The Advocate was published under several names (The Morning Advocate, The Evening Advocate, The Fisherman's Advocate, etc.). The obituaries appear here as they appeared in those papers at the time of publication. For the convenience of researchers, they are listed in chronological order starting with the first publication of The Advocate in 1918. Not all the obituaries from this paper are presently included, however, every effort will be made to complete this list, in the meantime. if someone has an obituary which does not appear here, please contact Jim Butler by using the CONTACT button at the bottom of every page.

The obituaries are listed in chronological order.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, Jul 08, 1960, page 4, from Around Town)

Passed peacefully away at her home, Monday, June 27, after a brief illness, Mrs. Sarah Bailey, at the age of 85 years. Left to mourn are three sons, two daughters, two grandsons, three grand-daughters, one great grandson, one great-grand daughter, and a sister and a brother at Port Rexton. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at her home and Christ Church, Port Rexton, conducted by Rev. C. R. King and Rev. A. E. Bennett. Interment was in the Anglican cemetery, Port Rexton. To the bereaved relatives sincere sympathy is extended.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, May 26, 1961, page 12 Catalina News)

OBITUARY

There passed away at East Point at an early hour Saturday, May 13, George Gullage in his 74^th years. The deceased was in failing health for the past several months. He leaves to mourn his wife, Laura. The funeral service from his home to the church, with interment in St. Peter's Anglican cemetery, was conducted by the rector, Rev. C.R. King, with a very large attendance. The LOL of which he was a life-long member, paraded in a body. To the bereaved this column extends sincere sympathy.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, Oct 27, 1961, page 11)

OBITUARY

Mrs. Ellen Gibbons

Death came peacefully at 8:30 p.m., Oct 14, to Mrs. Ellen Gibbons, aged 87 years and 3 months, at the home of her daughter, Port Union. Mrs. Gibbons had been confined to her bed for the past two months. Her husband, Mr. Edgar Gibbons, died nine years ago. Although the loss of her dear husband meant loneliness and sorrow, she still continued to be quite happy and cheerful and always loved to have her family, especially her grandchildren, visit her. Mrs. Gibbons was a pioneer resident of this town, having moved here from Lumsden with her family in 1918. She is survived by her son James at St. John's; four daughters, Ella (Mrs. Harry Hayward), Port Union, Zeta, (Mrs. William Coates), Virtue (Mrs. Wilfred North), both of Halifax; and Naomi, (Mrs. Dougald Duffett), with whom she resided; a brother, John Hoyles, Pound Cove; and a sister (Mrs. Caroline Cooze), Wesleyville; 26 grandchildren (sp) and 38 great-grandchildren. It is sad to note her grandson. Junior Gibbons. son of Mrs. Maggie and the late Pearce Gibbons, was accidentally killed at Halifax the day his grandmother passed away. The funeral service for Mrs. Gibbons was conducted at her home by William J. Prince, circuit supervisor for Jehovah's Witnesses in central Newfoundland, and was largely attended.

Burial was in the Jehovah's Witnesses cemetery at Bonavista. The hymn "Forever with the Lord," was sung at the graveside. A kind lady, who was always in her home, will be sadly missed by her family and friends. To the bereaved family of Mrs. Gibbons and the family of her grandson, sincere sympathy is extended in their bereavement.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, November 9, 1962, page 5)

OBITUARY

In his eulogy on the Labrador fisherman, the poet sang:
"Death will find us sooner or later,
On the deck or in the cot,
And we cannot meet it better
Than in working out our lot."

The truth of thse words was brought home to the little community of Ivanhoe on October 11, with startling sadness, as news came from Britannia that one of our most respected citizens, James Miller, was accidently killed there that morning by falling from a ladder as he was working on the roff of his house.

He had only recently aquired the house at Britannia and was making some repairs prior to moving in the near future to be on the road and thus could avail of medical services more readily than he could at Ivanhoe in the winter, where boat was the only means of transportation which means incinvenience and sometimes hardship. So quite reasonably he had purchased a home in a more suitable place. But while working on the house he fell from a ladder and was killed instantly.

