Frank Marshall Gare
Cyclopedia of Western Australia 1912-13.
Frank Marshall Gare – 1912
Mr. Gare was born at Kanmantoo (South Australia) in the year 1866, and at the age of sixteen, he completed his education at Burra. For several years he gained storekeeping experience in a large store conducted by bis uncle, and this fitted him to enter a business partnership with his brother at Port Pirie.
After seven years’ successful trading he accepted a position of assistant manager in Western Australia with Messrs. F & C. Piesse and Co. and remained with that firm until it was transferred to Richardson and Company. In 1905 he joined Mr. A. E. Piesse, M.L.A., in a general agency business which was the forerunner of the present Katanning Stock and Trading Co., and when the change of name took place, Mr. Gare was given the reins of management, which he held successfully up to the time of his death.
Katanning Stock & Trading Co
Originally A.E. Piesse & Co c1905
Mr. Gare was associated with the Anglican Church practically all his life, and ever since his arrival in Katanning had been an ardent and faithful member of St. Andrew’s Church. In addition to holding the office of Lay Reader, for many years, he had been Secretary of the Church Vestry, Synods man and Rector’s Warden.
He was Past Grand Master in the Oddfellows’ Lodge [2] and, at the time of his death, held the position of President. He had been a member of the Katanning Rifle Club since its inception, and as captain and committeeman did much to promote the interests of the movement in the district. He was a fine shot himself, and lived to see his eldest son, Cyril, capture the King’s Cup Trophy both in this State and South Australia.
He received his commission of Justice of Peace in 1910, and for many years sat at the Bench in the Katanning Court.
Mr. Gare was twice married. His first wife, Maggie Crear, of Port Pirie, died in 1899; and in 1902, he married Norah, daughter of Mr. Thomas Norrish, of “Sunnyside”, Eticup, by whom he had three sons. He died on 11 January, 1932 leaving his widow, one daughter and three sons to mourn their loss.
DEATH OF MR. F. M. GARE
Great Southern Herald
13 January, 1932
Universal gloom was cast over the town on Monday when it became known that Mr. Frank Marshall Gare, J.P., one of the town’s leading and most respected citizens, had passed away at the Katanning Hospital on Sunday evening, aged 65 years.
Some weeks ago, Mr. Gare underwent an operation and was apparently making good progress towards recovery. Just after Christmas he took a turn for the worse, and despite every attention, his condition did not improve, the end coming with tragic suddenness.
Mr. Gare, in business and private life, was one who was highly esteemed by every section of the community both for his integrity and unfailing courtesy. His death will create a gap in the community which will be hard to fill, and the news will be received with regret right throughout the Katanning and surrounding districts, where his fine personality and kindly nature had endeared him to a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Gare leaves a widow, three fine sons, Cyril and Sydney (Perth), and Leslie, of Katanning, and an only daughter, Marion, all of whom have distinguished themselves in their particular sphere of activity and proved a credit to their parents. To them, with the rest of the community, we join in extending our heartfelt sympathy.
St Andrew’s Anglican Church c1915
Next to the bereaved family, St. Andrew’s Church will feel most keenly the passing of Mr. Gare. Since his arrival in the district 33 years ago, he has been an untiring worker and has been associated with every move of advancement for the church.
At the time of his death he was Secretary of the Vestry, Church Warden and a Lay Reader, the latter an honour which is only bestowed on worthy and capable church members of long standing.
The Last Tribute.
The Anglican Church on Tuesday morning was unable to accommodate all the friends and sympathisers who came from far and near to pay their last respects to a man who was universally esteemed.
At the conclusion of an inspiring service conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon Burbidge, of Wagin, and Canon Watson, of Katanning, Archdeacon Burbidge paid a high tribute to the life of Mr. Gare, dealing particularly with his untiring work in the interests of the church, his fidelity to his faith and the manner in which he lived up to his religion in everyday life.
When he asserted that Frank Marshall Gare was not only an honest, but an honourable man in business, home and church life, the Archdeacon expressed a conviction which was felt deeply by every member in the large audience.
The hearse was followed to Carew Street by members of the Katanning and Woodanilling Rifle Clubs and members of the local tent of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. The coffin-bearers were Messrs. E. J. Fewings (president), E. T. Keay, Ryan Kowald, R. Tanner, W. Riley and W. Williams, members of the Katanning Rifle Club, of which deceased was captain. The pallbearers were Messrs. A. E. Piesse, M.L.A., H. V. Piesse, W. J. Rogers, John Barkley, J. C. Warren and A. J. Morrell.
The long line of cars which joined in the cortege and the representative gathering of citizens at the graveside were the last splendid testimony of the esteem in which Mr. Gare was held by all sections of the community.
The last rites at the graveside were administered conjointly by Archdeacon Burbidge and Canon Watson. Many beautiful wreaths, floral tributes and other expressions of sympathy were received at the church and borne to the graveside on a special car.