BENSON, Gilbert John – St. Jones Within, Jan. 31 – On January 20th, Gilbert John Benson heard and obeyed the summons of the Heavenly Father, saying “Son come up higher.” The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert George Benson, he was in his 18th year, just in the bloom of youth, and leaves to mourn father, mother and one sister, Florence, and a large circle of friends and relatives. He was a member of the United Church school, also a member of the Y.P.S. Association. On July 12th, 1939, Gilbert John was taken ill with that much dreaded sickness T.B. All thorough his suffering he bore it patiently and cheerfully, and when the end came he was ready to answer to the Master’s call.
The funeral service took place Jan. 22nd from his home and was conducted by Rev. M. Reader, who took as his text, Isiah Chapter 6, verse 6: “And we all do fade as a leaf.” The funeral was largely attended. As the sun was casting it longing rays over the hillsides the strains of the well known hymn “Abide with me” ascended, while the mortal remains of the deceased were committed to mother earth, there to await in hope and peace the final resurrection. And in the words of that well known hymn which was sung by the young people at the close of the service, we can all join in saying:
Some day the silver chord with break,
And I no more as now shall sing,
But oh, the joy when I awake
Within the palace of the King.
F.P.B.
(Reprinted from Daily News, 1940-02-07)
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BUTT, Elijah Cyril – Written on the Roll of Honour is the name of Elijah Cyril Butt, R.B.S.D. Royal Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Butt of St. Jones Within, Trinity Bay, who paid the supreme sacrifice at the age of 27 years. Cyril was a rugged and cheerful character who had a friendly outlook upon life.
At the outbreak of war he quickly responded to his country’s call and went overseas with the Fifth Naval Draft, following but a few hours in barracks he was placed on patrol duty and during the miraculous evacuation of Dunkirk made a record of fifty-four trips from that tragic scene of battle, later he himself was a survivor when the ship on which he was serving was sunk by enemy action.
After spending some time in hospital and recovering from injuries he was placed on convoy service to Russia. In October 1942 his path of duty led to the U.S.A., from whence he hoped to get leave home but that was not to be, for he was shipped to the African coast where he served until November 5th, 1943, when the sad news of his death was received.
Left to mourn this brave lad are father, mother, three brothers, and three sisters, to all of whom deepest sympathy is extended.
God knows the way, He holds the key.
He guides us with unerring hand. Some time with tearless eyes we’ll see.
Yes, there, up there we’ll understand.
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DROVER, Archibald – Passed peacefully away at 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22nd, Archibald Drover, aged 69 years. He leaves to mourn a wife, one daughter, Mary at home, three sons, Ernest at Bowring Bros., Angus with the 166th Field Regiment, R.A., Fred with the Royal Rifles of Canada at Hong Kong; also four grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Georgina Boone, Hodge’s Cove and Mrs. Josiah Stringer, Caplin Cove; two brothers Samuel and Willis at Hodge’s Cove. Funeral at 3:45 p.m. Sunday from his late residence, 92 Cabot Street.
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GARDNER, Mary Katherine (nee Peddle) – Killed through enemy action on Wednesday, October 14th. Mary Katherine, beloved wife of Robert W. Gardner of Cabot Tower, in her 54th year. Left to mourn their sad loss besides husband are two sons. Eric serving as Sub. Lieut. With the R.C.N., Douglas at home; one daughter, Phyllis, also at home; two brothers, Kaleb and Harvey at Hodge’s Cove, T.B.; one sister, Mrs. Richard Baggs, City; one stepson, Stanley, at Flower’s Cove, and one stepdaughter, Mrs. Louis Newell at Verdun, Montreal. Funeral will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26th, from her late residence, Cabot Tower to St. Thomas’s Church.
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LODER, Richard – There passed peacefully to his eternal reward, a well known friend in the person of Richard Loder on August 24th, 1944. Deceased was born at Hillview and was in his 68th year. He had been failing in health for the past year, sometimes having to keep to his bed, but prior to his death, he was able to be around and do light work. His occupation as mail-courier had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and it was on one of these occasions that he met his death. Coming from the station with the mail his horse took fright, throwing him from the waggon, and in less than an hour is passed away. He took an active part in all church and school matters, a constant attender at church, and we quote: “He will be missed, for his seat will be vacant. A loving husband and father and a good neighbour. Few, if any, were denied a favour if asked of him.” Very great sympathy is felt for the dear wife and mother in her lonely hours, and we would commend her and her children to Him, who has promised to be “A father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow.” The late Mr. Loder was married twice, and from his first issue, five children survive him, and from the second six, besides three sisters, Mrs. John Adey, Adeyton, Mrs. W.J. Loder, St. John’s, Mrs. Wm. Newhook, Dildo, who also mourn his sad passing. Relatives and friends and the community as a whole, feel the loss of one so devoted and loyal. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. George Warren on August 27, taking his text from Esekial Chapter 22, part of verse 30. He preached a very appropriate sermon making mention of the lines of the well-known hymn deceased was heard to repeat only a few minutes before God called him, “My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear.” The church was filled to capacity and the casket was covered with wreaths and flowers, showing the respect in which he was held, and so the cortege wended its way to the little cemetery on the hill, and as we commit all that is mortal of our beloved brother to Mother Earth, we would repeat the words,
“Death where is thy sting, where grave thy victory. On the resurrection morning, all the graves their dead restore, father, sister, child and mother, meet once more.”
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SMITH, George Vernon Samuel – The nine-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Smith, Little Heart’s Ease, who had been ill for a long time and who was being conveyed to the Walwyn Hospital by motor boat, died as it was being brought from the boat to a neighbour’s house here. The body was coffined and taken back to Little Heart’s Ease for burial. Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents. [Died May 22, 1946] (Western Star, June 21, 1946)
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SMITH, Gladys – There passed away at Gooseberry Cove on April 20, [1946] Gladys, wife of John Smith. Her death followed a lengthy illness, and left to mourn are her husband and eight children. (Western Star, May 31, 1946)
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SMITH, John B. – of Gooseberry Cove recently passed away [1947]. John B. Smith, was 46 years. (Western Star, August 29, 1947)
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SMITH, Simon – of Island Cove recently passed away [Died June 30, 1947]. Mr. Simon Smith was 84 years of age. (Western Star, August 29, 1947)
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SPURRELL, Eliza Ann – The death occurred last week at Butter Cove of Mrs. Uriah Spurrell. Her sons, David and Robert, who were away working in the woods at Terra Nova, arrived just in time to attend the funeral. [Died February 7, 1946]. (Western Star, March 1, 1946)
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SPURRELL, Joyce – Mr. and Mrs. Moses Spurrell of Southport, will have the sympathy of their many friends on the loss of their daughter Joyce, who passed away on February 2 [1946]. Joyce was one of the twin girls born on Christmas Day. (Western Star, March 8, 1946)
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STRINGER, Priscilla [nee Smith] – There passed away at Hodge’s Cove after a long illness, Priscilla, wife of Gilbert Stringer, in her forty-third year. Left to mourn their sad loss are her husband, two sons and two daughters. Deepest sympathy is extended. [Died May 17, 1946] (Western Star, June 21, 1946)
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VOKEY, Mr. – On August 9, there passed away almost suddenly at North West Brook, Mr. Vokey, at the age of 78. At the time of his death he was living with his son, Cyril, who two years ago moved to North West Brook and started a business. His native home was at Thoroughfare, Trinity Bay. (Western Star, August 29, 1947)
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett and Maria Drover, April 2015. Updated October 2023
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.