Apr 2020
It is with regret we report one of Downs Solicitors’ former Senior Partners, Brian Carr, has sadly passed away.
Brian was without doubt part of Downs’ rich tapestry, spending nearly 40 years with the firm. He was described by many as a truly fascinating, remarkable gentleman, totally committed to his profession but always made time for others. He will be sadly missed.
Brian Carr was admitted as a solicitor in March 1953 before joining Downs (then known as Down Scott and Down) in 1959 - where he remained for the rest of his professional career. Carr turned his hand to many aspects of legal work, from appearing in the Magistrates Court to dealing with probates and working for commercial clients as a Family and Business Solicitor.
In his youth, Brian was an active sportsman and a keen hockey player. Not only did he play professionally for Gloucestershire, he was also an Oxford Hockey Blue. Another of Brian’s accolades was in 1977 when he became a relay runner for The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Baton Relay.
In his professional career, Brian became Senior Partner at Downs during the 1970s, when he took over from W K (Tubby) Clarke. He stepped down in the mid 1980s and retired as a Partner in 1987 - but his dedication to the profession was so much that he simply couldn’t stay away and instead remained at Downs as a consultant for many more years. He would often help out with work load when fee earners were on holiday, but he also worked as a notary public.
Brian was a keen Rotarian and an active member of the community in Dorking, serving as a Liberal Councillor for Dorking District Council. He was also a member of many committees, including Surrey Wildlife Trust, Dorking Preservation Society, Age Concern and United Nations to name a few.
Although I never worked alongside him, I did come to know him well, and indeed speaking from the podium as Downs’ current Senior Partner, Brian really was one of a kind. His professionalism and kindness to others always shone through and it was a pleasure to know him.
Brian passed away on 18 April 2020. Our thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time and we really do wish them all the very best.
Chris Millar, Senior Partner
