Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Obituary. MR. P. F. HARNEY.

Another link with the early days of Mackay was severed on Monday morning last in the passing in a local private hospital of Patrick Frank Harney. A native of Mackay, he was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Harney, pioneers who arrived here during the late 60's, and who were amongst the first — if not the first — to settle in Sarlna district. Mr. John Harney, in those early days,
took an active part in public affairs, and occupied the position of Mayor of Mackay. The late Mr. P. F. Harney, who was in his 68th year, was of a restless and adventurous nature in his younger days, and this brought him into varied scenes and occupations; there was hardly a corner of the North and West with which he was not acquainted. An outstanding feature of his life was his love of
horses and dogs, which endured from his station days. Of a sociable disposition, a flair for comradeship, a love of books, and a wonderful memory for incidents and experiences, he was always an entertaining companion, and this brought him many friendships. Prior to the Great War, Mr. Harney was Stock Inspector in the Hughenden district. He enlisted in the early days of the great conflict, and served for the duration in both the artillery and veterinary corps. His elder son, Jack, also enlisted and served at the front. Since the war, deceased had engaged in farming pursuits at Wagoora. For the past three years his health had not been
good, and a week ago he was brought to town by the Calen Ambulance, seriously ill. He passed quietly away on Wednesday morning.

Twice married, he leaves two sons by the first marriage — Jack (Canberra) and Frank (Mackay), both married; there are
ten grandchildren. His second wife was Lilian McKerihan, who, up to her marriage nine years ago, was on the staff of the local branch of the Q.N. Bank. A sister — Miss N. Harney, Milton-street — is also left. Three brothers— John, Maurice, and Edward
— predeceased him. Deceased was laid to rest In the family vault at the Mackay cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Father M. Greene conducting the burial service, at the conclusion of which Mr. Cllve Graham sounded "The Last Post." Pall-bearers were Messrs. L. McKerihan and G. Chataway (brothers-in-law), J. H. Williams, W. Davey, J. C. Morris, and Cllve Graham. Amongst the many floral tributes received was a wreath from the Mackay branch of the Returned Soldiers' League, and another from the Calen branch of the League. The flag at the Returned Soldiers' Hall was at half-mast during the day, and deceased's old comrades draped the coffin with the Union Jack." - from the Mackay Daily Mercury 04 Nov 1939 (nla.gov.au)