The Tumut and Adelong Times 12 Jan 1926
MR. THOMAS O'KEEFE With the death of Mr. Thomas O'Keefe, which occurred at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Strutt, Paddington, on Monday of last week, yet another of the sturdy pioneers passed the Rubicon. He had attained to his 79th year. Born at Jugiong, on the 'Bidgee, he devoted his early life to bridge building in partnership with Mr. J. McEvoy, who though over 80 years of age still carries on the same line. Most notable of the works they constructed were the Junction and Gilmore Bridges, Tumut, the big bridges at Jerilderie and Narrandera. It was while working on the Jerilderie Bridge that Ned Kelly, of the notorious Kelly gang, commandeered axes from the job to cut the telegraph line when he and his confederates had stuck up the mail coach 48 years ago Mr. O'Keefe married Miss Ellen Dunn in the Roman Catholic Church, Tumut, and to the union were born 11 children, eight of which, together with his widow survive. The living are: James (Musswellbrook), Patrick (Tumut), John (Sydney), Bernard (Lake Midgeon), Edwin and Gerald (Sydney), Mrs. Strutt (Sydney), Mrs. Whitney (Berridale), and Geordie (Tumut). The deceased are Thomas, Frank and George. Relinquishing bridge building the subject of this obituary acquired Wyangle Station 40 years ago, and later Bondo Station. While the squire of Wyangle he was the embodiment of hospitality and no one or party of persons passed his door without partaking of the fare always available. He was a man of strict business integrity and for many years prospered, increasing his flocks and herds as years rolled by. With Dr. Mason he opened up the Billapaloora Goldfield from which many rich crushings were obtained, and also interested himself in several other mining shows, notably the discovery of gold on Geary's property where some fabulously rich specimens were unearthed. Adversity crossed his path and he sold out his pastoral interests, coming to Tumut in 1917 and, acquiring the property in Russell-st. from the late Mrs. Vernon sr., settled down in retirement. Last year ill health overcame him. He was attended by Dr. Clouston in June, 1925, and after a fortnight's treatment, found it necessary to go to Sydney to seek a specialist's advice, and was recommended by Dr. Clouston to Dr. Harry Harris, of Macquarie-street. A serious operation was performed by Dr. H. Harris in Clarmore Private Hospital, Liverpool-st., Darlinghurst. The operation was very successful, and the patient was well enough to leave hospital in six weeks's time, and in company with his wife and daughter (Miss G. O'Keefe) was able to travel to Musswellbrook where he enjoyed a fortnight's holiday with his son Jim. Dr. Halliday was in attendance at Muswellbrook and advised Mr. O'Keefe to return to Sydney, where Dr. H. Harris and Dr. James Hughes held a consultation and found Mr. O'Keefe was beyond all medical aid. From then he was confined to his bed at his daughter's (Mrs. Strutt's) residence, and was attended by Dr. Hughes, and nursed by his two daughters (Miss G. O'Keefe and Mrs. Whitney). He passed away at 1.30 p.m. on Monday, 4th January, having received the last sacraments of his Church. His wife and all his children were at the bedside at his death, and for weeks before. His body was removed to St. Francis R.C. Church, Paddington, on Tuesday morning, 5th inst., where a Requiem Mass was celebrated, a number of his old Tumut friends as well as all his family, relatives and Sydney friends being present. The remains were brought to Tumut for burial the next day. They lay in the Roman Catholic Church on the arrival of the train and after a short service the funeral took place. Very Rev. Fr. Sharkey officiated at the grave also, in the Old Cemetery, the interment taking place alongside the graves of his mother and father and his three children. The priest made very eugolistic references to the upright life of deceased, whose familiar figure and cheery face will be missed by a legion of friends, while a gap in the old home is created that never can be filled. The pallbearers were five sons and a nephew (Mr. M. O'Keefe). Mr. H. W. Baker directed the funeral in his usual capable manner. |
