EDGAR H. DAMUDE

[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 13 January 1921]

With a sudden shock on Tuesday morning, Dec. 21^st, 1920, the sad and unexpected news was telegraphed to the Jacob Damude Sr., family from Port Arthur that their beloved brother, Edgar H. Damude was dead. He was at his post as principal at St. James Ward school up to the 7^th and that night was taken ill and with the best three physicians and careful nursing, nothing could save his young and hopeful life, meningitis and embolism being cause of death. He was born near Fonthill March 15, 1874.

He spent his first school days in Thorold Township and Fonthill. His first graduation was at St. Catharines at the age of 18 years. In 1899 he graduated at Normal, Toronto, and has followed principalship since. In 1903 he married Miss Annie Maw of Toronto. He was a student, a teacher and preacher always by the work of His Heavenly master in his schools and churches where he lived ever. His main thoughts were to look up and lift up, to gain the goal of righteousness.

He leaves to mourn a sorrowing widow and one daughter, Burnice, and one son, Ronald, also four brothers and three sisters, David at Fonthill, Jacob W. of Thorold Township, Willis of Thorold, Maitland of Sherkston, Mrs. Lawrence of Thorold Township, Mrs. Jesse McCombs of Fonthill and Bella at home. He will be missed by one and all who knew him His body was sent from Port Arthur to his old home where a private funeral was held on Christmas Day, conducted by Rev. Wills of the Methodist Church, Welland. Pallbearers were the four brothers, and two brothers-in-law. The body was laid to rest in Fonthill cemetery.

The funeral of Mr. E.H. Damude, principal of St. James’ Public School, who died Tuesday morning, was held this forenoon. It was attended by a large number of friends of the family and representatives of the civic bodies of the community, as well as members of the Canadian Order of Foresters. The body was moved from the home on Van Horne street, where a brief service was held, to Trinity Methodist Church, where the public services were conducted, the officiating minister being Rev. W.S. Reid, the pastor. Pupils of the entrance class at St. James’ School occupied the centre seats at the front, paying their tribute of respect to their late Principal and teacher. Members of the Women Teachers’ Association occupied the other centre seats immediately in rear of the pupils and behind them were other members of the schools’ personnel. Next were members of the Canadian Foresters. Other seats were occupied by Mayor Matthews and Alderman Crooks, members of the Board of Education and of the Collegiate staff, while there were also present Inspectors Ritchie, of Port Arthur, Hamilton, of Fort William and other representatives of the Fort William schools. The church choir was in attendance and took part in the services, under direction of Mr. Thornborough with Mr. Bott at the organ. Rev. W.S. Reid, in his address, spoke of the joy a man felt in toil when he could look forward to the home going in evening to find companionship, brightness and warmth among friends, and he compared the day of toil to the span of life. He also spoke fittingly of the devoted life of Mr. Damude. The casket, which held the body reposed in front of the altar and was surrounded with wreaths sent as tokens of friendship and sympathy. The body was borne to the C.P.R. depot and shipped to Mr. Damude’s former home at Welland, where internment will take place. Pallbearers were Captain J.C. Hunter, Messrs. J.H.W. McRoberts, W.J. Judd, E.R. McEwan, W.A. McCallum and D.R. Harrison. Those who accompanied the body east were Mrs. Damude and her sister, Miss Maw.