The Daily News
May 2, 1959
Page: 5
Bell Island -
We have learned with deepest regret of the passing of Mr. Nathaniel Sheppard of Scotia No. 1, Bell Island. He passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 28. Mr. Sheppard was in a retired employee of Dominion Wabana Ore Division. Further reference to his passing will appear in next Wednesday's issue of Bell Island News.

The Daily News
May 6, 1959
Page: 17
Spaniard's Bay, May 3 -
Mrs. Lillian Crane, 29, wife of Chesley Crane, passed way on Tuesday, April 28 at her late residence in St. John's. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Israel Gosse of Spaniard's Bay and although her health had not been good for some time her almost sudden passing came as a deep shock to her family and friends. After graduating from high school here she took a business course in St. John's and worked at ???? Insurance Office and frequently at Pepperell Air Force Base. She was married to Chesley Crane for over six years.
Her remains were brought here Tuesday evening and rested at the home of her parents until Thursday afternoon when the funeral was held. A very large number of relatives and friends were present at Holy Redeemer Church at 2:30 for the burial of the dead conducted by the Rector Rev. E. Willis, and they gave respect to her memory when all stood to attention while the "Dead March" was played. Burial was in the family plot.
Mourning their sad loss are her husband, her parents, (her father is presently in Toronto), two brothers, Ernest and Chester (both living in Toronto) and her grandmother, Mrs. Dora Gosse. We join their many friends in offering the bereaved our profound sympathy.
"When for a while we part,
This thought will soothe our pain;
That we shall still be joined in heart,
And one day meet again."
Note: Be advised this transcribed obituary may not be exactly as appearing in newspaper due to the poor quality of the newspaper article.

The Daily News
May 20, 1959
Page: 5
Bell Island -
Christopher Saunders -
"Death is but a doorway to the living God"
The news of the passing of Mr. Christopher Saunders at his home, Dominion No. 1, East Wabana, on Sunday, May 3, was learned with deep regret by his many friends on the Island.
Mr. Saunders had been in indifferent health for the past two years and his passing was not expected. The late Chris Saunders was born in White Bay 73 years ago and at an early age came to Bell Island where he went to work with the mining company, many years of which he was engaged as a timber man in No. 2 slope before he was pensioned about eight years ago.
A cheerful, kindly, helpful, friendly individual, Chris Saunders will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of his friendship. His mortal career has ended, but in our hearts he will always be remembered as a strong, sincere and charitable man who, in service to his fellows, attained a vaster stature.
Left to sustain the sad bereavement are his wife, the former Mary Vokey of Spaniard's Bay; three sons, Fred, Eric and Walter, all residing on Bell Island; four daughters, Isobel (Mrs. Matthew Power), Florie (Mrs. Bramwell Budgell), Mildred (Mrs. Gordon Somerton), on Bell Island and Laura (Mrs. Cyril Case) at Salmon Cove, C.B.; three sisters, Mrs. Jesse Gosse, Galt, Ont., Mrs. Leander Banks, White Bay, and Mrs. Joseph Gosse, Bell Island; one brother, Ernest Saunders, residing at White Bay, as well as a number of grandchildren.
The funeral took place by motor hearse May 5 to St. Cyprian's Anglican Church were the funeral service was taken by the Rector, Rev. T. E. Smith. The undertaker was Mr. Bert Rideout. Interment was in the Anglican Cemetery.
The sorrowing family may take comfort in the knowledge that their grief is shared by all who knew him, for to know him was to admire and respect him.
May he rest in peace.

The Daily News
May 21, 1959
Page: 5
Spaniard's Bay, May 18 -
William Barrett, 77, passed away at his home in Tilton on Monday, May 10, following a lengthy illness. He was a faithful Anglican all his life time and for many years served the little church and congregation in Tilton as sexton. He was a member of the LOA for many years. His funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon when the burial services were conducted by Rev. E. Willis. Besides his wife (they were married for fifty-two years) he is survived by four daughters, Sarah in Halifax, Marcie in Shearstown, Emily and Beatrice at Tilton, and two sons, John and Edward at Tilton.
May his soul rest in peace.

The Daily News
May 21, 1959
Page: 2
Bay Roberts -
Albert George Earle - Passed peacefully away at the General Hospital, St. John's on Tuesday, Mary 12th, Mr. Albert George Earle of this town, at the age of 57 years.
The late Mr. Earle was born at Shearstown, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Earl, moved to Bay Roberts 22 years ago to take up residence, first opening a store at the corner of Klondyde, then moving to the center of town to continue his business as a snack bar operator some ten years ago. Although crippled from birth the late Mr. Earle enjoyed good health up to about two years ago when he was stricken with a heart attack, since then he has suffered various spells. On Sunday, previous to his death, he was again stricken and entered the hospital where he passed away on Tuesday.
Left to mourn are two brothers, Kenneth residing at Toronto and Maxwell at St. John's, four sisters, Mrs. Mildred Moores of Revere, Mass., Dorothy, Mrs. Mae Boone at Clarke's Beach, Minnie, Mrs. Nathan Earle and Melconoi, Mrs. Abe French, both of Bay Roberts.
The remains were conveyed by motor hearse to the home of his sister, Mrs. Boone, at Clarke's Beach on Tuesday, then on Wednesday was conveyed to the home of another sister, Mrs. Abe French of this town, until Thursday when the funeral was held by motor hearse to St. Mark's Anglican Church, Shearstown. Interment was in the family plot. Rev. Isaac Butler officiated. Deepest sympathy is extended those who mourn.

