Edward Reeve Baker, (1927-5/1/1948). "without farewell"

DEATHS.

BAKER. — On January 5, 1948, at Ashburton, Edward Reeve (Berry), dearly loved eldest son of John Beresford Reeve and Dorothy Evelyn Baker, of 104 Cass Street, in his 21st year. (Result of Accident.)   -Ashburton Guardian, 5/1/1948.

SWIMMER’S DEATH FROM INJURIES

INQUEST AT ASHBURTON 

Edward Reeve Baker, aged 20, son of Mr and Mrs J. B. R. Baker (Cass street, Ashburton), who was injured when he struck the bottom of the Ashburton riverbed after diving into the river on Saturday, died in the Ashburton Public Hospital early yesterday morning. 

An inquest into his death was held at Ashburton yesterday, and the District Coroner (Mr E. C. Bathurst) returned a verdict, in accordance with medical evidence that death was caused by a fracture dislocation of the cervical spine, with resultant shock and respiratory failure, accidentally caused after he had dived into a pool in the Ashburton river while bathing there on January 3. 

In evidence Selwyn Rees Williams, Desmond Gladstone O’Grady, and Ronald Gutherie said that, with Baker, they had gone swimming in a pool in the Ashburton river on Saturday. The pool was about six feet deep and 30 feet wide. Baker had dived into the water, and when he did not immediately reappear none of the party had been concerned, as Baker was fond of swimming under water. When it was thought he had been under the water too long, they had all dived in to see what was wrong. Baker could not be located at first, but O’Grady later found him. Artificial respiration was applied before Dr. J. Connor arrived and ordered Baker’s admission to hospital.

Dr. Derek E. N. Wood, a house surgeon at the Ashburton Public Hospital, gave medical evidence.  -Press, 6/1/1948.

FUNERAL NOTICES

BAKER — The Funeral of the late Edward Reeve Baker will leave St. Stephen’a Church, Ashburton, To-day (Tuesday), January 6, at 2.30 p.m., for the Ashburton Cemetery. 

Baker Bros, and O’Reilly, Ltd.  -Press, 6/1/1948.

IN MEMORIAM

BAKER — In loving memory of Edward Reeve (Berry), dear son and brother, who passed away on January 5, 1945. 

Waiting till the resurrection morn 

When we will meet and part no more.

— Inserted by his loving mother and father, Jack and Terry.

BAKER — In loving memory of Edward Reeve (Berry), who was accidentally drowned on January 5, 1948. 

Good were our hearts, Our friendship sound, 

Days to remember, sad to recall, Without farewell he left us all,

Though we smile and seem carefree, No one misses him more than we. 

— Inserted by Rees, Ron, Peter, Des, Murray, Bill and Colin.  -Ashburton Guardian, 5/1/1949.

Ashburton Cemetery.