MR JOHN WHITAKER

Chronicle (Levin), 6 March 1946, Page 4

MR JOHN WHITAKER

A residence of 44 years in Levin terminated last week with the passfng of a well-known- resident in the person of Mr. John Whitaker, • oi Queen Street, who was in his 85th year. Born in -Sheffield,- England, he was a son of ■ the- late- Mr. and Mrs. William Whitaker. As a young man he weht to-Sydney, being married there and spending ' some eighteen years before- coming to- New Zealand in 1897. On arrival in the Dominion he went-to Dunedin, then coming to the- North Island and spending a- short time in Feilding bef ore settling in Levin 44- years ago. Throughout his life the late- Mr. Whitaker followed building as an occupation- and commenced business on' his oWn account when lie arrived in Levin. Despite his advanced years he remained remarkably active, engaging in building work to within a few months of his death. His wife predeceased him- eight years ago, and also 'two sons, but he is survived by one daughter, Miss E. Whitaker, and a sister, Miss Mv E. Whitaker, both of Levin,

The funeral service was iargeiy attended-, Rev. G. R. Harris officiating at the house and graveside. The pall-bearers at the late residence Were Messrs T. R.- Hall,- F. C. ■ Lemmon, H. S. Powell, W. Thorley, R. Jordan (Sanson) and D. Whitaker (a nepfeer, of Palmerston North), and- at the cemetery Messrs T. R. Hall, W. Donnelly, C. S. Keedwell, R. N. Speirs (Foxton), N. Atkins and E. W. Clark. A number of floral tributes bore testimony to the esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held. ■ 3T