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Death of Ex-Lord Cornet Jim Alexander
Sadness at death of ex-Cornet
Ex-Lord Cornet and retired butcher Jim Alexander, a quiet
man who led a full and varied life, died peacefully last Wednesday at his
home in Lanark.
He was born on August 10 1939 and his family soon moved from Carluke to Lanark where he stayed for the rest of his life. Emerging Dux from St Mary's Primary School, he continued his education at Our Lady's High then left at 15 to join his father in the family business and trained as a master butcher. Charles Alexander and Son continues to trade in Lanark High Street, run by his brother-in-law.
Jim retired from the shop in 1998 but still worked as Managing Director of Wishaw Abattoir. He attended a Board Meeting the day before he died.
Jim had many hobbies. In his younger days these included karate, weightlifting, breeding Great Danes and reading.
He had a remarkable memory for little ' known facts and was a wizard at quizzes. He was also well known for horse riding. He owned his first pony at the age of eight and continued his interest in horses till the end. His last horse, Jester, which he rode until recently, survives him and is now an amazing 37 years old!
Jim cared greatly for many things he considered important. One was the community he lived in. His list of achievements over the years illustrates his hands-on approach to things.
He was. a keen member of the Lanimer Sports Committee, he helped organise and took part in the winning Lanark Team for Its a Knockout in 1971. He served on the Royal Burgh of Lanark Community Council and set up a Tableau of Famous Lanark Characters for the 850th celebrations in 1990. Last October his contribution to the Lanimer Committee was marked when he became an Emeritus Member. He was a member of the Cargill Club Management Committee, and a former Chairman of the Merchants Association. He was the proud possessor of a Burgess Ticket and was a Guildry member. He was a keen and active member of St Mary's Church.
His service to the Town was recognised in 1973 when he was selected to be the Lord Cornet. He was immensely proud of the honour. He was right hand man to Jimmy Hamilton who was chosen in 1974 and the two of them made a fantastic team, remaining great friends till Jimmy's death three years ago.
Jim believed passionately that Lord Cornets should ride horses as long as they were fit. As a Lord Cornet he visited a huge number of Common Rides over the years so he could speak with authority on the matter. In recent years he still rode on Lanimer Day, but in a horse and trap!
He was a great family man and greatly missed his wife Mary when she suddenly died. He was lucky to have his three daughters and two grand-daughters nearby. They are a very close family and will miss him greatly.
I will miss his wisdom and his humour. I will miss the endless debates about politics, religion, history or the economy.
I have been fortunate to be considered as a friend of Jim Alexander and am pleased that in writing this short tribute I have done so smiling to myself.
That is how he would wish to be remembered!
Leonard Gray
Lanark Gazette
Thursday 5th February 2009