OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 13 January 1921, Page 33

OBITUARY

MR. HUMPHREY OEANEY. TIMA.RU.

At an early hour on Christmas morning there passed away* Mr. Humphrey Geaney, whose, name is familiar to all old identities of Timaru. The name of the firm of Peacock and Geaney will awake many reminiscences to residents in the town arid district. Mr. Geaney was really one of the makers of Timaru. His name was a household word, and his genial nature and attractive business style rendered canvassing unnecessary. Born about a mile from the "rebel" city, Cork, at Fairhill, a picturesque spur overlooking one of the best harbors of the world, he landed in Melbourne in the 'sixties, his father being responsible for the care of three boys and one girl (now Mrs. McKennah,. mother of the two popular commercial travellers, Messrs. *M. and J. McKennah). Mr. Geaney became connected with business at a young age, in Wangaratta, about 160 miles from Melbourne. Of an enterprising disposition, he struck out for the various goldfields in Australia, and eventually to Greymouth, in 1872. His advent in Timaru was in 1874. One of the best judges 'of cattle and sheep in North Canterbury, he was a well-recognised figure at all stock sales. His word was his bond, and he commanded the respect of all with whom he had any business transactions. He was generally granted that rare distinction of being one of "nature's gentlemen." Mr. Geaney was responsible for adding to the architecture of the town by building the premises now occupied by the Westport Coal Company, which was for many years the centre and emporium in his particular line. He married in 1884 the daughter of Mr. Nicholas Quin, of Makikihi, and his eldest son, Mr. Nicholas Geaney, now holds the old homestead of Bellvue, Makikihi. The remains of the late Mr. Geaney were conveyed to the Church of the Sacred Heart; Timaru, on Tuesday evoning,. the 28th ult., and on the morning of the funeral the Rev. Dr. Geaney, of Greenmeadows Seminary (nephew of the deceased), celebrated Requiem Mass, and the mother of the celebrant (Mrs. T. Geaney, of Pleasant Point, and her daughter) were also present. Rev. Dr. Geaney, assisted by the Rev.'Father Hurley, officiated at the interment.' The late Mr. Geaney. by heart, will, and purse was a member of the different committees, that welcomed the various Irish delegates from the visit of the Redmond brothers onwards, and his enthusiasm in the cause of the dear old land was above suspicion. As a citizen Mr. Geaney left no enemies, and quite a number of the citizens of Timaru will'long remember him as an estimable friend. The pall-bearers were Mr. P. Rielly, Mr. M. F. Dennehy, Mr. M. McKennah (nephew), 'and Mr. D. Geaney (brother). He leaves two sons— Nicholas Geanev. Makikihi, and Master IT. Geaney, of St. Patrick's College, Wellington—a brother (Mr. D. Geaney), a daughter (Mrs. Kelly, of Wellington), and a. sister (Mrs. McKennah), a sister-in-law (Mrs. T. Geaney), and their families to mourn their loss.—R.l.P.