Thomas Bice passed away at his home near Custer Wednesday morning from cancer, at the age of 73 years, 7 months and 9 days. He has suffered from cancer of the face for the past five months. Thomas Bice was one of the earliest settlers in this part of Whatcom County, first coming to this section from California in 1858. He lived on the old place where he died for about 37 years, and was esteemed by every one who knew him. He was a native of Cornwall, England. An aged wife, four sons and three daughters are left to mourn the loss of husband and father, all of whom reside near the old home place just north of Custer. The funeral services will be held at Custer this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock and the burial will take place in the Enterprise cemetery.
TO MEMORY OF THOMAS H. BICE
E. Holtzheimer Pays Tribute to His Old Friend and Neighbor
The following tribute to the memory and life of Thomas H. Bice, was written by his friend and neighbor, Ernest Holtzheimer, who is perhaps better qualified to do so than any other person in this section. Owing to its being received too late last week it could not appear in last week's Journal.
With the death of Thomas H. Bice, which occurred November 29th, another of the few remaining pioneers who prepared the way in the wilderness many years ago, has crossed the divide from whence no mortal ever returns, and his face will be seen no more. Stricken by a malignant disease several months ago, medical attention and solicitous care proved of no avail, until enfeebled by long suffering, peacefully the end drew near, and with the birth of the new day, on the wings of the morning, his spirits took flight to the eternal realms above.
When a mere boy, deceased emigrant with his family moved from England to the United States. Together they crossed the plains in 1852 on their way to California, where his father had preceded them three years before, and took up their residence in Grass Valley. Later on he traveled extensively and toiled several years in the Cariboo mines in British Columbia. It was in the early spring of 1872 that Tom Bice blazed a trail in the boundless forest from the banks of California creek to his future homestead, where by indomitable courage, ceaseless labors and untold privations, he at last succeeded in the establishment of a comfortable home noted for thrift and hospitality. During his long sojourn among us he affiliated with the Methodist church.
He attained the age of 73 years and seven months, and leaves behind him to mourn his loss, his wife, four sons and three daughters, besides one brother and two sisters who reside in California. Respected by all who knew him, Thomas H. Bice will long be remembered by his pioneer associates as a true friend, by his neighbors as an honest man, and by the present generation as an exemplary citizen.
