Obituaries Australia

The news of the sudden passing of Mr Henry Kenny Sheridan at about 5:45 pm last Saturday at his residence in Warne Street was received with genuine regret by town and district people and relatives and friends far removed. The late Mr Sheridan who was 64 years of age was very widely known for his sterling character and Christian principles, which combined with his store of knowledge and respect for his fellow man, made him one of the most popular members of the community.

Henry Kenny Sheridan was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sheridan of Rylstone, where they had a grazing property. He married Miss Carmen Purvis of Rylstone, and they made their home at Darlington Point, Murrumbidgee. After about three years there, they, with their two children, came to Wellington and purchased "Fairfield" property, Spicer’s Creek, from the late Mr. George Wall. That was in the year 1911.

The Spicer’s Creek district at that time was a wilderness, kangaroos, wallabies and native bears abounding. The present generation owes much to the pioneers and in the Spicer’s Creek area such men as the late Mr. Henry Kenny Sheridan, Mr. Phil Williams and the late Messrs Donald and Sandy Ross and Christopher Regan blazed the trail and their names are revered by all who have followed after them.

“Fairfield” property flourished under the guidance and hard work of Mr. Sheridan. He engaged in grazing pursuits and continually improved his holding until it ranked among the most improved properties in the district. He always directed his attention to the progress of Spicer’s Creek and surrounding districts and was associated with every movement that advanced the district’s interests. He was a charitable man and gave his services to any cause that was for the benefit of mankind. In the war years he gave valued assistance to all patriotic efforts. He made Wellington his shopping center and he was held in the highest esteem by all business men. He was interested in the welfare of the town and gave every support to its advancement, and when he moved to town to retire about two years ago, because of failing health, he and his family were warmly welcomed.

One of Mr. Sheridan’s favourite pastimes was shooting and at district shoots he was a familiar figure.

Recently he suffered a severe illness and was for several weeks a patient in Bindawalla Hospital. Everyone was delighted at the recovery he made and once again he was able to go down town and meet his friends. The town and district will be poorer for his passing. He was a loving husband and devoted father.

The late Mr. Sheridan is survived by his widow of Warne Street, and the following family: Francis James ("Yeronga", Geurie); Kenny John (Mebal), Katie Sylvia (Mrs. E. Thornton, Dubbo); Ansel Augustus ("Eulalie", Walmer); Ruth Margaret (Mrs. H. Thornton, Dubbo); Mary Teresa (Wellington). A son (Michael Dewey) and a daughter (Carmen Gloria) are deceased.

Surviving brothers are Mr. James Sheridan ("Glen Lee", Rylstone) and Mr. Ansel Sheridan ("Collie Blue", Coolah). There is also one surviving sister who lived in America.

Requiem mass was held at St. Patrick’s Church, Wellington, on Monday morning, the celebrant being the Rev. Father J. P. Kelly. The funeral left the church at 3 p.m. and Father Kelly again officiated at the church and graveside. The remains were interred in the Curra Creek, cemetery beside those of Father J. B. Howard, a priest of Wellington for many years and also a native of the town. The long cortege testified to the respect in which deceased was held, many travelling long distances to be represented at the funeral of a beloved citizen. Messrs Murray Bros had charge of the funeral arrangements.