Obituaries Australia

In the passing of the Rev. A. S. J. [Arthur Stephen Joyce] Fry, V.D., the Methodist Church of Western Australia has lost another of her stalwarts.

After a very brief illness the Reverend gentleman died at his residence on June 17. He leaves a widow, daughter and son. Mr. Fry was the oldest Minister of the Methodist Church in Western Australia, he having entered the Ministry in 1883, and retiring from active service some 15 years ago.

In the earlier years of his ministry he did a great work on the Goldfields, being well-known in the Coolgardie district.

In the year 1907 his Church honoured him, when he was elected President of the West Australian Conference; a position which he held with dignity and honour.

For a number of years, he was the General Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society in W.A.; travelling far and wide in the interest of the Society. He saw much of the State; doing a fine job of work. He was held in high esteem and respect by all who came in contact with him in his travels.

In the war of 1914-18 he saw service as an Army Chaplain. A lover of the open air and sport in his earlier days he was a keen cricketer and in later years bowls was his choice, and he was a play ing member of the Albany Bowling Club.

As a member of the Masonic Craft, he was Grand Lodge Chaplain, 1924 to 1926.

He was a lover of his Church and a regular worshipper even to the last, having been at morning worship the day previous to his passing.

A kindly gentleman, with a personality rich in the experience of life at its best has passed to his reward at the aged of 82 years.

The funeral took place on June 18. A service was held in the Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. A. G. Howse. The lesson was read by the Rev. A. Percy Watsford (a former Minister of the Albany Church). The President of the W.A. Methodist Conference, Rev. W. E. Freeman, gave the address, referring in well chosen words to the life and work of the deceased. Mr. Geo, Haywood was the organist. The casket which was draped with the Union Jack, was borne to the Methodist Cemetery where a short service was conducted by the Rev. A. G. Howse. Mr. J. Melvin sounded the "Last Post" at the graveside.

The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Medcalf (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. Eric Fry (son) and Mr. G. A. Parry.

The pall-bearers were Mr. J. Norman (Methodist Conference), Mr. R. J. Theaker (Albany Methodist Church) Mr. F. Gibbons (Bible Society), Mr. O. Reeves (Masonic Grand Lodge), Mr. Felton (Bowling Club), Mr. Pamflett (R.S.L.), Mr. Fred Rust and Mr. Mills.

Wreaths and floral tributes were received from Rita, George and Margaret; Max, Ian and Margaret Anne; Joyce, Bram and Ian Marius; Maisie and Eric; G. A. Parry; Mr. and Mrs. Jefferis and family; Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Stewart; Mrs. N. Patterson and Kenneth; State Council, British and Foreign Bible Society; Officers and members, Albany Methodist Church; Les, Phil and George; Rev. and Mrs. A. G. Howse and family; Members, Albany Bowling Club; Mavis and Arthur; Mr. and Mrs. Eric Norman; Mrs. Hill, senr.; Dr. and Mrs. Hanrahan; Mrs. Hodge, Leslie and Joyce; Mr. and Mrs. D. McNaughton; Pat and Charles Wittenoom; Olive and Lionel Mills and Miss Duncan; Mr. and Mrs. Sloman and family; President and Members, W. A. Methodist Church Conference.

Mr. H. C. Prior conducted the funeral arrangements.