MR Cecil Maxwell, who died on Friday, July 7, at the age of 85, was a man of the utmost integrity, a true servant of the community and a Downpatrick man to his core.
Kind, generous and warm-hearted, Cecil Maxwell loved Downpatrick and its people. He knew just about everyone in his home town, young and old. He was rarely without a smile and would always find the time to offer a word of praise or comfort.
He was a postman, a councillor, a tireless campaigner for local health services, a leader who led by example, someone who gave much more than he took and a man who saw the best in everyone. He was also a wonderful family man, a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He was born in 1932 to William and Mabel Maxwell, one of a family of five boys and four girls, his brothers and sisters being Betty, Billy, Norman, Eric, Hugh, Eileen, Amy and Margaret. He was brought up in a loving family environment in Edward Street and learned many of the values which were to shape his life.
In 1946 he joined the Post Office at the age of 14, starting off as a telegram boy. In a career lasting 46 years he rose to become Mails Manager in Downpatrick and was always a loyal and trusted friend to his colleagues.
As a young man he played cricket and hockey. His love of sport was such that he bought the first television in Edward Street. Naturally, friends and neighbours were invited to watch.
He married Myrtle, who was a nurse in the Downe Hospital, in August 1959. The couple were to be blessed with three children, Linda, Beverley and Rodney, who he loved dearly.
Mr Maxwell was elected to the old Downpatrick Urban Council in 1967 and later to Down District Council, of which he was chairman twice. He was a Unionist, but with a small ‘u.’ As a politician he was more interested in people than party political issues. He was there to serve all the people and they had no finer champion than him.
He believed that the people of Downpatrick and Lecale were entitled to decent houses, a good education and a good hospital. He was at the vanguard of many campaigns over the years for a new Downe Hospital. He spoke at countless meetings and joined with thousands of others in rallies and street marches. He was the chairman of the Down Community Health Committee.
As chairman of the Downpatrick Property Trust he did much to improve the appearance of the town by restoring dilapidated or derelict properties. He was also chairman of Downpatrick Cricket Club for a time. For his services to the community he was awarded the British Empire Medal.
Apart from his family the dearest thing to his heart was Down Cathedral, the place where he worshipped throughout his life. He was member of the cathedral choir as a young boy and served as a warden on and off for over 40 years. At the big occasions, such as St Patrick’s Day or Christmas Eve, he would be there welcoming visitors with a friendly handshake and a smile. He was also a member of the Cathedral Board.
But like so many other aspects of his life, his faith was understated. His was a quiet faith and he lived his life by Christian principles. His political career ended in 1985 when he decided that he had to put those principles before his politics and he resigned as chairman of Down District Council.
Addressing mourners at Monday’s funeral service in the cathedral, the Very Rev Henry Hull, Dean of Down, described Mr Maxwell as a “man of courage” and a pioneer in building up cross-community relations in the Downpatrick area during difficult times.
His achievements in that field were reflected in the huge attendance at the funeral service. Other clergy taking part included the Very Rev. John Dinnen, former Dean of Down, the Rev. Raymond Fox, a former minor canon in the cathedral, the Rev. Adrian Dorrian, the Rev. Graham Savidge, Canon John Bell, Canon Cecil Wilson and Father John Murray, the parish priest of Downpatrick.
Following the service Mr Maxwell was interred in the adjoining churchyard. The sympathy of the community is extended to his family.