MR. JAMES RYAN, SENR., WESTPORT.

New Zealand Tablet, 11 October 1906, Page 15

MR. JAMES RYAN, SENR., WESTPORT.

It is with deep regret (writes our Westport correspondent) that 1 have to record the death of Mr. James Ryan, senr., which occurred at Westport on September 5, after a long illness, borne with true Christian fortitude. The late Mr. Ryan, who had reached the age of seventy-four years, was one of the few remaining pioneers of the Lyell district, having arrived from Australia in the early sixties. After spending some time at mining, Mr. Ryan commenced storekeepmg, a business in which he was engaged for over forty years. A most charitable man, of the highest integrity, Mr. Ryan was -much esteemed by all who came in contact with him in his private and business capacity. Besides being a director of the Alpine mine, the deceased gentleman was deputy-coroner for the Lyell district, and a Justice of the. Peace. Always a most exemplary Catholic and a generous benefactor of the Church, his death •is deeply deplored by his coreligionists. As- he lived, so he died, for his death was truly a happy and a holy one. Fortified by the rites of Holy Church, and in the presence of his wife and family (some of the members having come from Pamaru and Christchurch), he passed peacefully away to his reward. During the last illness he received all the consolations of religion from the Yen, Arohpriest Walshe and the Rev. Father Bergin, the Sisters of Mercy also being in constant attendance. A widow andfamily of three sons and three daughters are left to mourn their loss, and the deepest sympathy has been extended to them in their sad bereavement. The > Rev. Father Marnane, of Christchurch, is a nephew, and the Rev. Father Kerley, of Timaru, a grand-nephew of the late Mr Ryan. The, funeral took place on Saturday, September 8, and the large number of mourners testified to the high esteem- in which the deceased was held. The Rev. Father. Bergin officiated at the graveside.—R.l.P. & -.