29993 Private Francis Keenan, 31/6/1890-18/2/1926. "after a long illness"

The death of Mr Francis Keenan, of Rimu, motor-bus proprietor, took place at the Westland Hospital yesterday after a long illness. Deceased, who was 36 years of age, and the youngest son of the late James Keenan, of Rimu, saw lengthy service at the Great War. He was unmarried, and leaves four brothers and two sisters. The funeral will take place at Hokitika tomorrow afternoon.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 19/2/1926.

On Saturday afternoon there was a very large assemblage at the funeral of the late Mr Francis Keenan, of Rimu, the town and country being well represented including many returned soldiers. The services at St. Mary’s Church and the graveside were conducted by Rev. Dr Kennedy, and a large number of wreaths and floral tributes were placed on the grave, including wreaths from the Returned Soldiers' Association, Diggers' Sawmill workers, Frosty Creek sawmill workers and residents of Rimu and Woodstock. A firing party under Sergt. J. McIntosh, fired three volleys. Bugler L. Ross sounding "The Last Post.”  -Hokitika Guardian, 22/2/1926.

THANKS. 

MRS F. KEENAN, FAMILY and RELATIVES desire to THANK Drs Baird and Teichelmann, Matron and Stair of Westland Hospital for their care and attention to the late Francis Keenan. 

THANKS. 

MRS F. KEENAN, FAMILY and RELATIVES desire to THANK all friends for the many expressions of sympathy and condolence received in connection with their recent bereavement.  -Hokitika Guardian, 22/2/1926.

It is impossible to glean from newspaper coverage what Francis Keenan's "long illness" was, but his Army record shows that he was discharged as medically unfit due to a goitre.