THE LATE MR KEITH RAMSAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13586, 7 May 1906, Page 7

THE LATE MR KEITH RAMSAY.

The great respect in which the lato Mr Keith Ramsay was held in tho city was markedly manifested on Saturday afternoon, whon his remains wero interred in tho Northern Cemetery. Mr Ramsay was in many respects a modol citizen. Not only was ho ono of tho pioneers of many of tho business and commercial ventures whioh brought Dunedin into tho van of New Zealand cities, but ho willingly took his share in the arduous and often thankless work of local government. In addition to all Ihis, lie found time to take an activo and intelligent interest in the works connected with tho I'resbvtorian Church of Olago in general and First Church in particular. Not only was our lato oitizon a man over prominent in business and looal affairs, but ho was possessed of a personality which made to himself friends of all whom ho camo in contact with. In thesp circumstances it would bo indoed strange were tjicro not a largo gathering to pay a last tribute of respect to his momory, Tho funeral on Saturday was not only ono of tho jargest witnessed in Duncdin for some con6idorablo time, but was also tho occasion of ono of tho most representative gatherings of citizens over seen in Duncdin. To attempt to givo a list of tho prominent men present would bo but to make invidious distinctions. Suflico it to say that every sphere of civic, commeroial, and social lifo in our midst was represented, and largely represented. City Council, Legislature, Harbour Board, Chamber of Commerce, shipping, insurance, financial, and mercantile interests, the Church, education, and the private life of the community all supplied their quota, to pay respeot. to tho memory of ono who for over 40 years bad boon associated with tho development of tho city and province. The funeral services at tho house and .gravesido wero impressively conducted by, tho Rev. Dr Nisbot.

Tho lato Mr Ramsay was a miichrospoctcd member and elder of First' Church, and yesterdav the pulpit of the church was draped in black, and the mornjng service, which was conducted by Dr Nisb&t, was throughout appropriate to tho occasion, ooncluding with" the playing of tho " Dead March" in "'Saul." The May issue of the "Notes" of First, Church contained the following paragraph:— "Just as wo close these ' Notes' the sad nowa reaohes us of the death of ono of our bestkriown members, Mr Keith Ramsay, who for 30 years had hold office in the church— for nine years as a deacon and for 21 years as an elder. For months past ho has been gradually failing, but., as so often happens in such illnesses as his, the end came auddenly and painlessly. AH who knqw and honoured our friend/ sympathise most deep y and sincerely with his widow and family. A son of tho manse, ho took the keenest and most intelligent interest in all matters affecting tho well-being of the 'wbyterian Church; and by his foresight, wisdom, and tact did muoh for tile, betterment of tho church ho loved and the congregation he served. His hearty, happy helpfulness will not soon be forgotten'' by those who wero privileged to know him rlu l death. of Mr Ramsay First Ghuioh and its minister have lost a loyal and loving friend. 'Tho memory of the just is blessed.' " '