PASSING, OF A NOTABLE FIGURE

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Death of Mr James Brown

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HIS MANY AND VARIED ACTIVITIES

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We regret to announce the death, which took place at his residence, 29 Brisbane Street, yesterday afternoon, of Mr James Brown, familiarly known to the community as "Pa, Brown". Up till ten days ago he was actively going about his duties when he caught, a chill which developed into pneumonia. The end came peacefully.

A man of varied gifts Mr Brown was ever willing to give his .services, and till the very last, when his energies might, lave been more husbanded, he was found going here anal there as the call came -- helping, advising, and entertaining as he had done throughout his busy career.

It is nearly hall a, century since Mr Brown came to Greenock to take charge of the printing department, of the “Telegraph”, and throughout that, long period he had been prominently identified with many phases of life in the town. Mr Brown was born in Cupar, Fife, but at an early age his people moved to Beith. Attracted to the printing trade he entered the works of John Smith and Sons, and on the completion of his apprenticeship he was for a time in Glasgow, coming to Greenock in 1881.

HIS WORK FOR ART

While carrying out his duties in his own department Hs versatility showed itself in other directions, and from time to time contributions from his facile pen in prose and poetry appeared in the columns of this journal. From his: earliest days in Greenock Mr Brown was connected with the Working Boys' and Girls' Religious Society. Both as a speaker and an entertainer with black and white sketches he was a valuable worker in the activities of this organization, and was always A very popular figure with the young folk. In. the .days of the old Parochial Board he served as a member and the interests of the poor received his sympathetic attention.

He was. a. keen art student and, in addition to his own accomplishments, he gave every encouragement to others in the development, of their talents. His work for the Greenock Art Club and the Camera Club was highly appreciated. By his removal a blank will he created in Nelson Street E.U. congregation, with which he had a life-long connection. He was deeply interested in the prosperity of the church and in all its activities, taking his part at meetings and also officiating in the pulpit.

He was a student and admirer of the national bard, the beauty of whose work he frequently extolled in lectures and addresses. His services in this respect were in demand, and on several occasions ha had even to cross the border to propose the Immortal Memory. The movement to institute a Burns Bed in the new Larkfield Hospital found in him an active supporter and he had bean looking forward to seeing the project crowned with success.

KINDLY PERSONALITY

As is well-known Mr Brown conducted the "Children’s Corner" in the "Telegraph," into which he infused much of his own kindly personality. The column was not only instructive but entertaining and appealed alike to both old and young. By his death the youth of Greenock will mourn the loss of a friend, for whom they will always maintain the-happiest recollections. The attractions: of the Clyde, with its almost incomparable scenery had in Mr Brown a stout champion and there were few of the coast resorts where he was not welcomed will) his camera:" The beauty spots he had photographed time and again and these were incorporated in his lectures. The river steamers also appealed to hint and he was a familiar figure on board the turbines during the summer season. He had among his; personal friends most of the Clyde captains and other officers, who will, no doubt miss his genial presence.

In August Mr and Mrs Brown celebrated their golden wedding, and the occasion was taken to make a public testimonial of Mr Brown's services. Later in the year he was entertained to a complimentary dinner :in the Tontine Hotel when tributes were paid to his work in different capacities and St John's Burns Club of which he was a past president, and other kindred societies joined in showing their esteem and appreciation.

Mr Brown was 73 years of age and is survived by his wife and three daughters.

The following ode, specially written for the occasion, was recited by the author, Mr Chas L. Brodie F.E.I.S. at the celebration held on St; Andrew’s Night by St John’s Burns Club.

JAMES BROWN

Ever the friend and counsellor of youth,
The idol of all children in the town,
With flashing wit he tells them many a truth,
And so they like the preachings of Pa Brown.

But quizzical and comical betimes,
He lures the surly soul from discontent;
And when he whisks wise fools with merry rhymes
They laugh and wonder what is really meant.

He never poisons any shaft of wit,
Nor studies rancour in a set reply;
He catches all the humour of a light,
And gravely looks into the frenzied eye.

But Beauty claims him as her votary,
.And he proclaims her charms with loving thought ;
The friend of Art, a Priest of Poesy,
The beautiful in all things he has sought.

And aye when sorrow comes in stealth or start,
And through our heaven wing arrows of distress,
His help comes swiftly, and the grief-worn heart
Soon knows the balsam of his tenderness.

Oh genial Brown, we give thee as thy due
Full measure of our tributary praise:
We bless thee with our love's regard that grew
The more we knew thee through the fevered days.

Sing us more songs, and gild the edge of strife
Out of thy sunny nature, for to thee
Such gifts arc given as glorify this life,
And make all days, glad days of jubilee.

CHAS. L. BRODIE.