He was first found by a ten-year-old girl on her way to school. The doctor and the RCMP from Clarenville upon being notified were quickly on the scene and after investigation pronounced death due to a fall.

The death of James Miller caused another link with the past to be broken, a past that lingers only dimly and soon will be forgotten. But we should remember that our forefathers, with little means at their disposal, butil this land wisely and well. James Miller and many others of his generation could have the words of the poet applied to them:
"The sea is our field of harvest,
Its scaly tribes our grain,
We will reap the turning waters
As at home they reap the grain."

The deceased was a typical Newfoundland seaman and fisherman, and at an early age sailed to Labrador with men who in their day were famous for their success in prosecuting the Labrador fishery. Under such men as the late Capt. Richard Fowlow of Trinity and Capt. Emmanuel Stone of Monroe; he gained experience that was to stand him in good stead in the future, for it was not long when he took charge of vessels himself sailing to Labrador and elsewhere.

Later he entered the employ of the Monroe Export Company Limited and sailed for a number of years in command of the Netherton, a cold storage vessel of some 300 tons. He also commanded other craft of various sizes while working for 12 years with that firm. Only recently, comparatively speaking, he skippered coasters for E. J. Green and Company Limited and not until that firm sold their vessel did he decide to give up sailing and stay ata home. He also made several trips to the icefields in the days when the food and living conditions generally were not of the standard they are today.

He was to the icefields in the spring of 1914 - the spring of the Newfoundland disaster - being with Capt. Randell in the Bellaventure which was noted for the part she played in the rescue operations. He had spoken, but not often, of the gruelling experience of bringing in the dead frozen bodies of the victims of that terrible disaster.

James Miller, like all true seamen, has sailed into the celestial port. He was in his 71st year. The funeral was held at St. Nicholas Church and was largely attended. The service was conducted by the rector, Rev. Mr. Pevie, assisted by the lay reader. Members of the LOA and the SUF of which he was a member attended the service in a body. He will be missed in his community, in his church, and in his lodge room. To his sorrowing wife, his adopted daughter, and his two sisters sympathy is extended with the prayer that God may comfort them and help them to belileve that "In our Father;s house are many mansions."
- Cecil King,
Ivanhoe,

(The Fisherman's Advocate, February 21, 1964, page 11)

Obituary

Elizabeth Goodyear

The people of Port Union were saddened when it was with regret that they learned of the sudden passing of Elizabeth, wife of Kenneth Goodyear, on February 3, in her 66^th year.

Although in failing health since July, 1963, at the day of her death Mrs. Goodyear was in good spirits, and her death at 6 p.m., just as she had finished her tea, came as a shock to her family and friends. Truly it can be said, "In the midst of live we are in death".

The late Mrs. Goodyear was born at Catalina, the daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Russell, and in the early days of this town came here to reside with her family.

Forty-four years ago she married Kenneth Goodyear, formerly of Lumsden. Their union was blessed with four children, two of whom died at an early age.

Elizabeth Goodyear was a kind and friendly person, always willing to help a friend in need, and no home could have had a more friendly atmosphere. She was a good and loving wife and mother, and especially a grandmother. She was a faithful member of her church, and not only there will she be missed, but also in her lodge and community. She was very active and a wonderful worker in church and community affairs.

She was a past president of the Ladies Aid of the United Church, a past worthy president of Rising Sun, LOBA, Catalina, and a member of the Local Association of Canadian Girl Guides, first Port Union company.

She leaves to mourn their sad loss her husband, two daughters, Margaret (Mrs. Albert Norman), Effie (Mrs. Edmund Sweetland), eleven grandchildren, at Port Union, one sister (Mrs. Janie Lodge) at Port Union, four brothers, Lloyal Russell at Catalina, Robert and Victor Russell at Port Union, and Thomas Russell at St. John's, also a large circle of relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on February 5, at Bethany United Church, Catalina, and was largely attended. the casket was adorned with numerous wreaths and foral (sp) sprays. the members of the LOBA attended the funeral to pay their last respects to their-departed sister.

