The Tumut and Adelong Times 28 Jul 1922
Obituary
We briefly referred in our last issue to that particularly sad event, the death of Mr. F. J. Bourke, of Blowering, which took place on Friday morning last, causing quite a melancholy feeling to prevail throughout the district, for he was undoubtedly one of our most highly respected residents, having ingratiated himself with all classes of the community by his upright and straightforward actions, his wonderfully charitable diaposition, the energy and perseverance he always displayed in cases of distress, the prominent part he always took in helping along ventures for the advancement of the best interests of the district (especially Blowering), and his very hospitable nature. Although a devout adherent of the R.C. Church, he showed the greatest of respect to members of other denominations for being loyal to the faith they held. The management of affairs of the Bourke estate fell into his hands at the death of his father (one of the most liberal minded and kind hearted of men that was ever known), and, whilst he has fulfilled his mission with infinite credit, he has never been known to act in an arbitrary or exacting manner towards tenants of lands or properties — on the contrary, he has been extremely liberal in this respect. He was of a most convivial, genial and jocular disposition, and was about the best known identity in these districts; A kind-hearted and affectionate husband, a self-sacrificing and indulgent father, and one of the best of neighbours. No more industrious person was to be found, for he was always on the move, attending to estate duties. He was ever intent in advocating peace and contentment amongst people, and did his best to set examples, but at the same time he was possessed of the best of pluck in resenting an infringement of fair dealing. Although he fought the battle of life well and with contentment, his constitution was not robust, and this would perhaps, to a great degree, account for the malady he became afflicted with proving fatal. He had been moving about amongst his stock during wet weather we were experiencing a few weeks back, and was seized with a sudden chill, and became quite helpless. He was brought to his home, and medical aid was sought, but it was found that pneumonia had taken such a firm hold that the best efforts of Drs. Browne and Clouston were futile in combatting with the ailment. The very best of attention that could be devoted was given to the case, the fond wife and mebers of the family doing all in their power to second the efforts of the doctors, but all to no avail, for the honorable citizen gradually became weaker, until death ensued. A sorrowing widow and two grief stricken daughters (Misses Catherine and Mary) are left to mourn the loss of a model husband and father, and sincerest of sympathy is extended to them over their sad affliction. Rev. Father Sharkey made reference from his pulpit in the church on Sunday last, to the sad occurrence, using extolling sentiments bearing on the good qualities of the deceased, and uttering apt words of condolence to the widow, daughters and relatives— one brother (William) a sister (Mrs. Tim Quilty) and a niece (Mrs. P. Madigan). The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the large concourse of people attending same (representatives of all denominations) giving true indication of the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held ; and further proof, too, was the large number of wreaths that had been sent by friends to be placed on the coffin. Rev. Father Sharkey conducted obsequies at the grave-side, in the new cemetery, and Mr. H. Baker was the undertaker. Mr. F. C. Emanuel, who, with his father, has had legal affairs of the Bourke Estate in hand for many years, came up from Sydney before the death to adjust all matters, and remained to attend the funeral. |