Obituaries Australia

Walter Close, c1915

photo supplied by Michael Tuite

Shortly after midnight on Thursday, death claimed a very old and respected pioneer of the Young district, in the person of Mr. Herbert Walter Close (always known as Walter).

The late Mr. Close, who was 70 years of age, was born at Camden, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Close. When twenty three, he was married at Young to Miss Sarah Jane Loader, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Loader. He took up land at Murringo, where he lived for some lime, but later moved to "White Lodge", Memagong, a property still part of his estate. From there, he went to "Heathdale", Bendick Murrell, where he resided till the time of his death.

He was a very keen farmer, also having acquired a property at "Iandra". During the past twelve months he has been in indifferent health, suffering with heart trouble, and was admitted to the Sacred Heart Hospital last Saturday week. He was a member of the Manchester Unity Lodge, and also of the Masonic Lodge.

He was a genial old gentleman, blessed with a keen sense of humour, and had a very bright outlook on life. He was popular with all who knew him, and a man whom one was always pleased to meet. He could intelligently discuss current topics and the things that matter most in life, and when he was leaving, there was always a sense of regret at his going. Right to the time of his death, he possessed that splendid pioneer spirit which had helped him to fight every obstacle, and win. His success proved the manner of his fighting.

In addition to his sorrowing widow, he leaves six sons and four daughters to mourn his loss. Of the sons, Leslie and Walter reside at Young, Basil at "White Lodge", Cecil and Neil at Iandra and Allen, "Heathdale". Of the four girls, Ivy (Mrs. F. Budin) and Alma (Mrs. A. Bennett), live at Young, Irene (Mrs. E. Cook) at Bumbaldry, and Stella (Mrs. L. Smith) at Grenfell. There are 43 grandchildren and one great grand child. His remains were taken to St. John's Church, where a service was conducted by the Rev. Arnold King at 2:30 p.m. to day, after which the cortege left for the Church of England portion of the Young Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his son, who had predeceased him ten years ago. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Patterson Bros.