Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953)(about) |
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Thursday 30 October 1952
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Portland's "Grand Old MIan Passes A Life of Unselfishness En ded
The death of one of Portland's most popular and well-known fig ures in the person of Mr. Colin Cathcl:: pu:ced away at Hamilton on Saturday at the age of 94 years. His was a most remarkable career, and was an inspiration to the many who had the privilege of making hIls ucquaintancc. Right up to the last, despite his advanced years, h. held his cheery d:spostlion, and until only a few weeks ago did he give any Indicbtion that the end was near. 'A native of Portland, he grew up to love the old town, and when the break came and he was ,forced by circumstances to leave the place of his birth to take up residence with relatives In Hamilton, he felt the wrench *severely. He was often lleard to say that lie would like to end his days in the surroundings in which le commenced them. He was rich in historical data concerning the old town and could go back to the time of the Hentys, of whom lie was a personal acquaintance. He told of attending Edward's picnics and receiving gifts of sweets and other delicacies at the old pioneer's hand. For years the late gentleman was associated with the Belfast and Koroit Steamship Nav'igation Co., and was In charge of its affairs at Portland for some considerable tmne. He was an outstanding per sonality in shipping circles, his ex perience in this sphere of business going back well before the old Casino days. It was, we remem ber, on the occasion of the celebra tion of his 90th birthday that lie was entertained by his friends, who took tihe opportunity of expressing ap preciation of an outstanhding citizen. Mr. Cathels never forgot that trib ute, whlich tended to make his re mainlng days the happier In the knowledge that he held the esteem of so many. He married a Portland girl, Miss Robertson, a member of another
pioneer family, there being no child ran of the union. However,. "Young Col," as he was famlliariyy known, received the .-n.inistrationsq ' of the late gentleman and his d.; - voted wife from chiidhood.' and he? grew up as one of the famliy Of an outstanding charitable dis. position, Mr. Cathels was known for his unselflishness and consideration for his fellowmen, and many o good' deed he performed without seeking. any publicity in the doing. Scores have cause to be grateful to the late gentleman for his countless acts of kindness, which will stand as an: everlasting monument to one. who` goes from our midst honored and. beloved by all. It is only a few weeks since his brother Stewart passed away, and he, too, was another example of the true pioneer, whose service to the community, like his brother's, wi!l -? be ever remembered. '.he funeral took place on Monday afternoon, the remains being interred in the South cemetery. Ihe at tendance was a relpresentativc- one, but a false report ovcr the -tit that the burial had taken: place n the morning kept many mourners away who otherwise would. have; been there to pay, their lost respects to the late gentleman. The: services at Scots Church, of which Mr. Cath els was a devoted adhercht, and the graveside were conducted by the Rev. J. V. Mills, and members of the. Portland branch of the Waterside Workers' acted as colln-bearers. The late Mr. Cathels was keenly interested in all public matters con nected with the advancement of the trwn and district, and was ever will Ing to lend a helping hand; He al so associated himself closely with sport In its various branches, and was a keen follower of racing and football. From its inception he was an executive officer of the Portland race club, and rendl.rnd valuable ser vice in this connection.