Harford Kenneth Moberly

(1870.10.23 - 1929.06.28)
SPS, DLS, SLS
Commission #002
(1910.05.09)

H. K. MOBERLY DIES AT COAST HOSPITAL - Was Widely Known in Province Through Activities as Land Surveyor (Special to The Star-Phoenix)

YORKTON, July 3 (1929) H. K. Moberly, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Yorkton and a man widely known and esteemed in many parts of the west where he has become known through his activities,as Dominion land surveyor, died in Victoria hospital on Friday night after, a brief illness.

Mr. Moberly had been engaged in land survey work in the Moosomin district up till eight days before his death and had returned home a week ago Thursday, as he was not feeling very well. He underwent an operation on Monday of last week.

The late H, K. Moberly was a member of one of the most famous engineering families In Canada. He was born in Collingwood, Ontario, on October 23, 1870, and moved to Upper Canada early in life, later going to the United States. He was a graduate of the University of Toronto in civil and mining engineering and was one of the best known civil engineers and land surveyors in Western Canada Mr. Moberly came west in 1900 and settled in Alberta, later taking up residence in Moosomin. In 1912 he moved to Yorkton wlth his family and has resided here ever since that time.

In politics he was a staunch Conservative and although never very much in the spotlight, was an active worker for the association. Deceased was a member of Holy Trinity Anglican church and an active member of the Yorkton. Board of Trade. The late Mr. Moberly was also a member of. the Masonic order.

His chief hobby in life was the collection of stamps and he possessed what was possibly one of the best stamp collections in the province.

He leaves to mourn his loss his widow, Bessie McCullog, formerly of Frostburg, Maryland, whom he married in 1894, one daughter, Mrs. V, Hope, of Winnipeg and Mrs, P. J. Bourchler, of Heath, Alberta, a sister.

The funeral took place from the family residence on Second Avenue South, this afternoon, and was largely attended by friends, The Rev, Canon Davies officiated. Among those from out of town present were Mrs. P. J. Bourchier, of Heath, Alberta, a sister of the late Mr, Moberly, and Mr, and Mrs. Hope, of Winnipeg, the son-in-law and only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Moberly. The pall bearers were: Col, J. C. deBalinhard, W. A, S. Magrath. Col, T, Jenkins, David Arnott, G, K. Stone and F. C. Wilson.

The many beautiful floral tributes indicated the high esteem in which Mr, Moberly was held by his friends.

Star Phoenix, July 3, 1929

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The unexpected death of Mr. Moberly came as a great surprise to me for when I last saw him a few years ago he appeared to be in very good health with many years of active life before him.

The Qu'Appelle District of the Department of Highways covered a very large area at the time of my appointment in1896 as District Surveyor and Engineer and as settlement extended it became necessary to divide it. Mr Moberly was then appointed for the eastern half with head quarters at Moosomin and as our Districts adjoined we frequently came in contact and our relations were always friendly and agreeable. Later the Southern portions of our districts becoming well settled and organized into Municipalities. The surveys were looked after by the Municipalities. When the office at Moosomin closed Mr Moberly located at Yorkton where he had an extensive practice in the surrounding Municipalities in the survey of rights of way for road diversions etc.

One of Mr Moberly's Uncles was a Hudson Bay Factor and Moberly's House on Peace River, shown on the early maps, is an historical landmark. Two other uncles Walter and Frank were prominent Civil Engineers and at the time I was serving under articles with Mr H.D. Lumsden, C.E.P.L.S for Ontario the former was Chief Engineer for The Northern Extension and some other Railway surveys on which we were engaged.

I wish to join with the members of the Association in expressing sympathy with the family of the late Mr Moberly and regret at the loss of of a capable and valuable member.

W.T. Thompson, SLS, Feb. 1930