kind hearted man who loved a chat, a chai and community. Ive known Greg for many years but since being at Wilton Ive gotten to know him on a deeper level. He shared some regrets in life, a deep love and pride for his family, being an architect, work colleagues and a beautiful comfort in being part of the BK community. When he visited WIlton in the Winter months, each morning he would come down stairs at 5am and put the fire on, and each morning we would be greeted with a warm space to come together over breakfast. It was the small things that make a difference. He would sit for hours in the dining room, chai in hand, laptop close by and just be, and whoever wanted to come and have a would do just that. Much love to you dear Greg, you are appreciated so much and this will be ligh

When I first arrived in Leura Retreat Centre, in 2001, Greg was in a meeting in the Manager's cottage. I was walking in the garden outside. Greg turned to look at me. In that moment, I felt "I know this person". Beginning to connect with Greg, I found him to be very respectful, caring and accepting of me. Being new to this country's culture, I really needed this. I consulted with him about how to improve the kitchen space and how to make the food storage area mouse and rat proof! While spending a year at the Wilton Retreat Centre, I would enjoy Greg's frequent visits, and he would enjoy Matthew's morning coffees and afternoon chai with Siu Wan's madeira cake. Once, when Greg drove from Wilton to Goulburn to meet up with his daughter and her friend, Matthew told me to accompany him. On that journey, Greg played loud music in the car and sang along! Seeing this liberated side of him , a

Dad was a unique individual. He could see & feel beauty & energy from the smallest simplest cups of tea, views, ideas, structures or nature. He was quirky, different & unusual. "If we were all the same it would be pretty boring right Dad?" A life of creativity through his architectural & project design. He was still advising, creating & helping right up to the end. He had a natural curiosity & inquisitiveness towards life, & certainly drove his love of travel & adventure. He & I were lucky to have travelled together (UK, France, Italy, Peru & Myanmar) Our adventure to Machu Picchu he loved, albeit the combination of altitude & stomach bug nearly saw us both off. We saw Burma during the brief window the country was "open" to experience the wonders, sights, temples & majesty. The picture above taken at one of our favourite coffee spots in Manly, we used to share a run, swim & coffee down t

I will share some stories briefly which highlight the unique personality that Greg was/is. A long time ago the BKs were invited to start a meditation room at a still-in-renovations site in CBD Sydney. Greg joined for an on-site visit to see the space. The space was small. His creative mind kicked in and he visually described how to optimise the space. Soon after he produced incredible drawings. The second story is when we were having a social afternoon (high tea!) at the BK Illawarra retreat centre. I was tasked with doing club sandwiches (very fiddly). Sr Morni allocated Greg as my "assistant". He was so respectful; listening to the instructions and so gentle, checking in if he was doing OK. There were many beautiful sides to Greg! What stood out most for me was his ability to beautifully balance being mature (sort of serious) with being as playful as a child. He was forthright bu

Firstly, Condolences to Simon and Julia. I was a close friend to Gregee. I knew him 25 of years, travelled with him overseas, lived with him in Pratten Street, he’d come and stay with me in Leura whenever he’d visit Sydney, yep we was buddies. He was intelligent, insightful, witty, kind and adolescent at times. He’d joke that he was “on the spectrum” but indeed he was!! (Didn’t bother to analyse what PD 😝 ) He was a friend. I’m missing him daily. Hard to believe he’s flown away. I think the world has lost a unique shining light. A story that embodies Greg, I stayed with him some months. I gave him some feedback of how to make the attic more comfortable. For six months he was sending me photos of the improvements he’d made. So much enthusiasm “mama mia “ was one of his sayings. Another, the local Cancer Charity had acquired a house and property. Her met them and then spent some weeks,

With a quiet presence and a deep inner world, my dear spiritual brother Greg moved through life as both an architect of spaces and a contemplator of truth. He listened more than he spoke, and when he did, his words were thoughtful, kind, and purposeful—like the lines he drew. He loved simple rituals: good coffee, warm chai, and moments of stillness where reflection unfolded. In these moments, his humble and observant soul shone through. He offered so much of his creative gift selflessly to the Brahma Kumaris retreat centre, a place of spiritual learning and silence that became his home in his final chapter. Through his work, he shaped spaces that will continue to support many souls on their inner journeys. His service lives on in every corner he designed with care. Though he left suddenly, there is a sense he departed in peace, surrounded by spiritual family. His presence remains—woven i