“Although a woman of a retiring and altogether unostentatious nature Lady Strathcona throughout her life splendidly seconded her husband in his innumerable acts and schemes for the benefit of the people of Canada and of mankind at large. With her daughter, the Hon. Mrs. Howard, Lady Strathcona gave one hundred thousand dollars to McGill University for the erection of a new wing to the medical building. To Queen Alexandra’s fund for the relief of the unemployed of Great Britain she gave fifty-two thousand, five hundred dollars and from time to time she also gave largely in many directions. Throughout she exercised a large and gracious hospitality. At Knebworth House and at Glencoe in Scotland she was beloved by the people for her many acts of kindness and generosity.
“Lady Strathcona accompanied Lord Strathcona on his flying visit to Canada in the autumn of 1913, when His Lordship came to Montreal to take part in the ceremonies connected with the congress of the American Bar Association. Lady Strathcona at that time appeared to be in the best of health and spirits. They were present together at the recent reception given by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught at St. James Palace just before Their Royal Highnesses left London to return to Canada.
“Lady Strathcona’s funeral took place to Highgate cemetery on November 18, after a simple service in the Church of St. Mark. Lord Strathcona was a pathetic figure as he followed the coffin to the church, leaning on the arm of his daughter, the Hon. Mrs. Howard. Among the numerous floral tributes was a handsome wreath with a tender inscription from Queen Mother Alexandra. It bore the words, ‘To dear Lady Strathcona—a sorrowing tribute to the memory of a beloved wife and companion for sixty-five years—From Alexandra.’”
It was but little more than two months after the death of Lady Strathcona that Lord Strathcona passed away, his death occurring January 21, 1914. His was a strikingly splendid figure even at the age of ninety-three. He had learned well the lessons of life. Nobility of character and high purpose had won for him imperial honors and had made him one of the world’s empire builders.
ROBERT JAMES INGLIS.
At the time of his death, which occurred on the 25th of June, 1903, Robert James Inglis was at the head of the most extensive merchant tailoring establishment and the best known business of its kind in Montreal, which was developed entirely through his efforts and capability. He was recognized as a self-made man and his example should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1856 and in 1875, when but nineteen years of age, he opened a tailoring establishment on St. Joseph, now Notre Dame Street. Although his start in life was comparatively unimportant, he soon demonstrated his capability and proved that he was worthy of confidence and support. Year by year his patronage grew and after nine years at his original location he removed to Beaver Hall Hill while later he was for five years on St. Catherine Street West. Less than one month prior to his demise he opened his establishment in a business block which he had erected, having well appointed and attractive quarters in which he carried a large and carefully selected line of goods. In style, excellence of design and workmanship the output of his establishment could not be surpassed, and progressive methods and honorable dealing led to the establishment of a business of large and gratifying proportions.
Mr. Inglis was survived by his widow and four sons: Douglas S., Robert J., W. Stewart, and Lockhart C. The first two are in charge of the business of R. J. Inglis, Ltd., of Montreal, and W. Stewart is in charge of the branch of the firm in Winnipeg, established after the death of his father. Mr. Inglis had reached a position where the comforts and luxuries of life were at his command but death called him when he was only forty-seven years of age. He was a prominent member of Victoria Lodge, No. 57, A. F. & A. M., but he was never a club man, preferring the enjoyment of the pleasures of his home. He possessed a strong character, marked individuality and pleasing personality and was loved by all who knew him. His acquaintance was a wide one, for his entire business life had been spent in Montreal and he had gained for himself a creditable position in business and social circles.