BC December 7, 1917

Brantford Boys Safe – Lewis Noble Feely and James Matthews Come Thru Halifax Disaster

Two Brantford boys in Halifax had narrow escapes from death at the time of the explosion there yesterday. Lewis Feely, son of J.C. Feely, 52 Brant Avenue, had the thrilling experience of being blown off the Niobe, but escaped alive and unharmed, according to word received today. Mr. George Matthews has heard from his son, James, who was employed as a wireless operator aboard a ship in Halifax harbour, that he came through the explosion safely.

BX December 24, 1917

Survivors of Big Disaster – Two Brantford Men were on Board Shipping at Halifax

Messrs. Lewis N. Feely and Stewart McIntosh, members of the crew of the “Niobe” at Halifax, returned to the city on Sunday morning to spend the Christmas holidays at their homes in the city.

A graphic story of the Halifax explosion and consequent disaster was told to The Expositor by Mr. Feely this morning.  At the time of the explosion he was below decks on the “Niobe,” which was lying about 150 feet to the south of the “Mont Blanc,” which vessel caught fire from the collision with the “Imo.”  After the first explosion he ran up on deck, and saw the remainder of the explosion.  Some 50 men are missing from the “Niobe,” about 15 of these having been on a picket boat which was on its way to the “Mont Blanc” when the explosion took place.  He did not witness the final scenes of the “Mont Blanc’s” end, as he apparently was blown off the “Niobe,” he finding himself being hauled into a picket boat nearby when he came to.  After that, his only injury being a weakened ankle, he assisted in caring for the wounded at the Camp Hill Hospital.

Mr. McIntosh was on a patrol boat some distance away at the time of the explosion, on which one man was killed.  He escaped with an abrasion on the ear.

Asked if he had any souvenirs, Mr. Feely stated that he had walked about a mile from the “Niobe” and found a section of ground literally studded with bits of the steel plates from the ill-fated munitions ship, there not being a square three inches that did not have a piece of the steel on it.  Some of these he brought home.

BX March 3, 1955

Well-Known Druggist, Lewis N. Feely Dies

Lewis Noble Feely, prominent Brantford businessman, and member of the Board of Park Management for nearly 10 years, died suddenly at his home, 52 Brant Street this morning.  He was 60 years of age.

Born in Brantford, Mr. Feely received his primary education here, then entered the University of Toronto, where he studied medicine.

He left university to join the Royal Canadian Navy in the First World War, and was serving in Halifax at the time of the great explosion.

On being demobilized he returned to university and was graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1920.

In 1921 he became a member of the staff of M.H. Robertson Ltd. (Now Dymond Drugs, Limited) and 10 years ago purchased the pharmacy of F.E. Morrison at the corner of West Colborne and Grant Streets, which he had operated continuously since under his own name.

Before joining the Robertson firm Mr. Feely worked for a year at the H.E. Perrott drug store at King and Colborne Streets.

Community Interest

Interested in many phases of community activity, particularly sports, Mr. Feely was, as noted a member of the Parks Board for a decade, having served as is chairman.  He was vice-chairman last year, and would have been chairman again this year except that failing health led him to resign from office.

He was an enthusiastic golfer and curler, and a member of the Brantford Golf and Country Club and the Brant Curling Club.  He was a member of Doric Lodge, A.F. and A.M. and of Balfour United Church.

He is survived by his widow the former Ada L. Misener; one son, John L. Feely; one brother, James Fallis Feely, Brantford and one sister, Mrs. Thomas (Nellie) Shomber, Cleveland.

Mr. Feely is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home until Saturday afternoon.  Service will be conducted at 3.30 p.m., with interment in Farringdon Burial Ground.

BX March 7, 1955

Last Rites For Lewis N. Feely

Many friends and relatives attended the funeral of Lewis N. Feely, conducted Saturday afternoon at the Beckett Funeral Home.  Rev. L.S. Mott of Balfour United Church was in charge of the service at the funeral home and the interment service in Farringdon Burial Ground.

Mr. Mott spoke of Mr. Feely’s cheerful personality and his community work on the Parks Board.  There was a large attendance of West Brantford residents, and representations from the City Council, Parks Board officials and employees, and of the druggists of Brantford.  The profusion of floral tributes evinced the esteem in which Mr. Feely was held.  Gideon Bibles were dedicated.

The flower bearers were Howard Avison, William Plate, William Robins, Roy McGraw, Fred Davies and George Corrin.  The pallbearers were Jack Calbeck, Hugh Unger, T.F. Embling, Maurice Strudwick, Leonard Joylyn and Howard Winter.