Mr. Keith Thorburn Passes

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 217, 13 September 1940, Page 10

Mr. Keith Thorburn Passes

DEATH OF HAWKE’S BAY COUNTY OVERSEER The death occurred in Hastings on Tuesday of a well-known resident of Hawke’s Bay, Mr. John Keith Thorbum, in his 62nd year. His wife before her marriage was Miss Dorothy Grant, daughter of Mrs. John Grant, now of Palmerston North. Mr. Thorbum, who was a well-known resident of Hastings, had not kept in the best of health and was recently confined to his bed following a heart seizure. Another attack on Monday night resulted in his death early on Tuesday morning. Born in Ireland, Mr. Thorbum came to New Zealand nearly 40 years ago settling in Hawke’s Bay. For some years he was an accountant in Napier and later became engaged in survey work. He married Miss Grant, of Woodville, who predeceased him about eight years ago. Before his marriage he lived at Greenmeadows, but later moved to Hastings. In his early days he was a prominent member of the Napier Golf Club, both he and his brother, Mr. Gerald Thorbum, being well-known in Hawke’s Bay golfing circles. Both saw service in the Great War, Mr. Gerald Thorbum being killed in action, but Mr. Thorbum returned to Hastings in 1919. After moving about the district for a few years he joined the staff of the Hawke’s Bay County Council and at the time of his death was chief overseer, having been associated with county work just over 12 years.

Mr. Thorbum enjoyed the respect of all who knew him, he being an energetic worker and of a bright disposition. There are two children, Patricia and Michael.

The funeral took place at the Have lock North cemetery on Wednesday.