Obituary published in local paper after the death of my great grandfather Robert Ervine in Belfast on 4th October 1934 aged 66 years
DEATH OF MR ROBERT ERVINE
HEAD OF NOTED FIRM
A THOROUGH SPORTSMAN
ARDENT MEMBER OF MASONIC ORDER
Sorrow widespread and sincere is evoked by the announcement of the death of Mr Robert Ervine, which , we deeply regret to record took place on Thursday evening at his residence, “Moylena”, Cregagh Road, Belfast. It comes with the force of a great shock to his extended circle of friends to realise that the illness which laid him aside a few weeks ago should have now removed a gentleman of such exceptional activity and one who had carried his years so lightly. His passing imposes no ordinary loss upon his intimate friends in business, social, and sporting circles, by whom he was held not only in esteem but in the bonds of an affection that is the best tribute to his striking personality. The late Mr Ervine, who was in his 67th year, was the elder son of Mr Abraham Ervine, a venerable gentleman who passed away only a few years ago. He was widely known as the head of Messrs. Charles Reynolds & Co, engineering agents, Bedford Street. The late Mr Reynolds, whose service he entered as a youth, entertained the highest regard for him, not only for his business capacity, but for his sterling integrity, and when his principal retired Mr Ervine succeeded him. He was also a leading representative of the city for the Atlas Insurance Company.
HIS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS All that was connoted in the term, a thorough sportsman, was personified in the late gentleman. From his boyhood days he had a passion for outdoor games. He was one of the now dwindling band who laid the foundation of Association Football in this country. He was a member of the original Y.M.C.A. team that played at Shaftesbury Park, and from it he passed to become one of the pioneers of the Cliftonville Club. His position was full back, and a die-hard defender he was. In 1889 Mr Ervine became the first secretary of the County Antrim Football Association, which he helped to found, and remained in that office for eight years. He played a leading part in popularising the game by organising matches in various parts of the country, and on one occasion took an eleven to play an exhibition game at Curragh Camp. When he retired from playing he took up refereeing and had the honour of officiating on international games. His standing was such that when the unfortunate dispute took place several years ago dividing football authority, his good offices were sought, and played no small part in healing the breach. Mr Ervine was also a skilled lacrosse player, a cricketer of note, and in later times an enthusiastic bowler and keen golfer. He was one of the most popular members of Knock Golf Club and more recently of the club at Chandeboye. He helped to establish the Willowfield Bowling Club, and was one of the first presidents. It was characteristic of him that at bowls he should be the leader in annual games on behalf of Masonic charities, as also were his activities at golf in connection with the “Nomads” Club, through whose monthly outings goodly sums are realised on behalf of one of the city hospitals. The Cregagh Recreation Club owe much to his practical help and encouragement, his sage counsel that have marked its progress.
MASONIC ACTIVITES
Outside the family circle, nowhere will Mr Ervine’s demise be more deeply lamented than throughout the Masonic Order. He was at his best in the fellowship of his brother Masons, where his instincts for comradeship made him so much at home. His selection as Senior Grand Warden for the Province of Antrim this year gave the greatest gratification, although there was nothing in the office seeker in his make-up. Rather it was his delight to serve. His mother lodge was No 207, Ballmacarrett. He was the founder of the Volunteers’ Lodge No 439, which came in being to perpetuate comradeship formed during the days of the Belfast Volunteer Corps in the war era. Mr Ervine was one the earliest Masters and remained its secretary until the end. He was also Past King of No 207 Chapter and of the Volunteers’ Chapter, and was Past Preceptor of Victory and Peach Preceptory. His help was sought and readily granted a few years ago in the formation of the Cregagh Lodge, of which he was the first Worshipful Master. In all these fraternities there is genuine mourning today. Mr Ervine was formerly a member of the Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church, but for the last twenty years or more was connected with the M’Quiston Memorial congregation, on the committee of which he served. A convinced Unionist, he was a trustee of the Willowfield Unionist Club, and the flag is flying at half-mast today to mark the club’s sense of the loss it has sustained.
The late gentleman is survived by his wife and a family of four sons and one daughter. The loss of his son, Mr Charles Ervine, in the war was a heavy blow. Two of his sons, Mr Henry and Mr Robert, are in business in the city, the former in his father’s firm, and two, Mr Alex and Mr Frederick are in South Africa. His only daughter last year became the wife of Mr RJ M’Fadzean. His brother, Mr James Ervine, is well known in business circles in the city, and a brother-in-law is Mr Samuel Dunlop. With the bereaved relatives the utmost sympathy will be felt. During his last illness the patient had the unremitting services of Dr. Wm. Gibson and Dr H Hemsley, with Dr Boyd Campbell as consultant. | 
