Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

George Alfred Champney, honoured citizen, esteemed friend, and dutiful servant of the people, died at the Kingaroy District Hospital on September 18th. The funeral the next day was a striking tribute of esteem and appreciation of his services to his Church, country and friends. Flags were flown at half-mast at the Kingaroy Shire Council office, the Memorial Hall at Wooroolin and at the Diggers Club Rooms at Kingaroy.
He was appointed to a shire council vacancy in January 1943, and also council representative on the Kingaroy Hospital Board. He was deputy chairman of the council for a term, and chairman of the works committee at the time of his death.
A member of the first A.I.F., he had been actively associated with the Wooroolin-Tingoora sub-branch of the R.S.L., of which he was patron until his death.
As a member of the shire council and in his association with Local Government in the South Burnett, Clr. Champney manifested a noticeable influence. Having learned the value of moderation in his approach to shire and civic duty, he was cautious in his remarks and thoughtful in his actions.
Able to see the merit in an opponent's viewpoint, he heard with respectful interest what was to be said against his own. Then, he would directly, restrainedly perhaps, but with conviction expound his own. He was ever ready to accept a majority decision and to adjust his own service to the will of the majority, believing that, in so doing he was serving the best purpose and probably doing the greatest good.
Personally, Clr. Champney had a capacity of unconsciously making friends—the reciprocation of his own generous outlook on life.
As host in his own home, he was appealing, and made welcome all who entered the portals of his most cherished domain—that home.
He was a successful farmer, justifiably proud of the rich areas which he worked and supervised for many years, and from which one of the South Burnett's most beautiful views may be had.
Mr. Champney as a breeder of Jersey dairy cattle, had very much success, and he was accepted as one of the State's reliable judges. Most of the public bodies at Wooroolin had his personal interest and support.
The hall there, the school, and in recent years, the annual sports of the R.S.L., were matters not only of personal interest, but the success of the activities a source of great pride for him. He loved to see others succeed.
He was enthusiastic bowler, and a member of the Kingaroy Bowling Club. Clr. Champney was active in the Church of England affairs of the Kingaroy parish, and frequently acted as spokesman for the Wooroolin Church unit of the parish as well as at Kingaroy. Rev. R. A. Foote at the crowded St. Michael's and All Angels' Church on Fri-day afternoon, at a Service which preceded the funeral, said that Clr. Champney had served his Church and his fellow man. In a spirit of thanksgiving for his work, we commend his soul to his "Creator," the minister added.
The mourners and their friends at the Church sang "Abide With Me." The large cortege moved to the Memerambi cemetery.
At the Church and at the graveside members of the R.S.L., headed by Mr. C. Campbell (president of the Wooroolin-Tingoora sub-branch) formed a guard of honour. With them were men who formed the V.D.C. in war years, of which Clr. Champney had been leader.
Mr. W. Hayes, president of the Kingaroy-Memerambi sub-branch, officially laid a wreath on behalf of those Diggers.
Clr. W. J. Lang laid one from members of the Kingaroy Shire Council, practically all of whom, together with the officers and staff of the council were present at the funeral.
At Memerambi the large number of people who followed the mortal remains from Kingaroy, were met by many others who awaited the arrival of the casket.
Draped with the Union Jack and the Army hat and bayonet he'd served with, it was borne by sons and relatives at the Church, and by representatives of the shire council, the R.S.L. and V.D.C, at the cemetery. Many beautiful wreaths from friends and public organisations with which he was associated covered the grave at the end of the Service.
The Church Service was conducted by Rev. Foote; Very Wor. Bro. C. Gill, read the Masonic ritual as lodge chaplain, and Messrs C. Campbell, R. Freegard and J. Moore recited the R.S.L. words of remembrance. Members of the Masonic Lodge Kingaroy 189 U.G.L.Q. circled the grave and cast sprays of Acacia on the casket. The returned servicemen used their tradition-al poppy in their final tribute. The Last Post was sounded by Mr. James Houston, secretary of the Wooroolin-Tingoora R.S.L.
Article - The Beaudesert Times (Qld. : 1908 - 1954)Friday 10 December 1954 - Page 4

George is the same ANZAC number 3538.