WILLIAM WESTBROOK SQUIRES.
Obit. 21st April .Etat 37.
The subject of the following extract from the Nelson Advertiser was so well known to many in this locality, and especially to the Masonic body here, which was indebted to him for services rendered to the Marlborough. Lodge of Unanimity, that we cannot do less than copy the whole of the article.
"Died on Sunday, 21st April, aged 37, at his residence, Hardy Street, Nelson, after an illness of 12 days, William Westbrook Squires, M. D., eldest son of the late William Westbrook Squires of Liverpool, England. Deceased was born at St. Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, Aug. 31, 1840, and received his professionals training at Liverpool, Edinburgh and Pisa. He was a M.R.C.S., England, and graduated as M. D. Edinburgh, 1864. His health being precarious he sought to benefit it by a voyage to this country, and he arrived in Nelson by the ship "Magna Bona" in December, 1864, and was induced to settle here. In the practice of his profession, in which he continued until the time of his attack. Shortly after his arrival he was appointed Coroner, subsequently Public Health Officer, Consulting Surgeon to the Nelson Hospital, and he has filled other offices of importance in public matters, as well as frequently being elected to the Surgeonship of the Oddfellows and other Friendly Societies. The lamented gentleman was also a distinguished member of the Masonic brotherhood in whose active working he took an important and unflagging interest; he twice held the exalted position of Worshipful Master of the Southern Star Lodge for a double term of office, and was up to the time of his decease, the Acting First Principal of the Trafalgar Royal Arch Chapter of Nelson. He preferred a request to the Worshipful Master of his Lodge for the right of Masonic burial according to ancient usage, as provided by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of England, at the same time expressing a desire that the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was Past Provincial Grand Master, and the Foresters Court, of which he was an Honorary Member, should also join in the funeral.
Deceased married on the 23rd of April, 1872, Catherine J. C, daughter of Mr John Simpson of Moutere, by whom he has one son. He was presented with an affectionate address of condolance from the Southern Star Lodge on the death of his wife, which took place on the 20th August, 1873. As a good Mason, a skilful physician, a useful citizen, and a warm friend, his loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come. He was tenderly cared for in the closing hours of his life, and fully realised and appreciated the watchful anxieties of his numerous sympathising acquaintances.
"On some fond breast the parting soul relies, Some pious drops, the closing eye requires,
E'en from the tomb the voice of nature cries, E'en in our ashes live their wonted fires."
— But five weeks ago, in apparent health, deceased followed the remains of his brother to his long home, in which he is now called to join him. The following is an extract from the funeral oration delivered by Bro. Stanton, W. M.: —
"As a constant attendant at our assemblies, an ardent worker, a bright Mason, a ritualist and as a jurist, we have always looked up to brother Squires, in conjunction with the other respected Past Masters, by which the Southern Star Lodge has been distinguished; and if his occasional reproofs were, at times, not quite pleasant, we are sure they came from an open, honest, manly heart, and moreover, from one well trained to discipline, order, method, and accuracy, who would naturally exact the same from others. Of him it may well be said —
"And even his failings leaned to Virtue's side."
Ever ready to forgive, ever ready with the hand of friendship, ever cheery in our innocent mirth, when called off from Masonic labor to refreshment! Let us cherish his memory! He lived in peace on earth, in faith in his Heavenly Father, and we know that he has joined the G. A. O. T. U. (Great Architect Of The Universe) in the bright Lodge above, from whose celestial portals he may be permitted to look down upon his brethren here humbly performing their last obsequies over the Earthly Temple from which his Spirit has departed, awaiting the promised time when victory over the Grave shall be consummated. May we be therefore, through his memory, enabled to lift our eyes to that bright morning star whose rising brings peace and consolation to the faithful and obedient, and sorrow not as those who have no hope. So mote it be." -Marlborough Express, 1/5/1878.
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