Obituary - Mr. Thomas P. Arragon

9 March 1948 The Tumut and Adelong Times 

The death occurred of Mr. Thomas Patrick Arragon, of 'Condonblonga,' Adelong, early on Friday morning last at Lewisham Hospital, Wagga, at the age of 53 years.

For some time past his health bad been falling and he entered Lewisham, for special treatment.

His sudden and unexpected passing came as a shock to his family, relatives and host of friends in and around the district.

Deceased was a well-known grazier and had a wide knowledge of stock and values and was a familiar figure at the stock and sheep sales held in the district.

He was born at Adelong, was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Arragon, and spent the whole of his life in 'the district.

He attended St. Patrick's College, Goulburn, where he excelled in his studies and more particularly at football.

In his football days prior to the 1914 war he was regarded as a star player.

His pace on the field, his cleverness in evading tackler, were features that made Tommy an idol with the crowds. 

The writer can recollect big men in the Rugby Union days who would not stand up to his tackling of this deter-mined player and would do anything rather than have his hands encircle their knees.

Always a keen and enthusiastic sportsman, he was behind every movement for the development and improvement of all branches of sport in the district.

In this capacity he filled many important posts in the community.

For many years he was on the committee of the Adelong Jockey Club and of later years was the club's president.

He filled the position of patron of the Adelong Football Club, was a keen follower of cricket and also an active member of the Returned Soldiers' League. 

At the outbreak of the 1914 war he enlisted and saw service with the 4th Battalion A.I.F. in Egypt and France. 

He was severely wounded and lost a leg. 

This wound caused him much discomort and personal inconvenience as well as much mental strain. 

Deceased was twice married, his first wife predeceasing him some eight years ago and of that union there were four children.

About six years ago he married Miss Brown, of Young. There were no children of the second marriage. 

He is survived by his widow, Mrs.Margaret Arragon, of 'Condonblonga,' Adelong; three sons, Pat, Mark and John; and one daughter, Mary; three sisters, Mrs. M. Caspers (Goulburn), Mrs. B. Tooze (Gurwood-St., Wagga) and Mrs. H. Reynolds (Quirindi), and one brother, Jack, of 'Mirridong,' Adelong.

One sister, Eileeen (Mrs. H. Tonkin), predeceased him. 

The remains were brought to Adelong and placed in St. James' Catholic Church by Messrs. J. C. McDonald, undertakers, of Wagga, on Sunday morning.

Before the funeral took place on Sunday afternoon a vast assemblage congregated at the church, where the Rosary was recited by all present.

The cortege then moved off to the Adelong Cemetery and was one of the largest and most representative seen in Adelong for many years.

A special truck was utilised to carry the many beautiful wreaths to the cemetery. 

The pall-bearers were six returned soldiers, Messrs. Tom Roche, A. Taylor, J. D. Isaac, Tom and Bert Tonkin and Steve Williamson. Fifty returned soldiers from all parts of the district formed a guard-of-honor and preceded the hearse to the graveside. 

Rev. Father Collins read the last sad prayers at the graveside. Funeral arrangements were carried out in a dignified manner by Boston Bros.

Many telegrams of condolence were received. 

Floral tributes were received from Tom and Gladys, Marie and John; Ruby. Wal., Curtis and family; Mr. R. J. Benson and family; Mrs. A. Whitley and family; Alison and Ray; Lily and Bill; W. H. Todd and family; W. G. Peacock; Mr. and Mrs. George Newman; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Miller and family; Mavis and Pat. Roche; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Tonkin and family; Mr. and Mrs. Con. Crain and family; Mary and John Roche; Management and Stall Dalgety and Coy Ltd., Wagga; Mr. and Mrs. H. Hayes, Jervois and John; Adelong Jockey Club; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Burbury and family; Mr. and Mrs, Norman and family, Wagga; Gert. and Jack Isaac; June and Bill Annetts; Staff Commercial Hotel, Adelong; Adelong Football Club; the Dry Cleaners, Adelong: Ted and Kit Curran; Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Whiting and family; Mrs. F. Prowse and family, Truro; Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Adams; Mr. and Mrs. W. Adams; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Whiting; Lance and Daph. Moon and Lack Moon and family; A. E. Taylor; Mr. and Mrs. Dave Beattie and family; Mr. and Mrs. V. Paul and Rodney, the Lynch family; the Directors, Management and Staff of Commonwealth Wool and Produce Coy. Ltd.; Mr. and Mrs. F. Hassett, Wagga; Wally and Neita; Jack Fullarton; Mr. and Mrs. W. Gorman. and family; Mr. and Mrs. J. Harrison; Frank Alston and family; Mr. and Mrs. S. Williamson and family; Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Fenton; Management and Staff of A.M.L. and F. Co.; Adelong Branch Red Cross Society; Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Adams; Mr. and Mrs. J. McInnes and family; Mr. and Mrs. B. Fuller, Hotel Adelong; T. U. Elliot; Bert and Mrs. Dean and family; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wilson and family; Adelong Cricket Club; Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Murray and family; Tumut Turf Club; Thelma, Alan, Peg and Harry Barbour; Mr. and Mrs. Don. Harrison; Mrs. Jack Dean and family; Mr. and Mrs. T. Gorman; Mr. and Mrs. F. Matthews; Dean Bros.; All at Coorumbene; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Annetts and family; Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Annetts and Les; Herron, Webb and Holmes, Trustees Adelong Racecourse; Adelong R.S.S.A.I.L.A,