LATE MR RALPH WOOD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 61, 10 February 1936, Page 6

LATE MR RALPH WOOD.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. ' EULOGY BY MINISTER. A largely attended memorial service in connection with the tragic passing of Mr Ralph Wood on the '} ararua Ranges was held in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, yesterday afternoon. Appropriate hymns and prayers and Scripture readings were included in the service, and Rev.‘John Hubbard spoke feelingly of the loss the community had sustained in the death of Mr Ralph. He said: “We'ineet today under the shadow of a great loss, for in the'passing of Mr Ralph Wood the community has lost one of its first and most promising young men. Of generous personality, intellectually, keen, conscientious in a marked degree and of sympathetic understanding, Mr Wood had already won a place for himself in the optical profession, and the esteem and goodwill of his colleagues and the general public. Had he been spared he would certainly have achieved a very high place in the field of optometry to which he- had put his hand.

“Like all young men of the right outlook in life, Ralph Wood had a great desire to keep physically fit. He felt his sedentary occupation demanded that he should fit himself physically by joining a tramping club where congenial company, bright fellowship and the spice of adventure would enable him to achieve his desired objective. It was while so engaged that he met his death, a victim of the unprecedented hurricane that swept this city last Sunday. “I would remind you that Ralph Wood was the worthy son of a worthy father. By his skill, industry and devotion to his duty, lie was doing much in the service of the city. He was a devoted father and husband, seeking to build into his home those abiding things that make for good citizenship and an exalted national life. He was a staunch unswerving friend, kind, generous, unselfish, faithful and true. He loved greatly and gave greatly and therefore himself was greatly respected and loved. I would have you believe that this is not the end of Ralph Wood. Death is not tlie end of everything. Death is not tlie end of anything. It is hut a vivid moment .in the enterprise of living. They wait for us on the other side. His immortal self has laid aside the mortal garment in preparation for greater tasks and higher climbs. Ours is the grief but his the great reward. We who have loved liim will not forget him. One day beyond these shadows We will greet him in the brightness of the morning unto the blessed gladness and which meeting may God in His mercy bring us.” Mr Hubbard paid a tribute to the various tramping clubs that- had immediately responded to the call to render assistance under very trying circumstances, and extended to Mrs Ralph Wood, Mr J. R. Wood and family the sympathy of the- city in their sad loss.