Interment took place at the United Church cemetery, Catalina, with the service at the home, church and graveside being conducted by the minister, Rev. W.T. Reynolds.

May God grant her eternal rest and will say to her at the last day, "Well done thou good and faithful servant," Father in thy gracious keeping, leave we not thy servant sleeping.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, September 4, 1964, page 10)

Obituary

There passed peacefully away on Sunday, August 16, at his home at Port Union, Robert G. Russell, aged 61 years. The deceased was a long-time employee of the Fisherman's Union Trading Company Limited, having served the company for 44 years.

He was laid to rest in the Anglican cemetery at Catalina, the place of his birth. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. c. R. King, rector of St. Peter's Church, Catalina, and were largely attended.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, John and Harold at Port Union; one daughter Winnifred (Mrs. Edward Pilgrin), Port union; one sister, Mrs. Jane Lodge, Port Union; three brothers, Lloyal at Catalina; Thomas in St. John's; and Victor at Port Union; also four grandchildren and a large number of relatives and friends. Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, September 4, 1964, page 10)

OBITUARY

(The Fisherman's Advocate, October 2, 1964, page 4)

Obituary

Passed peacefully away at Port Union, Mrs. Alfreda Russell, formerly of Southern Bay, B.B., age 75 years, 4 months.

Mrs. Russell has been an invalid for the past six years, and was never known to murmur or complain. She was patient to the end. She leaves to mourn their sad loss two sons, Harold at Southern Bay; Hubert at Gander; three daughters, Myra (Mrs. Nelson Thibault), Maniwha, Quebec; Mary (Mrs. Sidney Russell), Port Union, with whom she resided; and Jean (Mrs. Frazer Winsor), St. John's; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral service at the house was by Rev. C. R. King, for burial at Southern Bay, with Rev. Brown at the graveside.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, October 2, 1964, page 4)

OBITUARY

Services at the home and at the United Church, Catalina were conducted by the Rev. W. T. (missing) Interment was in the United Church cemetery, Catalina.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, March 26, 1965, page 9)

OBITUARY

Mrs. Milena Boomer, 75, died at the Colchester County Hospital Sunday, March 14, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Catalina, she was the daughter of the Late George and Martha Russell.

She was a member of the Saint James Presbyterian Church.

Her husband predeceased her.

Surviving are four daughters and four sons.

Also surviving are five sisters, Mrs. Peter Mason, Mrs. Joseph Mason, Mrs. Mark Lodge Sr., Mrs Mary Sheppard, and Mrs. Alfreda Pardy, all of Port Union.

Funeral service was held from the Kennedy Memorial Residence. Burial in the Robie Street cemetery, Truro, Nova Scotia.

OBITUARY - June 1965

LANE, Michael Joseph
Passed peacefully away on June 16^th, 1965 after a short battle with cancer, Michael Joseph Lane of East Point, Catalina. Predeased by his parents Jeremiah & Bridget Lane. Left to mourn his loving wife Kathleen, one son Edward (Bonnie) St John's, four daughters Esther, Bridget, Rita & Winnifred all of Catalina.One brother Thomas of Catalina, two sisters Annie of Boston, Mass & Joanna of Scarborough, Ont. Remains resting at his home East Point. Funeral mass to be held at St Patricks's church Port Union on June 18^th at 10 AM.Interment at RC cemetery Port Union.
(**Contributed by daughter, Esther Lane)

(The Fisherman's Advocate, January 11, 1966, page 11)

OBITUARY

A tribute to Gertrude Brown Burry.

Oh, do not weep for me when I am gone and think of me as just awhile away.

The gentle soul of Gertrude Brown Burry of Port Union, who was not afraid to meet death, returned to its maker at 10 p.m. on November 20, 1965. Gertie, as she was known to her family and many friends, was a beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister, a church and Sunday school worker, community helper and a friend to everyone.

