Koracha (Horatio) Flannery
Don Congregational Cemetery
Died 21st September 1884
Age 18 years
Consumption
Son of John and Sarah Flannery (Née Sushames)
Sarah Flannery
Don Congregational Cemetery
FLANNERY – On July 20, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. A. E. Kimberley, Formby, Sarah, the beloved wife of John Flannery, and second daughter of Mrs. James Sushames, of the Penguin; after a long and painful illness, of consumption, leaving one son and two daughters to mourn her loss.
The North West Post 23rd July 1889
John Flannery
Don Congregational Cemetery
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late John Flannery will leave the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Walter Bird, East Don, at 3 o’clock this afternoon for the Don Cemetery.
The Advocate 31st August 1908
A very old resident passed away in the Devon Hospital on Friday night in the person of Mr. John Flannery, who was 80 years of age. Deceased was a native of Dublin, and had resided on the coast for nearly half a century, having lived at Ulverstone and at Don for the greater portion of the time. For the last 2 years he had lived with his daughter, Mrs. Bird, and suffered greatly from an incurable disease. Two months ago, owing to other sickness in the house, it was deemed advisable to remove him to the Devon Hospital, where the end came as above stated. He leaves a married son, Albert, and two daughters, Mrs. Eustace Kimberley being one; also numerous grand children. The remains were brought to Don yesterday, and the funeral takes place this afternoon at the local cemetery.
The Advocate 31st August 1908
About People
The funeral of the late Mr. Thomas (John) Flannery, a resident of over 50 years, took place at the Don yesterday afternoon.
The North West Post 1st September 1908
Mazellie Rebina Frances Flannery
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
FLANNERY – On April 21, at the Devon Hospital, Latrobe, Mazellie Rebina Frances, loving wife of John Flannery, and mother of Ray, of Don, in her 75th year.
The Advocate 22nd April 1946
FUNERAL
FLANNERY – The funeral of the late Mazellie Rebina Frances Flannery will leave her late residence, “Kia-Ora,” Don, THIS DAY (April 23), at 3 p.m., for interment in the old Don Cemetery. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. Haslock and Gillard, Devonport.
The Advocate 23rd April 1946
John Flannery
Don Congregational Cemetery
FLANNERY – On August 19, at his residence, “Kia-ora,” Don, John, relict of the late Mazellie Flannery, and loving father of Ray, in his 82nd year. Suddenly.
The Advocate 20th August 1949
FUNERAL
FLANNERY – The funeral of the late John Flannery is appointed to leave “Kia-ora,” Don, on Sunday, August 21, at 2.15 p.m. for interment in the old Don Cemetery. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend. Haslock and Gillard, Devonport.
The Advocate 20th August 1949
Ray Flannery
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
FLANNERY, Ray – On May 31, 1987, at the M.G.H., Latrobe, very much loved companion and friend of Fred (Mick) and
Jackalyn, and poppy to Laura Bessell.
FLANNERY, Ray – Devoted friend of Linton, Norma, Brian and Leon.
FLANNERY, Ray – Dearly loved friend of Alison, Carol and Ruth Bessell.
The Advocate 1st June 1987
FLANNERY, Ray – Passed away M.G.H., Latrobe. Great friend of Tex Hoinville of Don and great friend of circus owners and performers.
The Advocate 2nd June 1987
FUNERAL
FLANNERY – The funeral of the late Ray Flannery is appointed to leave the Don Uniting Church, TOMORROW, Tuesday, after a service commencing at 2.30 p.m. for interment in the old Don Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. F. E. Watts and Son, Latrobe.
The Advocate 1st June 1987
News Item
Old Shop Style end with Ray
By Alan Francis
At 14 lollies for a mere penny – which would have included bullseyes, aniseed balls and a selection of
boiled sweets – Ray Flannery’s little Don general store and post office was a popular spot for youngsters
out to get value for their pocket money.
However, that was in days when everything else was also inexpensive.
Yesterday, Ray (71) said goodbye to the general store and post office counter after almost a half-century.
“It’s both a happy and sad day for me,” he admitted.
Health reasons have forced his departure from behind the counters.
He admits that with lollies now costing 2¢ each, the children who draw toward the counter look somewhat beseechingly at him when they end up with a mere five lollies.
“When I first started, cigarettes were sixpence a packet; a 2 oz tin of tobacco one shilling and eight pence and sugar and flour a penny a pound,” Ray said.
“Today, some cigarettes cost more than $2 and tobacco $3.60.
“Postages – you could send out an account in an unsealed envelope for tuppence ha’penny”.
He also admits that although there will always be a place for the little general store and post office, “Supermarkets have spoilt things”.
His near half-century in the little store has made him a Don identity.
With some modesty he admits that being the local storekeeper, people would drop in and tell him their worries.
“A person would call in and tell me all their troubles and then about an hour later another member of the same family would drop by and tell me their version,” he said.
I always talked to everyone but took no side.
“They felt they could talk to me and that was the important thing.”
Entering the general store-post office business was something Ray just felt right about.
His parents, John and Ellie Flannery, were farmers at Don.
He admits that although he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as the local storekeeper, his was a business where holidays were “four days for Christmas and four days for Easter”.
However, he found his compensations in other areas – he was once a booking clerk with an auctioneer (the late Mr. William Whitfield) and later yet with another auctioneer – Ray throughout the years has learnt and experienced many rare and wonderful things. He admits he is a collector of many objects.
He has also had the happy manner of dealing in second hand items.
A quick browse about his backyard reveals an array of items – from crockery through to furniture and clothes.
Ray may have given up the general store and post office on doctor’s orders but he intends to still potter about.
The new postmistress will be Denise Poulden.
The Advocate 19th February 1985