John Desmond Riordan, (1904-11/12/1935). "an extremely popular host"

Visions of an exceedingly cold and comfortless night were entertained by a party of Roxburgh sportsmen, who were recently stranded in the middle of Lake Hawea when the propeller of their launch was fouled by weeds. Night was approaching, and, with a good blow coming up, their position was an exceedingly unenviable one. The problem was solved for the party by Mr Riordan, who was in charge of the launch. He dived into the icy waters of the lake, swam under the boat, and managed to free the weeds from the driving shaft, with the result that the launch could proceed to the shore.   -Otago Daily Times, 23/5/1933.

FATAL SHOOTING TRIP.

MAN DROWNED IN LAKE. 

(By Telegraph. — Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Wednesday. 

Advice was received this evening that Mr. Desmond Riordan, aged about 40, was drowned in Lake Hawea this afternoon. Mr. Riordan was out shooting and entered the lake to recover a bird, but got into difficulties and failed to regain the shore. He was one of the proprietors of the boardinghouse at Hawea Flat. The body has not been recovered.  -Auckland Star, 12/12/1935.

MR J. D. RIORDAN

Widespread gloom was cast over the district on Wednesday last when it was learned that Mr John Desmond Riordan had been drowned in Lake Hawea. Mr Riordan, who was the only son of Colonel John Riordan, of Wexford, Ireland, was born in Clonmell 31 years ago. He completed his military training at Sandhurst, becoming lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers (Imperial Army). He later gave up his military career to come to New Zealand six years ago, spending some time with his cousin, Mr John H. Smith, Island Block, Central Otago. He took an active interest in various branches of sport, including golf, lawn tennis and Rugby football, and was a keen fisherman and an excellent shot. His interest in outdoor life, particularly fishing and shooting, eventually decided him to settle in the Hawea district, where he and Mr. Claud Capel became joint proprietors of Lake House, Hawea. An extremely popular host, he made many friends throughout Otago and Southland. The body was recovered from the lake on Thursday, and the funeral, which took place the following day, was attended by many friends from various parts of Otago and Southland, the relatives present being Messrs J. H. Smith (Island Block), C. H. Smith (Oamaru) and J. McCully (Duntroon). An impressive service was conducted by the Rev. Father Graham, the interment being at Pembroke.

Mr Riordan is survived by his father and three sisters — Mrs P. Browne and Misses Joan and Aileen Riordan, all of whom reside in Wexford, Ireland.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/12/1935.

Wanaka Cemetery.