She had been ill for many months. She bore her illness cheerfully and with a sense of humour. It was a pleasure to visit her. Death came as no surprise to her. She knew for some time that God would call her home shortly and so she made her preparations calmly, confidently, and so completely unafraid. She said all the necessary goodbyes and made all arrangements. Not the least of her concerns was to commend her loved ones to the Maker's care. Gertie was a lover of life, her smile and ready wit and pleasant personality endeared her to all.

She slipped away, never once heard to complain or show the slightest fear. Gertie had faith that did not shrink and trust that lit the dying bead, as the writer can well recall, having spent the last night of hers on earth by her bedside. Death for her had no sting, only victory. He loved ones and friends surely look forward to meeting her at the resurrection, for there she will be with her kindly, good humoured smile.

She leaves to mourn their sad loss her husband, Lewis, two sons Frederick and Lloyal; her mother (Mrs. Jane Lodge), one sister Ella (Mrs. Erice Hill) at Goose Bay. (Here brother, H. Frederick Brown predeceased her on November 4), four brothers, Lloyal, Alex, Victor and Russell Lodge, all at Port Union, and a host of relatives and friends.

The burial service was conducted at the home and Bethany United Church by the minister, Rev. W. T. Reynolds.

The members of the Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion, branch No. 16, Catalina, paid tribute to their departed comrade and sister. Interment was in the United Church cemetery, Catalina. The auxiliary ritual was read at the gravesite by the president comrade N. Hiscock.

May the soul of Gertrude Brown Burry rest in eternal peace.

L. M.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, November 11, 1966, page 3)

Obituary

The town of Port Union was saddened and deeply shocked by the passing on November 5, of one of its pioneer residents in the person of Arthur Sweetland, Sr., in his 63^rd year at the Bonavista Hospital after a brief illness.

Born at Bonavista, the son of the late John and Suzanna Sweetland, he came to Port Union at an early age when his parents became one of the first families to reside here after the founding of the Fisherman's Union Trading Company limited. Arthur Sweetland was a faithful employee of the company for a period of 51 years, having been employed with his father at St. John's, when the head office was located there.

In his younger days Mr. Sweetland took an active part in community affairs. He was a member of the brass band of Port Union, being a cornet player, under his late father as bandmaster, and a member of the local fire brigade. he was a life long member of Caribou Lodge, No. 74, SUF, at Catalina.

Mr. Sweetland will be missed by his co-workers and neighbours, and especially by his family, as he was a man who, when his day's work ended, enjoyed the comfort of his family and home, having seldom gone any place else. Everyone received a welcome at his home, and he will bong be remembered. Sacred memories of a devoted husband and untiring father will live in the hearts of his wife and children and his other relatives.

Left to mourn their sad loss are his wife (the former Miss Millie Tulk of Newtown, B.B.); a daughter Pauline (Mrs. Jack Moore), Clarenville; two sons, Albert at Halifax and Bruce at home, two grandchildren; four brothers, John, Samuel and Albert at Port Union, and Charlie at Topsail, C.B.; five sisters, Mrs. Maude Russell, Miss Jessie Sweetland, Hilda (Mrs. Randolph Tulk), Grace (Mrs. Kenneth Tulk), and Eliza (Mrs. Harold McDonald) at Sydney; also several nephews and nieces, and a large circle of other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. C. R. King, both at the home and Holy Martyrs Church. The S.U.F. was in attendance. The beautiful floral tributes were a testimonial to the high esteem and respect in which he was held, and his funeral was largely attended. Interment was in the Anglican cemetery, Catalina.

		Father in thy gracious keeping,
		Leave us now thy servant sleeping.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, November 2, 1967, page 12)

OBITUARY

Frank Bailey

Passed peacefully away at his nome at Port Union, at 2. p.m. on October 9, Frank Bailey at the age of 65, leaving to mourn besides his wife Sadie, three sisters, Annie (Mrs. Cyril Bailey), Trinity; Blanche (Mrs. Albert Penny) North Wilmington, Mass., U.S.A.; and Gladys (Mrs. Donald Jones), Port Union; also a number of relative and friends.

Although failing in health for over a year, he bore his suffering patiently and worked almost to the time of his death. He was an employee of the Fisherman's Union Trading Company, having worked there for 45 years, and was manager of the Provision Store at the time of his death.

