OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 109, 8 April 1936, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MR F. IV. TOSTEVIN. (From Our Own Correspondent.) • SANDON, Ajril 7. The death occurred. on Sunday morning, after a long illness, of Mr Francis William Tostevm, a well-known and highly respected resident of Sanson. Mr Toetcvin, who was a native of Guernsey Island, came to Now Zealand 25 years ago and followed farming pursuits in the Bulls district. He left, there in 1913 and joined the staff of the Manawatu County Council, by which ho was employed up to the time of his death except for a short period when he was fanning on Foxton Road. He took a keen interest in local affairs and was a staunch • member of the Motliodiat Church. Ho was conductor of the choir and was responsible for the training of the children for the anniversary service. Ho also was a teacher at the Sunday school and acted as local preacher on many occasions. He took a very active part in football affairs and was secretary of the To Kawau Rugby Sub-Union for nine rears. Air Tostovin’s interest did not stop with football; lie 'was a keen miniature rifle shot and one of the top men in the local club. The Sports Olub also claimed bis interest and lie took a prominent part in the administration rj its affairs. Ho was always ready to help any worthy object and it can be • said that he has bold at some time or another a position on every body that lias aimed at the welfare of Sanson. He was a member of the Rnngitikei Lodge of freemasons and a Past Master. When the Scout and Guide movement was revived in Sanson a year or so ago be was a keen supporter and gave lectures to flic boys and girls, as well as being a member of the committee. His helping band was always roady for those who were in trcmblo and be never, spared himself. He married a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Jus. Thompson, of Sanson, and is survived by a widow (who is a sister of Mr A. W. Thompson, Palmerston North), two daughters and otic son. The interment took place at the Saridon cemetery to-day and the wide public sympathy manifested in Mr Tostevin’s passing was shown in the extraordinary lengthy 'Cortege which followed the hearse. A service was held in the Methodist Church and this and the ceremony at the graveside were conducted by Rev. R. E. Fordyce. This whs followed by the Masonic ceremony. The pall-bearers at the church were relatives of the deceased, and at the cemetery follow-employees of the MatiU: wafu County Council who were members of tlie acted in that capacity. A large number of floral tributes were received, among which wore wreaths from the Manawatu County Council, employees of the Manawatu County Council, the To Kawau Rugby Sub-Union, Sandon Sporis Club, Sandon Miniature Rifle Association. Sandon Women’s Institute, Sandon Football Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, and numerous other bodies. MOTIONS OF SYMPATHY. At yesterday’s mooting of the Manawatu County Council a motion of sympathy with the family and relatives of the late Mr Tostevm, an employee of the council, was carried in silence. The chairman (Cr W. K Barber) remarked on the loyal service the council bad received from Mr Tostevin, who had been on the tramway staff, and his public-spirited qualities hacl made liis death a severe blow to.the township. At last night's meeting of the Manawntu Rugby Union a motion of sympathy was passed to the. relatives of the late Mr Tostcvin, who had boon secretary of the To Kawau Sub-Union for a number of years. Members stood for a brief period as a murk of respect.