OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1925, Page 1

OBITUARY

DEATH OF REAL FATHER RIORDAN.

Tho seizure which struck clown Rev. Father Riordan at his residence, at Ross on Thursday morning, terminated fatally on Saturday afternoon shortly Itcfore two o’clock, without the patient recovering consciousness. The Rev Father received every possible attention after he had his sudden seizure, but every measure proved without avail.

The passing of deceased removes one of the most popular figures in the district throughout which he was honoured and loved. Altogether outside his church connection lie made a wonderful lot of -friends, and the news of his sudden illness and now of his death has caused an exceptional expression of sorrow and regret. Father Riordan was present at the Westland Racing Club’s meeting, and then appeared in his usual good health', so that his untimely death came all the more unexpeotedijv. During the last nine years he has had charge of the Ross parish he has endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. Deceased was a native of Darfield. Canterbury and 43 years of ago. lie carried out bis studies for tho priesthood at Holy Cross College. Afosgiel. Otago, his ordination at tho hands of the lato Bishop Grimes, taking place at Christchurch Cathedral about ten years ago, soon after which ho was appointed Parish Driest of Ross, where he had remained ever since. Following his seizure on Thursday morning lie did not recover consciousness. Llis Lordship, the Bishop of Christchurch, who came over from Christhureh on Friday and Rev. Dr. Kennedy of Hokitika-, were present in his last- hours. Father Riordan. who lost his brother in tho Great AVar, is survived by a sister. Airs Body llvan, of Papanui, Christchurch, who was also present when liis death took place, and to her will Ixi extended the sincere sympathy of the community in her sudden bereavement. Another sister, a member of the community of 'the ALission Convent, Christchurch, died some few years ago.

The funeral of Father Riordan will take place to-morrow at Ross. Poniificial Requiem Afass will bo celebrated at 11 a.in. preceding the interment in Ross Cemetery. All the Catholic clergy of the Const, from Rcofton southwards, will attend, while among tln iso coming from Canterbury to he present are very Rev. Doan O’Donnell (Ashburton), very Rev. Father Cooney (Lyttelton) and Rev. Father Price (Alothven). Special cars will leave Hokitika for Ross to-morrow to enable friends to attend the funeral.

AfICIIAEL LYNCH. The death of Mr Michael Lynch, hoot-maker of Revell St. took place at Westland Hospital yesterday morning at an early hour. Deceased was a son of the late Afr James Lynch, a wellknown resident of North llovell St. from the early sixties, and was a native of Hokitika, being CO years of age. For many years ho was employed at Hannah’s ’boot shop at Greymouth and then continued with Afr Win. Aforrish when the latter took over the Greymouth ’ business. Later he carried oil business on liis own in Tainui St., Greymouth. Some months ago Air Lynch returned to Hokitika and had been carrying on business as a bootmaker, until overtaken by illness. Deceased leaves a widow and grown up family of four sons and one daughter. Tho remains are being taken to Greymouth for interment at the Greymouth Cemetery on AAednesJax afternoon.