William Burke – grave tales

OBITUARY. in ‘The Advocate’ Melbourne 4th December 1909

MR. WILLIAM BURKE.
The remains of the late Mr. Wm. Burke, whose death was recorded in “The Advocate,” were laid to rest in the Kalgoorlie General Cemetery, West Australia. The body was conveyed to St. Mary’s Church, where a solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Canon Robinson, in the presence of the members of the bereaved family and a large number of intimate friends. The body lay in the church till 2 o’clock in the afternoon, when the first portion of the burial service was said by the Rev. Canon, the church being occupied by a large congregation. The funeral procession was then formed, with the officiating clergyman at the head, followed by the members of the H.A.C.B. Society, after whom came the hearse with coffin, three mourning coaches, the deceased’s own horse and buggy, and a cab containing wreaths and other floral offerings, whilst a few score vehicles made up the balance of the cortege. Representatives Of the legal, banking, mining, and mercantile interests of the town and district were noticeable among those who paid this last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. The service at the graveside was of an impressive character, and was conducted by the Rev. Canon Robinson, who also delivered a short address, in which he spoke of the generosity of the deceased towards the Church, and of the many gifts he had made for the adornment of St. Mary’s. The late Mr. Burke was characterised as a man. of steadfast principles, of upright conduct and honesty of purpose; who had rendered their due to all men. The pall-bearers were the officers of the. H.A.C.B.S., of which the deceased was a very old member. The remains were enclosed in a polished, hand carved oaken casket, with massive solid silver furnishings, the interior trimmings being of pure white silk. Wreaths were sent by the following :—Mrs.- W. Burke, sons and daughters of first family, sons and daughters of second family, Mr. and Mrs. T. Burke and family, Messrs. Brennan Bros.,- Mr. and Mrs. J. Coughlan, Mrs. Kirby and family, Mrs. Guille, Mr. and Mrs.  A. Thomas, Mrs. Jones and family, Mrs. Lilly Harold, Mrs. Jarrett, Mr, and Mrs. Lucharness, Mr. and Mrs. S. Eastwood, Misses D’Arcy, Miss Clark, Mr, and Mrs. T. McAulifie, Mr. and Mrs. J R. Boylen, Mr, V. Whelan, Miss G. Scope, Mr. and Mrs. J.V.O’Reillv, Miss White, Mr. and Mrs. W. R Boxall, directors of Hannans Brewery Co., Union Brewery, Kalgoorlie Brewery, Messrs. and Co., Boulder City Brewery, and Mrs. A. W. Page, Mr. J. W. Sheehan, Mr. J. Bailie, Mr. and Mrs. P. Dunne and family, Mr. P. Lynch, Mrs. Jowett and family, Mr. N. Keenan, Mr. D. O’Donnell, Eastern Goldfields Licensed Victuallers’ Association, Mr E. T. Randall) Messrs. Allen and Brimage, and Mr and Mrs. M. Mannion.

R.I.P.