433836 Driver Eric Frederick John Soden, (1913-18/1/1946). "free from pain"

DEATHS

SODEN. — On January 18, 1946, at Dunedin, Eric Frederick John, beloved husband of Meda Caroline, and loved youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs T. Soden, Bannockburn; aged 32 years. Interment at Cromwell, Monday.   -Evening Star, 18/1/1946.

Eric Soden was chosen by ballot for overseas service in 1941 - and that is all I have been able to discover about his military service.  The cause of his death is also unknown to me, but the briefest reading of the tributes published "in memoriam" are telling.

The location of his death suggested the possibility that he died in a Dunedin tuberculosis ward.

IN MEMORIAM

C. F. SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear husband, who passed away at Dunedin, on January 18, 1946. 

I miss your smile and cheery ways. With you I spent such happy days. 

Cherished memories fond and true, Will ever remain dear Ec. of you. 

— Inserted by his loving wife, Meda. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear brother, who passed away at Dunedin. on January 18, 1946. 

Sleep on dear Eric, for it is true, You suffered long and told but few, 

Peaceful sleep free from pain. We would not wake you to suffer again. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Alma and Fred. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear brother, Erie, who passed away at Dunedin, January 18, 1946. 

Sleep on dear Eric, for it is true, You suffered long and told but few. 

Peaceful sleep free from pain, We would not wake you to suffer again. 

— Inserted by his loving sister, Bertha, brother-in-law, Doss and family. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear brother, who departed this life January 18. 1946. 

A nature you couldn’t help loving, A heart that was purer than gold, 

To those who knew him and loved him, His memory will never grow old. 

— Inserted by Doris, Alby and family. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Eric, who passed away on January 18, 1946. 

This day brings memory, Of a dear brother laid to rest. 

And those who think of him to-day, Are those who loved him best. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Veda and Wilf. 

\SODEN. — In loving memory of our dear Uncle Eric, who passed away on January 18. 1946. 

Ever remembered. 

— Inserted by the Auld children. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of our dear son-in-law and brother-in-law Eric who passed away at Dunedin on January 13, 1946. "Sadly missed.” — Inserted by Mrs Kitto and Cec.   -Otago Daily Times, 18/1/1947.

Cromwell Cemetery.