Mr. Johnstone Blair

MR. Johnstone Blair, who died at his home at 6 Monabot Road, Downpatrick, on March 11, was a highly respected man who had many fine qualities, not least his decency, loyalty and utter integrity.

He was born in 1936 in Bryansford, the son of Johnston and Nell. He was educated at the Southwell School for boys in Downpatrick and later trained as a marine fitter at Harland and Wolff.

After being made redundant he admirably retrained as a nursing auxiliary and went on to work at the Quoile and then the Downe hospitals for many years. Many families still speak gratefully of the care Johnstone gave to their frail family members over these years.

After retiring, Johnstone joined the staff of Ciaran Russell Auto Sales, Downpatrick, where he enjoyed the companionship and friendship of his colleagues — and they his.

Many of his friends speak of happy journeys with Johnstone as cars were delivered and collected from the business. He loved both classic cars and motorcycles.

Johnstone was a respected and much appreciated member of the Loyal orders. He also served in his younger years as a part-time member of the RUC and the Territorial Army. One of his duties was the guarding of the reservoir in the Silent Valley. For many years he was the local poppy organiser for the Royal British Legion.

Johnstone married Lavinia and they had a daughter, Fontaine. Sadly, they lost Lavinia when Fontaine was a small child. Johnstone later married Marlene, with whom he had two children, Philip and Grace. He is now survived and mourned by his loved ones, including three grandchildren, Jonathan, Sarah and Mia.

Throughout his life Johnstone was an enthusiastic member and supporter of the Boys’ Brigade. The Boys’ Brigade hymn, ‘Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life,’ was sung at his funeral in Down Parish Church on March 13.

At the service the Rev. Stuart Burns, rector, said: “Johnstone’s anchor held very firmly because of his faith in Christ.

“Johnstone held many offices in this church, including that of churchwarden in recent years. As churchwarden, he was wonderfully warm and welcoming to all who came to church.

“He was very helpful to me when arriving here as the new rector five years ago. I speak on behalf of all the ministers who officiated in this church alongside Johnstone, as well as his co-churchwarden of many years, Eileen Huddlestone, when I say that we loved Johnstone.

“He was the epitome of a great churchwarden, offering us his wisdom, friendship and confidentiality as he helped us lead this church.”

Mr. Burns quoted the disciples saying to Jesus (in John’s gospel chapter 14): “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

He added: Johnstone knew to whom he belonged as a disciple of Jesus Christ; he was thankful for the good life he had enjoyed and he had no fear of this life coming to an end.

“Johnstone knew the Father through The Lord Jesus Christ, and this was enough for him.

Johnstone showed us how to live a Godly life and also how to prepare for a Godly death. Thanks be to God.”

Mr. Burns concluded the service by repeating what one of Johnstone’s friends had said just before the service. “Johnstone was one of the good guys.”