The funeral of the late Mr and Mrs Ben Saxton was the largest ever seen in Moe. Upwards of 150 cars followed the hearse as it left the Saxton Timber and Trading Pty Ltd’s seasoning works on Monday afternoon. … The coffin-bearers were employees of the Saxton mills.

Alfred Bentley Saxton was the eldest surviving son of Mr and Mrs Saxton, one son (Oliver) having been killed at the war. He was 39 years of age. His wife was 29 years of age. Her parents reside in Tasmania. Mr and Mrs Saxton were married at the Ivanhoe Baptist Church on August 15, 1936.

Before going to Tanjil Bren, they resided at Moe. Like all members of the Saxton family, they were held in the highest esteem by all who knew them. The large funeral was a fine tribute, all business places being closed out of respect for the deceased.

[NSA, 20/1/39]

Read more about the Noojee bushfires in the Oral History Section