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Prosper Henry Ridge (1844–1904)

from Windsor & Richmond Gazette

The death of Mr Prosper H. Ridge which took place on Thursday last week, at Richmond, was not unexpected, for it was known that he was gradually sinking, a victim to Bright's disease. The late Mr. Ridge was a very much respected man and a few years ago took a prominent interest in local institutions. He was formerly an alderman of Richmond and more than once Mayor. He was much associated with the turf, and until his health broke down was judge for several of the suburban race clubs. The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, and was attended by an exceedingly large and representative gathering of people from Richmond, Windsor and district, Kurrajong, Sydney, and other places. The wreaths were a magnificent lot. The burial service was conducted by Rev. J. Howell Price Rural Dean, and Mr Arthur Price was the undertaker.

At the graveside the Rural Dean spoke the following words: —

Dear friends,— You will, I think, pardon me if I say a few words in reference to one who has gone somewhat suddenly from our midst. Indeed I feel that I cannot allow the occasion to pass without expressing some of the thoughts, which the shadow within which we at present stand, suggests. It is many years ago since I first heard of and, I think, met him out in the then "far West." It is over eight years since I knew him as a resident of Richmond. As a townsman he has always taken a leading part in every movement calculated to advance the interests of the community as a whole. As Mayor of the borough for a lengthy period, as a member of various influential committees in the town and district, as well as in his private capacity as a member of society, he wielded considerable influence and won much credit and high honour. He abhorred cant, and despised cowardice. It may be that he did not trouble himself much about creedal conceptions; but he had an exalted opinion of the value of character. Naturally kind and open, he proved himself a firm friend and a frank foe. Fearless and outspoken he was capable of displaying the hottest anger when provoked but he was, I think, incapable of cherishing bitter, implacable enmity. A good husband, a fond father, a genuine lover of his home, has passed away, and whilst we bemoan the blow which has bereft the widow and the children of a guide and guardian our sympathy goes out in fullest flow to the bereaved, and we pray that the All Father, who knows best, loves best of all, may disperse the gloom in which they are now shrouded and flood their lives with "the peace which the world cannot give and which it cannot take away." We have 'committed' in the language of our Prayer Book "the body" of Prosper Henry Ridge "to the ground in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life," and we believe his spirit to be, where those are "who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb." Thank God for the many ways which lead to His home and to His throne. Let us heed the lesson once more given to us, and brace the moral fibres of our lives, so that when the 'call' is given we may not find ourselves spiritually ungirt. The Father bids us, His children, seek His face, and those who seek have never yet sought in vain. Let our answer always be "Thy face will I seek."

Original publication

Other Obituaries for Prosper Henry Ridge

Citation details

'Ridge, Prosper Henry (1844–1904)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/ridge-prosper-henry-26864/text34415, accessed 8 October 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

28 April, 1844
Windsor, New South Wales, Australia

Death

14 July, 1904 (aged 60)
Richmond, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

kidney disease

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
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