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Death of Christopher Downie

Christopher was forced to retire from the Caledonian Railway through ill health at the end of 1913. His second wife Isabella having died the year previously and the two sons still in the UK just starting out in life, he spent his last days with his nephew Matthew Gass, now married and a brickworks manager, in Cumberland.

Christopher Downie died of a cerebral haemorrhage, aged 60, on April 23, 1914 at his nephew's home, Micklam House, less than one week before he was to sail to South Africa for health reasons. The death certificate states that W. J. Downie, son, of 28 Bank Street, Hillhead, Glasgow was present at the death.

Christopher is buried with his first and second wives and four of his children in the family lair in New Monkland Cemetery, North Lanarkshire, not far from Glenboig.

Obituary of Christopher Downie

The Carluke and Lanark Gazette, Friday 2 May 1914

It is with regret we record the death of Mr C. Downie, late Superintendent at Lanark Station, which occurred at the residence of his nephew, Mr Gass, at Micklam, near Whitehaven, Cumberland, early on Friday morning, 25th April. As is generally known Mr Downie took ill in November last and some time later he placed his resignation in the hands of the Railway Company. Since retiring from active service Mr Downie has resided almost continually at Micklam, only on one occasion visiting Lanark for a short time. On Sunday, 19th April, his illness took an acute turn and he died on the following Friday morning as stated.The deceased was to have sailed today (Saturday) for Rhodesia, South Africa, the object of the trip being for the benefit of his health. Mr Downie, who was 60 years of age, entered the service of the Caledonian Railway Coy. in March, 1873, and after serving in varying capacities at Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Motherwell, Holytown and Glasgow, was promoted to be Stationmaster at Lanark Station in April, 1891. The deceased was an ardent Freemason, and at different times held the positions of R.W.M. and Secretary in Lodge "Old St. John," No 21. He was an enthusiastic worker in the Lanimer Committee and in this respect rendered splendid service. He was also a member of the Lanark Parish Church. On the occasion of his retiral from the Caledonian Railway Company's service, Mr Downie was made the recipient of a handsome testimonial from the public of Lanark. Mr Downie, who was pre-deceased by his wife some two years ago, is survived by a grown-up family. The funeral, which took place to Old Monkland Cemetery on Monday was largely attended, many beautiful floral tokens being sent.

There are some details which still need to be confirmed about this report. The text is accurately transcribed from a clipping which has no information about the date of publication or the newspaper from which it is taken.

• 2 May 1914 was a Saturday, not a Friday - the date of publication was provided by George Downie on his website
• 25 April 1914 was a Saturday, not a Friday, as reported in the obituary
• the family gravestone records the date of Christopher's death as 23 April 1914. a Thursday (source: transcription of inscription on gravestone by Chris Cottier)
• the burial took place on Monday 27 April 1914 but the grave is in New Monkland kirkyard, not Old Monkland as reported (source: North Lanarkshire burial records, New Monkland Cemetery, Lair 69A)