OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 1 October 1908, Page 24

OBITUARY

MR. JOHN KENNEDY, AIIAURA. 1 1 is with profound regret that we (Greymouth Evening Star) have to announce the death of so good a colonist and so kindly a neighbor as Mr. John Kennedy, of Ahaura, who passed away on September ifa at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. John Higgins, county engineer, where he has remained ever since he broke his thigh at Ahaura, and was removed there for the convenience of the medical aid required. Everything tliat human skill and good nursing has been done for Mr. Kennedy, but at the good old age of seventy-four it is not so easy to repair a broken thigh, and during the week it became only a matter of watching life ebb and making him comfortable. Mr. Kennedy has been a typical colonist since he came to the Coast in the early days. He first of all entered into business in Hokitika, and when the rush took place at Greenstone he went there and started a store. In 1872 (the year of the big flood) he removed to Ahaura, where he had resided ever since. He leaves seven daughters and two sons. The two latter arc resident on the farm and two daughters arc unmarried. Those married aYe Mrs. J. L. Doogan and Mrs. F. Johnson, of Greymouth ; Mrs. Malonc, of Nelson Creek; Mrs. O'Meara, of Totara Flat; and the late Mrs. John Higgins. Mr. Kennedy was a man whose word was his bond, and he did many kindly actions without letting his right hand know what his left hand did. Many an early settler will have cause to remember his kindness to them and his unpretentious way of helping them when they needed it. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Church by his Lordship Bishop Grimes. At the conclusion of the Mass his Lordship spoke in feeling terms of the lively, steadfast faith and upright life of the deceased, whom he had known for 21 years. The funeral of the deceased on September 18 was one of the largest seen in Greymoulh for many years. The expressions of deep sympathy received by the relatives were numerous. The first part of the burial service was read at St. Patrick's Church by the Very Rev. Dean Carew, who also officiated al the graveside. — R.I. P.