Passing of a Great Comedian
__________________________
CITY LOSES MR. E. E. DASPHER (sic)
__________________________
On December 8 there passed away at his residence, 26 Callington Street, Mr. E. E. Dashper, a well known personality, respected and loved by all who knew him.
Mr Dashper came to Port Elizabeth in 1896, when on his arrival became a member of the staff Messrs. Dunell, Ebden and Co., whose service he was in for many years. Later he joined the S.A. Railway and then A. Mosenthal and Co., later following his retirement, he was associated with Messrs. A. W. Pudney and Co. He came of a well known English family, his father for many years having been Clerk of the Peace, in the city of Lincoln, which position he held up to the time of his death.
Mr. Dashper was in his day a brilliant soccer player,and prior to his arrival in this country, had represented his country (England), but he was perhaps best known in this city through his wonderful entertaining abilities. He possessed a fine light baritone voice and was perhaps the finest allround amateur comedian known in Port Elizabeth, and he gave his services freely and willingly in the interests of charity during his 40 years residence. No charity organisation and no section or creed ever asked for his help in vain.
He was a member of the original P.E. Operatic Society, and no doubt many will remember his "Gobo" in Faleka and many other parts entrusted to him, all of which he portrayed with great ability. He was one of the old school of comic singers, and of the highest refined type. His performances in the minstrel variety shows, when he and Mr. G. Shegog were known as the Victoria Minstrels (Mr. Dashper as "Tambo") will be well remembered, for every performance resulted in packed houses, and in handsome donations to charity.
He was a bright, jovial personality, and his cheery encouragement to all his friends will be missed.
His wife was Miss M. McNair, whom he married in 1902 (sic), and to whom much sympathy will be extended.
(Newspaper Obituary : Port Elizabeth, South Africa)