Katherine Douglas (died 26th December 1930)

Katherine Douglas was the wife of Robert F Douglas and they lived at “The Elms” Brunswick Road, Douglas. She was interred on 29th December 1930.

Her husband Robert, whose plaque is also on the headstone, died on 21st April 1941 at the age of 83.

Mona’s Herald ran the following article the day after his death:

Mr. Robert Fargher Douglas . J.P. for half a century one of the leading builders and contractors of Douglas, died at his home. "The Elms,'' Brunswick Road, about two o'clock yesterday afternoon, after an illness which had lasted several weeks, at the age of 83 years. Mr Douglas was the eldest son of the late Mr John Douglas, builder, of Woodbourne Square, his mother being a daughter of the late Mr Robert Fargher, founder of "Mona' s Herald." He was educated at Thomas Street Wesleyan Day School and the Douglas Grammar School. As a youth, he began to learn the printing trade with his grandfather, but after a short time gave up printing and entered his father's business as a joiner. After a few years he worked for a year or two with a leading firm of contractors in Liverpool; then again joined his father and his brother, Mr Joseph E. Douglas, in building a large number of houses in the South end of the Mersey city. On their return to the Island Mr John Douglas and his two sons were associated in the building of most of the houses in Woodbourne Square and the larger houses in Sydney Street. Over fifty years ago he began business as a builder and contractor in Brunswick Road, and continued with conspicuous success down to his retirement some twenty years ago, Many of the residential houses in Selborne Drive. Albany Road, Eleanora Drive and the Cronkbourne Road district were built by him. The finest example of his craftsmanship is the Isle of Man Bank head office on Prospect Hill, which was begun and completed in the early years of the present century. He also built St. Mary's Roman Catholic school, Thomas Street Sunday-school and the I.O.M. Children's Homes, an institution in which he was deeply interested, and of which he was the honorary treasurer for many years down to two years ago. The fine oak interior fittings of the Tynwald Court were made in his workshop.

Mr Douglas was Diocesan Surveyor and a Government valuer for many years. He became a director of the Isle of Man Bank. Ltd. In May 1924. and continued in that office until November, 1938. when he relinquished it at his own request. He was one of the Trustees of the Manx Museum from its inception, being the nominee of the Trustees of the Nicholson collection of pictures. A devoted member of Braddan Parish Church for many years, he served in the capacity of churchwarden for several terms. He was also a member of the Committee of the House of Industry, who availed themselves of his large experience in their work of reconstruction of that institution. He was appointed to the Commission of Peace in 1919.

His wife, formerly Miss Katherine Quine. predeceased him several years ago. The beautiful choir stalls in Kirk Braddan were presented by him, and he also endowed a bed in Noble's Hospital, to her memory. Prior to, and in his last illness, he was devotedly attended by his sister-in-law, Mrs Howland, M.E.A.

By all who knew him, Mr Douglas was esteemed for his fine character, sterling and generous spirit and by none more than those who had been employed by him. He was of a retiring disposition, a man who eschewed the limelight, and although he declined public office, on numerous occasions his advice was frequently sought by the Government, local authorities and other public bodies. Apart from business affairs, he was a keen gardener. and was a recognised expert on plant life and flowers, his gardens at his home being a veritable Eden. He had no children, but is survived by four brothers and one sister — Messrs. Joseph Douglas. Frank Douglas (Ballaragh. Lonan). Herbert Douglas, and Frederick A. Douglas, and Miss Emily Douglas. The funeral takes place on Thursday.