The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1918-09-13
DEATH OF II. J. DESMOND

| II. j. Desmond, an old and highly
respected resident of Oroville, passed
away at the family home Saturday
after lingering illness of many
months. His death was not unexpect-
| ed, as his ailment was of such a
nature that recovery was impossible.
and he had been sinking steadily for
several weeks but when the end
nnally came it brought sorrow to the
hearts of all those who have had
business or social relations with the
kindly and sterling gentleman during
his long residence in the community.
Mr.. Desmond had been in failing
health for several yeafs, but continu-
ed in active business up to May of
last year. He sold out solely for the
purpose of trying to iecup his health
oy rest and at least temporary change
|of climate and surroundings. He
went to Montana, where he became
Interested with his bfother, Thomas
Desmond, of Spokane, in wheat grow
ing on an extensive scale. Instead
OF experiencing relief by the change
his difficulty, leakage of the heart,
BECAME more aggravated. and he fail
ed rapidly. He was taken to Seattle,
to try the affect of lower altitude
but obtained no relief, land after some
weeks on the coast be realized the
approaching end. Mr. Desmond in
sisted upon returning home where he
could die among his cid friends. He
returned to Oroville week before last,
and sank steadily unit. the end which
came Saturday. q
The funeral took place from the
Catholic church Wednesday afternoon,
Father JOS. Senergeld officiating
Business was suspended during the
funeral and very large crowd turn
ed out to show their last respects to
the departed. The services were very
impressive. and the officiating priest
paid a high tribute to the virtues of
the departed. The casket was buried
in wealth of floral offerings from
the hands Of sorrowing friends. A
long procession of cars followed the
remains to their last resting place in
Odd Fellows cemetery The arrange
ments for the final rites at the grave,
prepared under the direction OF In
dertaker l.. W, Barnes, were the most
beautiful that have ever been seen
at the local cemetery.
Humphrey J. Desmond was born in
New Brunswick in March, 1856, and
hence was aged 50 years. He came
west in 1870, and for k4time resided
at Sprague; in Lihcon, County. in
1905 he came to Oroville, where he
resided up to the time of his death
Here he engaged in the hardware
business, selling out in May, 1917.
Thirty-two years ago he was married
at Missoula. Montana, to Miss Caro-
line Resser. He is survived by his
widow. three daughters, Mrs. Agnes
Wills, Miss Bernice and Miss Sylvia
He also leaves a full brother, Thomas
Desmond, of Spokane, and a full sis
ter, Mrs Jas. Lawler, of Aspen, Colo
RADIO. Also a half brother and sister
living in Canada.
Ill tuc utdtI VI II, d. DcoliioIu olO-
Vile has lost one of It's most loyal
and valuable citizens, man who
could not well be spared and whose
good works will be remembered for
years to come. He always took
deep interest and active part in public
affairs, and could be depended upon
to support, aid and encourage any
movement that had for its OBJ
ject the upbuilding of the town or the
betterment of our people. A live and
energetic member of the body polite
he was dependable at all times when
his services were required in further
ing any civic enterprise. Personally
he was kindly Of heart, genial of dis
position, charitable to large degree
and bubbled over with good-fellow
shin. He was admired and respected
by those with whom he associated
for so many years for his sterling
character, and leaves behind record
for good works that will live in the
memory of his associates for years to
come. He was a devoted husband,
loving father, a true, kind and SYM
pathetic neighbor. His death leaves
a vacancy in the community that can
not we'll be filled, and his memory
will linger long with those who knew
him best.