I believe he lived amongst us conscious of the welcome fact that he had made no enemies. And now, what can I say more to adorn a life many of us would do well to copy?
I extend to his family, on behalf of the Executive Council and the whole of our members, our sincere sympathy in this their irreparable loss, and trust they will be enabled to look to the Giver of all Good for solace in this great affliction. Truly indeed, God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform. May we each so live as to be ready when the summons comes to us. He was laid to rest in the Cemetery, Beeston Hill, on Tuesday, September 24th, amidst every token of respect by his sorrowing relatives and friends.
I remain, yours fraternally,A. Fox, Chairman.
Mr. Sunter was born at Halton, near Leeds, in 1847, and entered the service of the Midland Railway in 1864, as cleaner. By gradual promotion he became a driver of the best main line express passenger trains, and was driving for sixteen years. He was a splendid servant to the company and loyal colleague to his mates. It is reputed of him that he was always prompt, but never hurried away, becoming a valued adviser to his friends. He was one of the first members of the Society, and was an Executive member in its earliest days. He was General Secretary in 1885, when the membership was 1,073, and the funds £5,767. He saw and guided its growth until, in December, 1900, there were 10,000 members and £88,862 in funds. His best work was done silently, and he had no love of limelight. Once he discovered a discrepancy in his accounts of over £100, and without any hesitation called in a firm of chartered accountants to take over the books and find what was wrong. They soon located the error, and all was well, but the Executive complimented him upon his prompt action, and decided to pay the special audit fee. Sunter was kind as a father to many of the young men about him, and resolutions of genuine sorrow and condolence poured in from branches. The Leeds No. 1 branch
