The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer
Obituary.
Mr. Francis Lionel Dennes.
At 20 minutes past two o’clock on the morning of Tuesday, 17th October, 1944, the soul of Francis Lionel Dennes, of Tinonee, passed into the Great Beyond.
The late Francis (Frank) Dennes was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W, H. Dennes, both of whom were natives of this district, where the whole of their lives were spent.
The subject of this notice was born on 7th June1876, and received his education at the Tinonee Public School.
As a young man he want to Gundagai for a short period and later spent some time on the northern coalfields.
On returning to the Manning he followed various occupations — a great part of his life being employed as engineer on the ‘Commodore,’ a power punt used for carrying logs to the Coopernook sawmill. Later, he was employed for some years as engineer by the late Captain Gollan, proprietor of the Tinonee sawmill, and in a similar capacity by Messrs. Wright and Maclaren, of Avalon.
Finally, the late Mr. Dennes decided to go on the land, and was farming in turn at Mondrook, Kolodong and Hillview.
While on the farm at the latter place he had the misfortune to trip and fracture a hip. This unfortunate mishap made him a cripple for the rest of his life. At times the pain suffered was great — an affliction which he bore with a fortitude that was really an inspiration to others, for it can be truthfully stated that it would be very difficult to find a more cheerful character than he, whose fund of humor and ready wit were greatly appreciated by his host of friends.
The late Frank Dennes won and retained the love and respect of all, both young and old, and of him it could be written ‘write me as one who loves his fellow men.’
On the 8th October, 1902, he married Edith, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, of ‘Rosehill ‘ Karaak Flat, who is left to cherish the loving memory of a devoted husband.
Of the union there were five children namely: Winifred (Mrs. A C. Paff), Edna (Mrs. Ossle Bird), Dulcle (Mrs. M. Bird), James and Maxwell.
There are 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Brothers and sisters of deceased are: Mesdames A. M. Mallinson, M. V. Speirs, L. Henwood (Sydney), F. Malcolm (Kempsey), A. McLaughlin (Moorland). Messrs. Ernest (Cundle Flat), Bert (Chrislchurch, NZ), Harry (Kempsey). Clifford and Neville (Tinonee).
Deceased members of the family were: Mrs. T. McDonald (Woolgoolga), and William , (Kempsey).
A little over a week ago the late Mr. Dennes attended the local sports at which he was an interested spectator.
However, during the following week he was stricken down and from Thursday week it was seen that his end was near, and he finally passed peacefully away as previously mentioned.
The remains were laid to rest In the Tinonee cemetery, of which he was a trustee, on Wednesday morning, following a service In the St. Luke’s Church.
The representative gathering was a fitting testimony to his popularity. The Rev, W. Grifflth-Cochrane officiated.
The funeral was a large and representative one, and wreaths were sent by many people, and were most beautiful.
