Obituary.

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3161, 4 May 1931, Page 5

Obituary.

The death tit Alexandra on Wednesday morning- of Mr J. A. O'Kane marked the passing- of one who was a popular and highly esteemed resident of Central Otago. Mr O'Kane was a son of the late Mr and Mrs James O'Kane,. of "Fvankton, Queonstown, and was born there 54 years ago. He was educated at %he Queenstown school and afterwards at the Otago Boys' High School, and later at the Ota go University j where he learned the profession of dentistry, which he followed in conjunction with his brother, Mr J. J. O'Kane. for over 30 years. Mr O'Kane was, in his earlier days, a prominent 'footballer and tennis player. He was one of the initial members of tbe Alexandra Tennis Club, and, through his energies, the suoeess. of the local c-ourts may hP largely attributed. He was a prominent bowler, and was president of the Alexandra Bowling Club from KJ23-28 and 193 C-31, and held that office at" the time of his death. He was a member of the Otago Central Executive. I fe was a keen golfer, being a member of tbe Alexandra Club from its inception, and at the laifc annual meetingbo was made a life member. Mr 'O'Kane was a sportsman in every sense of llje won), being proficient in many branches of athletics, lie was a keen swimmer, and lh his earlier days used to have a swim every morning, summer and winter, in Alexandra oaths. This is no small achievement in Central Otago, and goes to show the constitution of the man. He was p f keen angler, and a good marksman. Mr O'Kaiif.' was for tbe last four years a mendj'er of' the Alexandra Bf.jrough Council.' In the last list of justices of thu peace Mr O'Kane's name appeared. Thp deceased. who was married in Vgiy to thp eldest ilaiightpr of Mr and Mr* G. Scott. o( Alexandra, leaves a widow and two small children to mourn their loss.

Solemn requiem mass was celebrated at St. John's Roman Catholic Church at 830 a.m., on Friday, before' a hu'g/j cpngrpjg-ation, Father O'Connell being- the celebrant, flic. fl] n tT a '; which took place at 2.3 b p.m., was probably the largest and most representative yet seen in Central Otago, repr«t»Giifptjves of all the local and sports bodies beijig present to pay their last respects tij the deceased. Ma.ny wreaths also bore testimony To thp high ettpeju in which he was held. Father O'ConneJl / officiated fit the graveside.— < ( 'Times'' .correspondent.