An old and much respected identity at Lower Piper, in the person of Mr. John Procter, J.P., passed away rather suddenly at his farm on Monday last.
An inquest was duly held, before Coroner J. C. Conrad, and a jury of seven, of whom Mr. A. P. Jones was foreman. Dr. Davies, of Beaconsfield, after making a post-mortem examination, declared the cause of death to be "fatty degeneration of the heart," and a verdict was recorded in accordance with the medical testimony. The deceased was 68 years of age, and the biggest part of his life was spent in the Piper district. His wife predeceased him some five years ago, and he leaves a grown-up family of four sons and five daughters to mourn his loss.
With the exception of three, who reside at the Piper, they are in New Zealand and West Australia. He was the eldest brother of Messrs. Fred. and Sam Procter, of Lilydale and Derby respectively. He took a prominent part in public matters in the past, holding positions on the late Saltwood Road Trust, and was chairman and treasurer of the Alford Cemetery Trust up to the time of his death. It was mainly due to his untiring efforts, against opposition, that public school was erected at Lower Piper some years ago, which will always remain a monument to his energy to advance the welfare of the district.
To a more or less extent the same may be said in regard to his long connection with the local cemetery. His demise will leave a gap that it will be no easy matter to fill. His funeral took place on Wednesday, and was largely attended, the Rev. H. C. Brammall officiating at the grave.
ABOUT PEOPLE (1908, October 27). Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), p. 6 (DAILY). Retrieved June 15, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38209528