OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 2, 30 November 1944, Page 7

OBITUARY

With the death of Mr William Henry Parr, which occurred on November 18 at the age of 90 years; the Tokomaru district lost one of its oldest pioneers. Coming to New Zealand in 1874, Mr Parr first made his way to the Wairarapa district, later returning to Wellington, where he was employed for a number of years by the Gear Meat Company. He then came to the Manawatu with his wife and family and made liis home in Tokomaru, where he resided for 53 years until tho time of his passing. He always took a keen interest in the affairs of the district and was an active member of the Anglican Church. He served for a number of years as lay reader and superintendent of the Sunday school. Owing to failing health he wa.s compelled to . retire a few months ago. Mr and Mrs Parr celebrated their diamond wedding in February, 1943. The esteem in which Mr Parr was held was shown in the many beautiful floral tributes and the large attendance at the graveside. Left to mourn their loss are a widow and six daughters. Mrs Ellis (Rotorua), Mrs Ella Hokomaru), Mrs Gibbs (Feilding), Mrs Christian (Taumarunui), Mrs Hewitt (Nelson) and Mrs Hobden (Palmerston North), and also five sons, William (Palmerston North), Stuart (Owhango), Cecil and Mervyn (Shannon), and Harold (Ohakea). On<j son, Thomas, died in England on active service in 1918. There are 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.