Obituary - Mr. George Frederick Briggs

27 November 1945 The Tumut and Adelong Times

"He had so many friends because he loved friends!''

How appropriate were the words uttered by Rev. Dundas when officiating at the graveside of George Frederick Briggs, who passed away on November 21, at the age of 59.   

Few people are privileged to achieve such a position in a community as that enjoyed by the late Mr. Briggs.

Without one thought or personal aggrandisement or aspiration, he held in turn almost every office of honor and trust in the public life of Batlow, and through it all remained the same sympathetic, understanding and kindly personality which made every member of the community feel it a personal loss at his passing. 

Son of a pioneering family in the Muttama district, he came to Batlow nearly forty years ago, and the story of his coming was so vividly told by himself in the first special Batlow issue of this journal, published only last year.

Not the least of his many qualifications was his aptitude with his pen, and in addition to frequent contributions to these columns he had often had his work accepted by Sydney publications. 

At his trade of builder he left many improvements to the appearance of Batlow.

Both the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches were not only erected but also designed by him, as also were the Literary Institute and several other important structures in the town. 

For thirty years he was president of the Literary Institute, with just a brief break of a year when, owing to being contractor for the new building he had to relinquish office.

For nearly twenty years he was also president of the Progress Association.

He was an active and keen member of both the Masonic and Oddfellows' Lodges for a great number of years. 

He is survived by Mrs. Briggs and their family of four children, Lois (Mrs. C. C. Barberie), Lindsay, Ruth (Mrs. D. McDonnell) and Betty (Mrs. Little). 

The wealth of floral tributes and the large crowd of friends at the funeral were ample demonstrations of the feelings of his fellow citizens.

Members of the Batlow Masonic Lodge attended and the Worshipful Master,Wor. Bro. J. Tonking, read the Masonic service at the graveside.