The Daily News
May 29, 1959
Page: 5
Spaniard's Bay, May 26 -
Neil - Barrett Wedding
The marriage of Miss Sylvia Neil, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey Neil to Leander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Barrett, both of Spaniard's Bay, was solemnized here on Saturday afternoon at 5 in the Church of the Holy Redeemer by the rector, Rev. E. Willis.
The bride, who was given in marriage by Mr. Samuel Neil, entered the church to the strains of Lohengrin's Bridal Chorus. She looked a picture in her lovely floor-length gown of nylon net over white satin with side and back panels of lace flowing in a long train. The elbow length veil of nylon net with daintily embroidered edging fell from a pleated cap of simulated pearls. She carried a white covered prayer book from which hung streamers of white satin decorated with red rosebuds.
Mrs. Fred Neil, sister of the groom, as matron of honour, was attired in a pale green gown of nylon net and lace with matching bolero. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Moses Barrett and Mrs. Ernest Collins (also the groom's sister) and they were dressed in identical gowns in shades of blue. All wore matching halos and carried bouquets of pink and white carnations.
Pretty Miss Lois Gosse, as trainbearer was dressed in blue.
Attending the groom were Messrs. Fred Neil, Arthur Mercer, and Ernest Collins.
The reception was held at the school in Bishop's Cove where the wedding supper was served and the usual toasts were honoured.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrett will take up residence in Spaniard's Bay at the end of the school year. The bride is teaching at Petty Harbour. We wish for them "Bon Voyage."
(Gowns by London, New York and Paris; Cake by Baine Johnston Limited)

The Daily News
May 30, 1959
Page: 5
Bell Island -
Henry Mercer - Bell Island and the province in general suffered an irreparable loss on Sunday morning, May 24 when Mr. Henry Mercer of 130 Casey Street, St. John's passed to that happy "destiny that lies beyond our dust." Mr. Mercer had been sick just two weeks. Everything humanely possible was done for him but to no avail and so without any fear of death he peacefully left it all for the "better land of day" on the above mentioned date.
The late Harry Mercer was born at Shearstown, C.B., 85 years ago; he was a son of the late James and Rebecca Mercer.
Mr. Mercer came here from Shearstown in 1898 and after half a century of continuous and faithful service with Dosco, Wabana Mines as a carpenter, he was retired on pension in 1947 and for the past eight years resided in the city.
"Uncle Harry" as he was affectionately known was the good old type of citizen, and none was held in higher esteem then he was. He was beloved by all classes for he was of a most amiable and friendly disposition that endeared him to everyone and his passing is sincerely mourned by a legion of friends.
Many of us will remember affectionately and picture him as "the grand old gentleman" in the delightfully home at Scotia No. 1, where in yester years he spared no efforts to make his visitors feel comfortable and perfectly at ease. He was a most interesting conversationalist and it was a real pleasure to hear his interesting stories of life at the fishery and about the early days of mining on the Iron Isle.
During his long and useful life, he revealed daily the qualities, which make men great. He possessed a keen sense of humour, kindness of heart, loyalty to his church, a love which was always in evidence. He was a man of prayer and read his Bible regularly. His faith was a victorious one, strong enough and radiant enough to prevail over any testing. He was not afraid of life, nor of death, for he had built his house upon a rock and was a workman, who needeth not be ashamed.
Since taking up residence in St. John's, Mr. Mercer performed a great errand of mercy daily, by visiting the sick at the city hospitals, and having messages broadcast nightly over the DOSCO news to loved ones at home regarding the condition of their health. All of those patients shall never forget him and with them his memory shall remain verdant forever.
The deceased gentleman was a past master of Happy Home, L.O.A. and for many years was a prominent member of Clift Lodge, No.3694, E.C.A.F. and A.M. He had a fine sense of civic pride and every worthwhile cause was generously supported by him.
A Christian gentleman has passed on, but he is just beyond our horizon but our horizon is just the limit of our sight. There's a glorious life beyond. The somber here we call death has fallen, but "He turneth the shadow of death into the morning. We look forward not back; we look upward and hear the Master's voice saying reassuringly "Thou shall never die."
On Monday afternoon a short service was held at his late residence in St. John's. The officiating clergyman was Rev. M. Genge.
A deputation from Royal Oak, L.O.A. were also present for the service. His remains were then taken to Shearstown and waked that night there in the Orange Hall. Prior to the funeral, which took place to St. Mark's Church, Tuesday afternoon. The Royal Black Preceptory read their burial ritual at the Lodge.
At the church, which was crowded to capacity, three clergymen officiated at the funeral service. They were Rev. I. Butler, Rev. J. H. Maidment, rector of Port de Grave, and the rector of St. Mary's Church, St. John's, the Rev. R. R. Babb. Mr. Mercer had been a faithful member of St. Mary's while in the city. The first part of the service was taken by Rev. Butler, Rev. Maidment read the lesson. The sermon was preached by Rev. Babb who paid a very touching tribute to the late Mr. Mercer. Mr. Butler also spoke on the life and passing of the deceased. Interment was in the Anglican Cemetery at Shearstown.
Among relatives and friends from Bell lsland and St. John's attending the funeral were: the deputy master from the Royal Black Preceptory, Sir Kt. John Norman, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Neil, Mr. Richard H. Gosse, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Gosse, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gosse, Mr. James Gosse, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Mills, and Mr. George Gosse. His son George from Toronto was also present at the funeral.
Left to sustain the bereavement are his wife, the former Julia Ann Gosse, one son, George, Toronto; two daughters, Pearl, (Mrs. Ted Mills) St. John's, Flora, (Mrs. Douglas Neil), Bell Island; 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
His earlier career has ended and like all other faithful and true Christians, he has joined the noble arms of those, who after a life time of good works; rest from their labours and their works do follow them."
And so nunc dimitis, but not farewell.