People Australia

Mr. R. M. Fowler.

Mr. Reginald Matthies Fowler, manager of Kempsey branch of the Bank of New South Wales for some years, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, while driving Dr. McElhone out to a country call. At the Sherwood turn-off Mr. Fowler stopped the car, remarking that he didn't feel well, and almost immediately collapsed. He was hurried to Leamington Hospital per ambulance but passed away at 6.50 p.m., about two hours after the seizure. Deceased, aged 63 years, was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Daniel Fowler, of Jerilderie, where his father was postmaster. He lost a leg in the 1914-18 war, and was nursed back to health by the lady whom he later married, Miss Frances Victoria May Odgers, of Castlemaine, Victoria, who had gone overseas as a Red Cross nurse. The late Mr. Fowler had his first managership of a bank branch at Boree Creek in 1913, and later was manager at Inverell, Moruya, Lockhart, Kandos, Wentworthville, and Hamilton, coming to Kempsey in 1937. He enlisted from Boree Creek, and served with two of his brothers in the same battery of artillery, his brother Geoffery and himself both being wounded. Geoffery died about three years ago as a result or his war injuries. In his younger days the late Mr. Fowler was a noted athlete, and, though handicapped by the loss of his leg, was a keen golfer and bowler since his return from the war. He was a member and Past Master of Masonic Lodge Kempsey, a member of Kempsey Rotary Club, Treasurer of the Australian Comforts Fund in this district throughout the war, and member of Kempsey Bowling Club, Central North Coast Show Society, R.S.L.. and other bodies, taking a keen and active interest in all public movements. His many fine personal qualities had won him a wide circle of friends, and his passing is deeply regretted by all who knew him, much I deep sympathy being extended to Mrs. Fowler in her sad bereavement. Brothers of deceased are Messrs Horace (Orange) and Daniel Fowler (Palm Beach); while sisters are Mrs. Brookes and Mrs. Ron West, both of Gordon, Sydney. After a service at All Saints' Church of England on Friday the casket entrained to Sydney, by Mr. J. R. Garland, for cremation at Northern Suburbs Crematorium on Saturday. The Rev. A. E. Warr, assisted by Rev. F. A. Reid, officiated at the service, Mr. C. E, Beckenham acting as organist. The casket was draped with the Union Jack, and members of the R.S.L., Lodge Kempsey. Rotary Club and Bowling Club formed a guard of honour at the railway station, each member of the R.S.L. carrying a wreath. Mr. L. R. Avenell read the Masonic Service at T. J. Andrews' funeral chapel, North Sydney, and many Kempsey folk were present, including Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Lacey and daughter, and Mr. W. Finlay.