OBITUARY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3552, 11 May 1939, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR JOHN L. SULLIVAN WAR VETERAN PASSES With full military ceremony, Mr John Laurence Sullivan,, who died at his residence, “Sutton Valence,” Alpha Street, yesterday, will be laid to rest in the Cambridge Cemetery this afternoon. He was severely gassed at the war, and on his return to New Zealand he came to live in Cambridge. Although his health was severely impaired, and he spent long periods in bed, he was always of a cheerful nature, and he earned the admiration and respect of a large circle of friends. Sympathy is extended to his wife, who nursed him through his long illness. The late Mr Sullivan was born at Coromandel 55 years ago, being the third son of the late Mr and Mrs John Sullivan, who conducted the Wharf and Bridge Hotels on the peninsula. The family moved to Kuaotunu where deceased was educated, and later to Waihi. Mr Sullivan developed a roving nature, and he worked in many parts of the world, before returning to New Zealand prior to the outbreak of the Great War. He enlisted with the 6th Hauraki Regiment, and saw considerable service overseas. He was married at Waihi to Miss Violet Welton, of Sutton Valence, Kent, whom he met during the war and later came out to New Zealand to join him. They lived for a time at Te Miro, and then at Pukeroro, where Mr Sullivan spent 3i years in bed. When his health improved somewhat, they came into Cambridge. - Mr Sullivan was keenly interested in the affairs of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and was a sincere friend to many of his fellow Diggers who were in immediate need. He was also a follower of sporting activities, and for a time was a member of the Cambridge Bowling Club. As a wireless enthusiast, Mr Sullivan found recreation during the years he was laid up. He achieved great distinction in 1935 when he won the International DX trophy, against competitors from all parts of the world, for the verification of the most stations on the long-wave band. He was also a member of the Waikato DX Club. Mr Sullivan is survived by his wife and three brothers, Messrs P. Sullivan (Napier), M. Sullivan (Auckland) and S. Sullivan (Waihi) and two sisters, Mrs M. Churton (Waihi) and S. J. Jenkinson (Hamilton).

Requiem Mass was held at St. Peter’s Church at 8 o’clock this morning, and the funeral will leave the church at 2 o’clock this afternoon for the Cambridge Cemetery.