OBITUARY.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 35, 12 November 1920, Page 4

OBITUARY.

On Sunday, 30th November, at invercargill, Vessie McKenzie, late of 8th Coy., lst Battalion, Otago Infantry Brigade. The deceased was a son of Mr Wm. McKenzie, of Isla Bank, and was born at Invercargill twenty-four years ago. He was educated at tne Limestone Plams school under Messrs Soar and McKmnon. Leaving school he took up country life with an energy that was characteristic of all his activitics. He was a promising all -round athlete, winning the first Drummond Sheffield. While still in his teens he played football for the Otautau cadets and Calcium Football Club. He was a dashing player, and would have reached high honours in our national game, but the call t(j: arms came and as soon as he was of ago he volunteered, sailing from New Zealand with the 9th Reinforcements. He was one of a party of four diggers who achieved much popularity with the men of this draft, the other thfce being Privates Blanche, Hazlett, and Forbes. All four have made the supreme sacrifice. Early in J'uly 1916, he sustained shellrock, but this fact did not deter him from returning to the line to take part in the tragic raid of July 15th which cost the 4th Otago men so dearly. In tnis stunt he was wounded in the arm, and the hardships he experienced hefore tiis arrival at Brockenhurst unb.0 ibt >dly sowed the seeds of the disease which ultimately claimed him as a victim. Aiter varied experiences in the hospita's in Blighty he was invalided homc, -nd was treated for periods both in Invsi\.argi.l and Hanmer, but without perrnancnt success. During the past two years h,e spent a considerable amount of time with his parents in this distnct, but failing health again sent him to hospital, whiro ti e end came on Sunday evening. On Wednesday afternoon at Calcium cemetery, after a short service in the church, ihe last rites were performed in the presence of his relatives and a large number of his digger comrades. Bugier Humpbries sounded the Last Pout. The service was conducted by Mr Bickerstaff, of Knox College. The deceased was noted for his eheeriul disposition. Despite failing strength and increasing pain, Vessie maintaned his gen. ial presence and fund of good humoux to the last. In this and in neighbouring districts he earned the high esteem and affection of all with whom he came in. con. tact, and he leaves a biank that cannot be filled in the hearts of those who knew him intimately. Hig devotion to duty and his uncomplaining fortitude in sufferin.g must he an inspiration to all who were privileged to know hnn. 1 he chai*m of his companionship will be a tender lifelong meinory to those fortunate enough to be numbered amongst his friends. The sympathy of the community goes out to tha bereaved family in the great loss they have sustained. To the long list of New Zealand heroes who suffered so much and gave all in the service of their country, must b,e added the name of Vessie McKenzie. Of each one it may be truly said, "Greater love hath no man than this."