The deceased was a member of Landfall Masonic Lodge, Bonavista, and a member of the L.O.A., Catalina, and members of each order attended the funeral which was largely attended. Funeral services at the home and Anglican Church, Catalina, were conducted by the minister, Rev. M. Mate. interment was in the Anglican cemetery, Catalina.

		There is a land of pure delight, 
		Where saints immortal reign,
		Infinite day excludes the night,
		And pleasures banish pain.

		There everlasting spring abides,
		And never-withering flowers.
		Death, like a narrow sea, divides
		This heavenly land from ours.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, April 5, 1968, page 3)

OBITUARY

Another veteran has answered the last roll call.

His many friends were saddened to learn of the passing of the late Joseph J. Mason of Port Union at the Bonavista Hospital after a brief illness on Friday, March 15, at the age of 77.

Uncle Joe, as he was well known by many of his friends, was born at Catalina in 1891, the sone of the late Mrs. and Mrs. Peter Mason. He served with the H.M. Royal Navy in World War I. After returning from overseas he married the former Jessie Russell of this town, and was a devoted husband and father. For twenty-five years he worked with the firm of Job Brothers Ltd., St. John's, and retired in January 1954.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Catalina Branch No. 16 for a number of years.

He leaves to mourn their sad loss his wife Jessie; two sons Samuel and Gilbert at home; two daughters, Elizabeth and Mildred (Mrs. Frederick Hart); 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; one brother Peter, and one sister, Alice, (Mrs. Charles Rowe, Catalina), and a large circle of relatives and friends.

The burial service was conducted on Sunday at Bethany United Church by the Rev. W. T. Reynolds. Interment was in the United church cemetery. members of the Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies Auxiliary paid tribute to their departed comrade.

(The Fisherman's Advocate, May 31, 1968)

OBITUARY

Passed away at the General Hospital, St. John's, on March 14, Daniel King in his 74^th year. The late Mr. King was born at New Bonaventure on September 11, 1894, son of the Late John and Miriam King.

He was educated at the Church of England School at Bonaventure, and started work with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs at Bonaventure in 1910. In 1917 he was employed by the Canadian Marconi Company and served as a wireless operator on the patrol ship Port Saunders. In 1918 he resumed work with the Post and Telegraphs at New Bonaventure, where he resided until September 1921, at which time he was appointed to the office of Postmaster and Telegrapher at Port Union. He served in this capacity, and also collector of customs for a number of years, until 1941 when upon the advice of his doctor he retired from the postal service to seek some form of outdoor employment. During the next couple of years he acted as a sub-agent for the Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada, and in 1943 was appointed agent and travelled for the company until 1951.

The late Mr. King was very active in his community over all the years he resided at Port Union. He was appointed a Commissioner of the Supreme Court in May of 1930, an office which he held until the time of his death. He was a director of the Fisherman's Union Trading Company Limited for twenty-two years. He was very active in church circles, acting as lay reader at the Church of Holy Martyrs for twenty-six years; superintended Sunday school, served as church warden and was for many years secretary of the Parish Council.

He was a member and past master of Caribou Lodge No. 74, S.U.F., at Catalina, and also a charter member of the Port Union Lions Club, having a very keen interest in both, being in regular attendance up until the time failing health prevented him from doing so.

The late Mr. King was held in high esteem by all with whom he became associated at Port Union, surrounding areas, and indeed across the Island of Newfoundland. He was always pleasant, and ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need of his services. His was a useful and rewarding life. He would have had it no other way.

Interment took place at the Anglican cemetery at Catalina.

He leaves to mourn his widow Mary L. (nee House); four sons, Ralph, Port Union; Aaron, Winnipeg; Reginald, Hamilton; Dan, Toronto; one daughter Edna, Mrs. H. B. Carson, Redmond, Washington; one brother John, Port Union; one adopted sister Lucretia, Mrs. Roy Bailey, New Paltz, New York; twelve grand children, one great grand child, one nephew and two nieces.