Mr. Frank Nixon

MR. Frank Nixon, of Main Street, Clough, who died peacefully in hospital on May 24 aged 88, was a retired local government officer who was admired and respected for his integrity and quiet, unassuming manner.

He was born in August 1925 in Clough, the youngest child of John and Margaret Nixon. He had two older siblings, Bill and Betty, to whom he remained close throughout his life.

He was educated at Down High School where he was a keen sportsman and was a member of both the rugby and cricket teams. He continued to enjoy both sports after school and played for a number of local teams.

Following school Mr. Nixon undertook training became a public health inspector. He served with the former Downpatrick Urban and East Down Rural councils before being appointed chief environmental health officer for Down District.

He enjoyed his job and was particularly happy not to be desk-bound and to have the freedom to visit many different businesses within the council area.

He was a quiet man who had a great sense of humour and always had a twinkle in his eye. He enjoyed company but was often more comfortable sitting smoking his pipe and observing everything going on around him.

He was also an active man and played golf at Downpatrick Golf Club for many years. He became a keen swimmer and up until a few years ago would visit the swimming pool in Downpatrick a number of times each week.

Until recently he would take the bus on a daily basis to Downpatrick where he was well known to many in the town. Even so, he was very comfortable in his home in Clough where he lived all his life.

Mr. Nixon will be sadly missed by his family circle and friends, who have many fond memories of a gentle and kind man.