Christie of Coleraine

Magherabuoy House, Portrush, County Antrim

DANIEL CHRISTIE (1784-1862), of Coleraine, County Londonderry, a merchant, married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Hurley, of Spring Gardens, in the same town.

His eldest son,

DANIEL CHRISTIE (1838-1900), of Coleraine, merchant, educated at Coleraine School, married and left issue, his eldest son,

DANIEL HALL CHRISTIE CBE DL (1881-), of Magherabuoy House, County Londonderry, High Sheriff of County Londonderry, 1943, Mayor of Coleraine, 1944-46, MP for North Londonderry, 1933-37, Managing Director, Christies Ltd, Coleraine.

His son,

DANIEL JACKSON (Jack) CHRISTIE CBE ERD JP (1906-), High Sheriff of County Londonderry, 1953, Lieutenant-Colonel, TA, Mayor of Coleraine, 1946-49, married and had a son,

DANIEL (Dan) MONROE CHRISTIE DL (1938-2008), of Coleraine, who married, in 1979, Joan Young, and had issue, three children, Joanna, Harriett and Marcus.

Mr Christie had two daughters, Charlotte and Sarah, from a previous marriage.

Mrs Joan Christie CVO OBE was Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim from 2008-19.

Mr Christie was a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. During his working life he held a number of positions including that of Chairman of the NI Builders Merchants Association. He was also a keen member of the NI Construction Industry Advisory Council, the Confederation of British Industry and Coleraine Borough Economic Development Committee.

His commitment to and fondness for the local community in and around Coleraine is best illustrated by his huge contribution to local business and regional activity.

As well as being President of the Coleraine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for several years, Dan was also the Chairman of the EU Fund for Peace and Reconciliation as part of the Coleraine Borough Partnership; Chairman of the Coleraine Safer Towns initiative; Chairman of the Coleraine Branch of the Citizens Advise Bureau; President of the Coleraine Royal British Legion and a Coleraine Harbour Commissioner.

Undoubtedly, his significant contribution to the continuing development of the town of Coleraine and its business life remains apparent today.

Dan joined the Ulster Defence Regiment in 1976 and served as Company Commander in Ballymoney until 1979.

His influence extended into the County of Londonderry, serving as High Sheriff for the County in 1977 and as an active and committed Deputy Lieutenant for the county from the 70s.

A commitment to his children and their education led Dan to become Chairman of the Board of Governors at the DH Christie Memorial Primary School and to sit on the Board of Governors at Dalriada Grammar School in Ballymoney.

Dan had a long and distinguished career in the Territorial Army: ADC to the Governor, the Lord Erskine of Rerrick, in the early 1960s, he went on to become a squadron leader in the North Irish Horse.

His natural ability to lead and inspire resulted in his appointment as the Honorary Colonel of the regiment from 1998 - 2003.

During his tenure, Dan and his colleagues were instrumental in ensuring that the two squadrons within the North Irish Horse remained in existence following the government's Strategic Defence Review.

Outside of work and duty, Dan was just as dedicated to his interests and loves.

A keen sailor, he competed successfully in sailing events both nationally and internationally.

More recently he was so proud of Marcus when he followed in his footsteps and sailed across the Atlantic in the Challenge Transat.

His role as Joint Master and later Master of the Route Hunt for over twenty years ensued from his love of horses and hunting, a role previously held by his father and grandfather.

He took particular pleasure in the training and working of the hounds.

Some of his happiest memories from his hunting days involved trotting behind Joanna on her pony.

*****

Between 1955 and 1965 the Christies lived at Magherabuoy House.

Trevor Clarke has written an interesting history of the house here.

Magherabuoy House: Photo Credit ~ Magherabuoy House Hotel

THE RT HON SIR DAWSON BATES, 1st BARONET, OBE, lived at Magherabuoy House from 1934-47.

First published in April, 2013.