The death of Public School Trustee Geo.Downard was learned on Tuesday in all circles in the city with general regret. The melancholy and sudden event was brought about by an attack of pneumonia. Mr. Downard had been ill for a week, having contracted a cold which gradually had more serious developments. Mr. Downard was known all over the city, but particularly in the west end, where he carried on an extensive grocery business. He was first elected to the Public School Board in 1885. He was a prominent member of the Orange organization, having occupied for the past year the position of District Master of West Toronto. He was also a prominent Mason,a member of St. George’s Lodge and of the Royal Arcanum Home Circle and Sons of Ireland benefit societies. He was a highly respected and influential officer of the Board of the Euclid avenue Methodist church. Mr. Downard, who was born in the town of Clones, Monaghan, Ireland, was in his 38th year. He had been a prominent figure in public life in the city from his earlier manhood. Upon the annexation of Parkdale to Toronto he was appointed tax assessesor for the new ward, which position he continued to occupy up to the time of his death. He held the position of captain in the 12th York Rangers. He leaves a wife and six children, the former being a sister of Mr. J. J. Vaughan, chief constable of Brantford.