WILLIAM CANNING

SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. W. CANNING

Formerly Well-known Newbury Water Keeper

Much sympathy is felt for the widow and family of Mr. William Canning, of 18 St. Nicholas-road, Newbury, who died suddenly on Tuesday. Mr.Canning, who was aged 76, was a familiar figure in the town, and had the respect of all who knew him. He appeared in his usual health in the morning, and had visited his allotment, near West Mills, where it could be seen that he had cut the grass paths etc. Apparently he had been taken ill whilst working there. It is understood that he called in at Warrens, wood dealers, St. Davids-road, on his way home for a glass of water, and on reaching home, complained of pains in the chest and stomach, and rested in his arm-chair for about half-an-hour. He then appeared to be brighter, and endeavoured to walk round the room, when he collapsed. Mrs. Canning immediately called for assistance and was answered by neighbours. Mr. Hassell, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Jones. Dr Wyllie was summonsed, but death occurred before he arrived. Death was due to heart failure.

The deceased was born at Kintbury, and was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Canning. He was the only surviving member of the family, his eight sisters also having died very suddenly. In his earlier days he was a water keeper, and was for some time employed by the Newbury Angling Association. He lived in the keeper's cottage near the old “Swan,” London-road, later moving to Hampstead Park, where he took up similar duties. He came back to Newbury and had lived at the same address for the past 27 years, filling in his time as a jobbing master. He retired about six years ago.

During the past week, Mr. Canning and his wife, who had been married 55 years, spent a holiday at Southall with their daughter, and had only returned home the previous evening. Although he was 76 and was about 16 stone in weight, he was a great lover of sport. He consistently followed the Craven Hounds with keen interest, and was often present at matches played by the Newbury cricket and rugby clubs. He was a good swimmer and it will be recalled that he recovered the dead body of a woman near the electricity station some years ago. Mr. Canning leaves a widow and seven children.

The funeral will take place at the Old Cemetery, Newtown-road, on Friday at 2pm.

[There is a photograph of Mr. Canning inset into the obituary.]

Newbury Weekly News 21 May 1936

Not in Mrs. P.

Buried 22 May 1936. Book 1917 p. 195 No. 11160

Births, Marriages and Deaths column- same issue of the newspaper

CANNING- May 19^th at 18 St Nicholas-road, Newbury, William Canning, aged 76. Funeral at Old Cemetery, Newtown-road, on Friday at 2pm.

No mourning by request.