OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25954, 7 November 1949, Page 8

OBITUARY

FATHER J. W. KEANE The Rev. Father John William Keane died at Christchurch yesterday, after a long illness. Father Keane was the elder son of Mr and Mrs M. Keane, 48 Coronation street, Spreydon. Born on May 3, 1919, Father Keane was educated at the Sacred Heart Parish School, Addington, and at St. Bede’s College. Papanui. In 1935 he began his ecclesiastical studies at the Holy Cross Seminary. Mosgiel, and was ordained to the priesthood on November 23. 1941, in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, by Bishop Brodie. After his ordination, he served for some time as assistant-priest at Rangiora. Hokitika, and Hawarden. It was while he was stationed at Hawarden that his health began to decline. The office for the dead and Solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul will be celebrated in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 9.30 a.m. to-morrow. Bishop Lyons will preside at the throne and will give the final absolutions.

MR W. C. GEE

Mr Walter Coster Gee, the oldest surviving member of a pioneer Christchurch family, died at his home at 53 Marama crescent, St. Andrew’s Hill, on Friday, after an illness of about two months. He was SI years old.

Mr Gee was born on the site now occupied by the Market Hotel. Seven generations of'his family have lived in New Zealand. His father, grandfather. and great-grandfather all came to New Zealand from London in the early ’fifties, and Mr Gee was himself a great-grandfather. Although he did not enter much into public life. Mr Gee was a popular figure among his business associates. He was in business in Christchurch for many years as a manufacturer of blinds. In 1881 Mr Gee married Miss Helen McFarlane, of Christchurch, who died three years ago. shortly after they had celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. Mr Gee is survived by two daughters. Mrs H. H. Telford and Miss Constance Gee. both of Christchurch, and three sons. Mr W. D. Gee. of Charteris Bay, Mr S. R. Gee. of Auckland, and Mr G. M. Gee, of Christchurch.

MR F. LAMONT

(New Zealand Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, November 6.

Mr F; Lamont, the chief sub-editor of the “Southland Times,” died suddenly at his home. Leet street, on Saturday evening. Mr Lamont, a native of Cumberland, England, gained newspaper experience in Greymouth and Christchurch. Mr Lamont, who was 55, came to New Zealand as an infant. He was one of the first journalists to interview Guv Menzies on the memorable first solo flight from Australia to New Zealand. He is survived by his wife and daughter, several brothers, and one sister.

CAPTAIN S. O. OSWALD

(New Zealand Press Association.) WELLINGTON. November 5.

The sudden death has occurred in England of Captain S. O. Oswald, well known for many years as a master of the Shaw Savill and Albion Company’s ships in the New Zealand trade. Captain Oswald joined the Shaw Savill Line in May, 1917. and was appointed to command in November, 1932. His most recent ship was the Mataroa.