1931 - Obituary - MR WADE GUDGEON
By the death of Mr Wade Gudgeon at his residence, Bayly street, Gulgong, on March 18 at the age of 52 years, the town of Gulgong and district loses one of its best citizens and prominent graziers. His passng, although not unexpected caused quite a gloom over the whole district. Deceased was a native of McDonald's Creek, Mudgee, where he went to school. Coming to Gulgong as a youth he later purchased the local newsagency, which he conducted for many years in premises where now stands D. Whale's refreshment rooms in Mayne street. He removed to premises which he built for himself with two shops adjoining in Herbert street, where the newsagency business which he disposed of to Mr. J. Gardiner nearly three years ago, is still carried on. For some years the business in Herbert street was conducted by the late Mr J. Russell, it being repurchased by Mr Gudgeon after Mr Russell's death over four years ago. The late Mr Gudgeon also became a property owner in the Gulgong and Binnaway districts for many years he was engaged in stock dealing throughout the North West in partnership with Mr T J Wade, now of Sydney. The partners were both known as honest, straightforward and reputable men and were welcomed wherever they went.
Deceased identified himself closely with every worthy public movement, and was formerly mayor, president of both agricultural and Pastoral Association and Parents and Citizens Association for some years, Repatriation Committee, treasurer and committeeman of the Gulgong District Hospital, secretary of the Gulgong Railway League and several various other bodies as a committee man. He had a strenuous time as Mayor during the Great War and later was a valuer for land purchased for returned soldiers. A more loyal patriotic citizen never lived. No one took a keener interest in local and national affairs and he was ever ready to discuss any of the problems of the day, and to assist in finding a way out.
The late Mr Gudgeon had been in failing health during recent years, but never complained. A few months ago he was taken to Sydney for treatment, and after several weeks was brought home, where medical assistance and all the care and attention of his devoted wife were, unfortunately, of no avail.
Apart from his career of distinguished public service, deceased was a lover of clean sport. He had a fine personality and by his kindness and sympathetic nature endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact, irrespective of class or creed. He was one of whom it might be said that nothing human was alien to him. He was a man always ready and willing to give his time in the service of the town he had grown to love, and in whose government he took an active and responsible part. He gave of his best at all times freely and gladly and his whole life was lived out with zest and enjoyment. Friendliness was his chief characteristic and he was held in the highest esteem by everyone.
His remains were laid to rest in the Presbyterian portion of the Gulgong cemetery. The funeral procession was led by members of the Gulgong (Happy Valley) branch, M.U. I.O.O.F and Lodge Wyaldra, followed by hundreds of cars. The Rev. B Galloway officiated at the graveside. Bro. D. H. Spring (Mudgee) conducting the Masonic service and Bro. H. Hall Friendly Society service. The municipal and all the public bodies in Gulgong were represented at the graveside.
Floral tributes were received from the following.— Mudgee Municipal Council: Gulgong Agricultural and Pastoral Association; Staff and Board of Gulgong District Hospital, Gulgong Public School (headmaster staff and pupils); staff and students Mudgee High School; brethren Lodge Wyaldra; Happy Valley Lodge, M.U.I.O.O.F; Mr and Mrs A Baldwin; Mr and Mrs C Honeysette: Mr and Mrs F. W. Heard; Mr ana Mrs S. E. Smith; Mr and Mrs D. C. Read; Mr and Mrs T. Amies; Matron and Sister McDonald, 'Blaxland House', Mudgee High School; Mr and Mrs F. Hasenkam; Mr and Mrs C. S. Wright; Mr and Mrs G. Callan; Mrs and Mr R J. Gorrie; Mr and Mrs A. Croft; Mr and Mrs A. H. Fortescue; Mr and Mrs J Murn Sydney; Mr and Mrs R. M. Gudgeon and sister, Mudgee; Mr and Mrs G. F. Walton, Coogee; Mr and Mrs J. H. Stahl, Miss D. Upham; Mr and Mrs C. Canobi; Mr and Mrs H. J. Gudgeon; Mrs H. Dewar; Mr and Mrs M. Dewar; Mr and Mrs H. Newbery; Misses Tuxford; Mrs . E. Brigden and family; Mrs J. E. Allen senr.; Mr and Mrs R. Croft; Mr and Mrs B. E. Honeysett; Mrs C. Hewitt and family; Mr and Mrs J. P. English; Mr J. Murn, Sydney; Mrs M. McKay, Sydney; Mr and Mrs T. Upham; Mr and Mrs H. E. Snelson; Mr and Mrs W. R. Cross; Mr and Mrs F. Docwra; Mr and Mrs W. Bennett; Mrs S Baldock, Mr and Mrs E. A Drew, Wentworth Falls A widow and three sons (Clarrie, Ernest John, and Clifford) and two daughters (Mrs N. Merriman, of Parkes, and Ethel) survive.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 26 Mar 1931 Page 8
