Obituaries Australia

William Huntington, n.d.

Mr. William Huntington, the blind organist, who played almost daily for more than 30 years, first on the old Milson's Point ferry wharf and later on the wharf at McMahon's Point, died at the Royal North Shore Hospital yesterday after a short illness.

In spite of his affliction, Mr. Huntington, familiarly known to thousands of residents of and travellers to the North Shore, as "Billy," became proficient at playing the organ. Gently swaying backwards and forwards, his fingers glided over the stained keys of his instrument, and his music brought back fond memories to his travelling audiences. "Lead Kindly Light," "Rock of Ages," and many other well-known hymns were his favourites, and he never tired of playing them.

During the last few days the weather-stained organ on McMahon's Point wharf has been closed, and travellers have been heard discussing the subject on the ferries. They were anxious for his welfare, such high respect did he command from all who knew him.

He was 76 years of age, and is survived by a widow, two sons, Reuben and Sid, and one daughter, Linda. After a short service the funeral will leave his home, 127 Atcheson street, Crow's Nest, at 3 o'clock this afternoon for the Baptist Cemetery, Gore Hill.