OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 21 January 1939, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR THOMAS JAMES REANEY The late Mr Thomas James Reaney who died recently was the only son cf the late Hebden James Reaney of Mayfield, Ashburton, and formerly of Coventry, Warwickshire, England. Mr T. J. Reaney arrived in New Zealand in 1862 with his parents, landing at Lyttelton. He was educated at St. Michael’s School, Christchurch. On leaving school he went to sea, but misfortune overtook him when his ship was wrecked and he lost all his savings. He then went to the West Coast to the goldfields but again fortune did not follow him so he returned to Christchurch and joinend his father in a farming venture in the Mayfield district where he gained his knowledge of farming. He later did road construction work until 1910 when he came to the Nelson district and took a farm in the Matariki district where he carried on farming until about a year ago when his health failed. His end came rather suddenly as he was in his usual health the nignt before. He married the second daughter of the late Thomas Paterson of Ashburton. Mrs Reaney predeceased him by 15 months.

Both Mr and Mrs Reaney were of pioneering families and both saw the young country grow to its present state. Many were the hardships experienced. Mr Reaney was a kedn sportsman in his younger days, being a member of the Heathcote Rowing Club where he competed with success. He was also a long distance runner and cricketer. He was a man who even to the last kept a youthful spirit and was always willing to assist others. He leaves one daughter, Miss Reaney of Matariki He died at the age of 82.