Deane, Wm. A.

Was Well Known Figure

Wm. A. Deane Passes Away -- Prominent as 32 Degree Mason

A familiar figure in the development of Oakville west passed away early on Thanksgiving day morning. That was Wm. A. Deane, the Author of the Deane survey known as Glendoveer park. He was in his seventieth year.

Mr. Deane had not been in the best of health for about a year but he was only confined to bed about ten days and the end came quite suddenly. Few knew that he was ill.

Buried With Masonic Honors

The funeral was on Wednesday afternoon with Masonic honors and naturally so as Mr. Deane was an earnest and enthusiastic Mason 32 degree standing.

Many old friends were present from distant points to pay their last respects. These included members of a large family connection. The coffin was immersed with flowers chiefly from Masonic orders of Oakville, Toronto and Savanah, Ga. Rev. J. F. Wedderburn conducted a short service at the residence before the Masons took charge and conducted their impressive ceremony.

Members of the Eastern Star attended in a body.

Interment was in St. Jude's cemetery. The pallbearers being eight Masonic friends , W. B. Shipley, Jno. E. Ford, Jno. R. Ryers, J. V. Markle, A. G. Helmstead, S. H. Albertson, K. Roy McGregor and F. R. Daubney.

Was Born in Dundas

Mr. Deane was born in Dundas and learning the blacksmithing trade he as a young man assisted in building piers at the Charleston, S. C. and Savannah, Ga. harbors, working for the well-known firm of Bangs & Gaynor. Returning to Canada he conducted a smithy on Dundas highway for eighteen years.

Coming to Oakville in 1908 he purchased a fruit farm on Kerr street, which he sub-divided in 1914, laying out Deane, Herald and McDonald avenues, and selling Trafalgar park for the Oakville Fair grounds. He conducted a real estate and insurance business.

Had Four Life Memberships

Mr. Deane was an ardent Mason and his chief enjoyment in life was associated with the craft. The choir loft in the temple here was donated by him, and for which he was given an honorary life membership in Oakville lodge.

He was also a life member in the Royal Arch Chapter, the Eastern Star, and enjoyed a like membership in the Alee patrol of the Shrine in Savannah, Ga. He spent several winters in that city.

Mr Deane married Miss Annie Ruddell on Jan. 29, 1890, who predeceased him some three years ago. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. E. L. Purvis, of Roanoke, Virginia, and Miss Frances Deane, at home, and one son, Wm. E. Deane, of New Toronto.

Two sisters survive, Mrs. Geo. Woods, of Owen Sound, and Miss Florence Deane, of New York City, and two brothers, Gideon E. Deane, of Rochester, N.Y., and Geo. E. Deane, of Toronto. All were present at the funeral except Miss Deane, of New York.

Mr. Deane was, for years an active member of Knox church here and until his illness was a regular church attendant.

His garden was a chief hobby and in which a weed could not be found. He was also a lover of flowers.