Mr. William Blair

MR. William Blair, of 41 Buckshead Road, Downpatrick, who passed away on January 30, 2012, at King’s Castle Nursing Home, was 92.

Mr. Blair was born in Tullymurry and on leaving Seaforde School he became a farmer and continued farming all his lifetime. He married Sadie Newell in 1942 and they lived briefly in Tobercorran before moving to Whitehills in Magheralagan.

He was a great family man and always had a wealth of wonderful stories for his extended family of grandchildren and great grandchildren. William had a great love of the soil and farm animals, particularly horses, and loved the outdoor life.

Mr. Blair was a faithful member of Hollymount Church, until failing health made it difficult for him to attend. He had enjoyed fairly good health up until Christmas, when he was admitted to Downe Hospital for two weeks. Unfortunately, due to his deterioration, he was unable to return home and resided at King’s Castle Nursing Home until his death four weeks later.

The largely attended funeral to Loughinisland Parish Church on Thursday, February 2, was conducted by the Rev. Stuart Burns, ably assisted by Mr. Blair’s son-in-law, the Rev. Kenneth Gamble. Burial took place in the adjoining graveyard.

Tea was served in the J H McCammon Hall, Seaforde, by ladies of Loughinisland Parish Church. Donations in lieu of flowers c/o Charles Rourke and Sons, Funeral Directors, were for King’s Castle Residents Comforts Fund or Dundrum Surgery.

Mr. Blair is survived by his wife Sarah, and family, Maureen, Anne, Maurice, Georgina, Cathleen, Joan, Hazel, Elaine, Julia and Hugh.