[From Ramsey Courier 29th May 1931]

SUDDEN DEATH of MR W. H. KNEALE.

We deeply regret to record the death of Mr William Hardie Kneale. formerly of Regaby-Veg, Andreas, which took place on Monday afternoon very suddenly. Mr Kneale, who was 81 years of age, had been in failing health for some time, and his eyesight being impaired, rendered him more than usually feeble. He was able to go out on Monday afternoon, and, along with an old friend, Mr Kinrade, walked up to Andreas village. He was taken ill with a seizure, however, and was taken into the Andreas Post Office, where be quietly passed away.

He was a son of Mr Thomas Kneale, formerly draper, of Ramsey, and a half-brother of the Rev. T. H. Kneale, Rector of Ballaugh. His boyhood days were spent in Ramsey, but being of an adventurous spirit. he emigrated to Ballarat. Australia, where he only stayed for a brief period, and on returning to Ramsey, he took up business with his father. He carried on the business until his retirement, when he took up farming.

He lived for a long number of years in Ramsey and was a contemporary of such men as the late High-Bailiff Cruickshank, Mr Roose, and Mr John James Corlett. and others: he was very keenly interested in all that pertained to the welfare of Ramsey. He was the secretary of the Ramsey Regatta for many years in the days when the Prince of Wales, Royal yacht, "Britannia," and other famous boats took part. The regattas in his day were among the greatest events in the Isle of Man. Along with the late Mr E H. Dawson, he rendered yeoman service for the Isle of Man Agricultural Society in innumerable instances, and greatly helped this national institution, he was also prominent in connection with the origin of the Ramsey Golf Links, for which his enthusiasm and devotion was unbounded. He will be remembered, too, for the reminiscences of Old Ramsey, which appeared in the "Courier" some time ago. It was acknowledged that Mr Kneale performed a wonderful feat of memory in writing these articles; in fact the completness and correctness of was very freely commented on, on all sides. With the passing of Mr Kneale Manxland has lost a very familiar figure and a gentleman who was a loyal supporter of everything Manx, and stood for all that meant the progress of his native Island. It is interesting to note, that according to the manorial rolls, the Kneale family held held Regaby-Veg for 116 years. The Kneales entered into possession of the property as far back as 1515, and it is probable that they are the oldest Manx family who have had tenure of the land for so long a period. The direct heirs to the estate are the Rector of Ballaugh and his eldest son, Mr.Ronald Kneale.

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral took place on Thursday, when, prior to the interment, service was held in Andreas Church, being conducted by the Ven Archdeacon, and Canon Quine. The principal mourners were: Rev T. H. Kneale. M.A.. Rector of Ballaugh, (brother) ; Mr Kunalil Kneale. Manchester , (nephew) - . Mrs Hulme. Peel, (cousin) ; Mr Thos. Christian, Coburg Road, (cousin) : .Miss Moore and Mrs W. Brew, Ballure Boad, Ramsey. During the service, the hymn. "Abide with me was sung and the Dead March in Saul was played very feelingly on the organ by Miss Radcliffe. The congregation included many of the friends of the deceased from town and country, who later gathered round the grave, where the last remains of one of the old standards associated with the life of this community were laid to rest, the same Clergy officiating at the graveside. Among those present were Messrs A. J. Teare, H.K.. A. J. Cottier. H.K.. Mr and Mrs J. S. Smylie, Regaby. Messrs Geo. Kinrade, John Sayle, — Kinrade, Regaby. A. K. Chrystal, J. Bell, H. C. Kerruish, Capt. Black. R. C. Gale, C. Kissack, A. C. Teare, W. C. Christian, W. B. Karran, Gordon Bell, G. W Filliter, Lawrence Kneale and Miss Kneale. Ballalheaney. J. C. Quark F. W. C. Kneale, Garrett, Ohio, Fredk Brew, T. E. Kneen, Ballavarrey, Wm Lace, Wm. Howland, C. McCormick Wave Crest, and many others.