Our Darling Little Kenny – grave tales

The coffin of Henry Harse in his bedroom surrounded by floral tributes – Photo SLWA

Kalgoorlie Miner 15th October 1928  –  OBITUARY
On Monday, October, 1st, the funeral of Kenneth Henry Harse, the 6½ years old only child of Mr and Mrs T. H. Harse of Victoria Street, Kalgoorlie, took place at the Kalgoorlie Cemetery. The little lad succumbed to an attack of pneumonia after a week’s illness. Before the funeral proceeded to the cemetery, Ven Archdeacon Brewis conducted a short service at St. John’s Cathedral and gave a touching little address while the coffin stood on the chancel steps.

Mr Harse, the child’s father, was unable to attend the funeral, owing to his being an inmate of the hospital, also suffering an attack of pneumonia. The chief mourners at the graveside were Mr. W. Barker, Mr. W. Barker, junr, (grandfather and uncle)  Miss Jean Barker (aunt) and Mr. T. Webster. The pallbearers were Messrs. P Howie, J. Cranston, Sansum and J. W. Hawkins. A large number of wreaths and floral tributes were received. Among those who sent wreaths were Kenneth’s schoolmates of Kalgoorlie Central School, and Sunday school pupils of St. John’s Cathedral. Others were:
Following this there was a list of over 310 names of those who sent flowers wreaths and messages of condolence.

Kenneth Henry Harse – Photo SLWA

Ken’s father Thomas would recover from his bout of pneumonia and the couple had a further two children, William and Jean Harse. However fate had not finished with this little family and in October 1936 Ken’s mother Nellie was also to die leaving her husband with seven-year-old Jean and four-year-old William.