Mr Patrick Cross

THE Lecale and Downe Historical Society was deeply saddened to hear of the death, of its esteemed member, Mr Patrick Cross, on June 24, following a short illness.

Mr Cross had been a member of the society for many years and held various positions including president and, most recently, as secretary, in addition to sitting on the Lecale Review Editorial Committee.

Mr Cross had for a time attended Kings Bruton School, a boarding school in England between 1957 and 1960 before spending his working life in the legal profession with Cleaver Fulton Rankin solicitors in Belfast.

He was a joint senior partner of the firm until his retirement in 2005. In 1980 he served as President of the Law Society.

Mr Cross was involved in a number of charities including Reconnect and Positive Futures, which aims to transform the lives people with a learning disability, brain injury or on the autistic spectrum.

He was also a trustee of the Southwell Trust, which dates back to 1733 and Edward Southwell, proprietor of the Downpatrick estate, providing alms-house accommodation for those in need.   He also served as High Sheriff of County Down in 2015.

Mr Cross’s funeral was limited to family members. A memorial service is planned for a later date. 

The committee and members of the Lecale and Downe Historical Society would like to extend their sympathy to Mr Cross’s wife, Patricia, sons Stephen, Philip, Matthew and Daniel, and the entire family circle. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made if desired to Marie Curie Cancer Care c/o Charles Rourke and Sons Funeral Directors, 51 Church Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6EH.