Clan Donald Magazine No13 (1995) Online
Obituaries
Ernest Allan MacDonald of Sherwood, Brisbane, Australia, who
died in January, 1992 had been a Life Member of
the
Society since 1960 and it
was only by chance through correspondence with the then Hon.
Secretary, Norman H. MacDonald that he discovered that they were
second cousins, once removed. Allan's grandfather, John MacDonald,
who emigrated from Achterneed, Ross-shire to Australia in the 1860s
was a brother of Roderick MacDonald, great-grandfather of Norman H.
MacDonald. Allan's son, Malcolm J. MacDonald of Mt. Ommaney,
Brisbane and his wife Shirley visited Scotland during the 1970s when
the cousins met and they have continued their correspondence since
then. Malcolm is a Life Member of the Society.
Mrs. Flora MacDonald Brown, mother of our Honorary Member, Mrs.
Margaret MacDonald Campbell died on 11th
December 1991. Mrs. Brown, whose maiden name was Flora MacDonald was
for many years, along with her sister Miss Johan MacDonald and
younger daughter Margaret, a regular attender at the Society's
functions. A nurse by training Mrs. Brown, as a young woman, while
staying at the family hotel at Arisaig, was called in to attend the
mother of the late Donald J. Macdonald of Castleton, during Tier
last illness. Mrs. Macdonald's husband, the Rev. James A.D.J.
Macdonald, 10th of Castleton was then the Church of Scotland
Minister of Arisaig.
His Hon. Judge Ian M MacDonell, of Toronto, who had been a Life
Member of the Society since 1955, died during the latter half of
1992, in his 98th year. He was actively involved in the formation of
the Clan Donald Society of Canada in the early 1960s and was the
first High Commissioner for Clan Donald in Canada. Judge Ian was a
descendant of Angus MacDonell of Greenfield (of the second family to
possess that property) who held the rank of Major in the Glengarry
Regiment of Prince Charlie's Army in the Forty-Five.
Ronald E. Fittes, of Newcastle-upon Tyne, who died in December,
1991, was a Life Member of the Society. Ronnie, a retired
school-master, descended through his mother from the earlier
MacDonells of Greenfield, was an enthusiastic genealogist.
Archibald P. Alexander, of the "Toytub," Raeburn Place,
Edinburgh died on 2nd April, 1992. Archie, who could claim descent
both from the Alexanders of Menstrie and the MacDonalds of Glencoe,
was a Council member of the Society for several years up until his
death and was well-known to model soldier collectors, many of
whom sought his
advice when ordering rare or unusual figures. He is survived by his
wife Nanette and sons Archie, Jr., and Donald, who are all members
of the Society.
Mrs. Elizabeth A. Ross, who died on 26th June 1992, in her 92nd
year, was the widow of David J. Ross, of Edinburgh. She and her
husband were Life Members of the Society. She is survived by their
son Alasdair, daughter Rionna and grandchildren.
Lieut. Colonel William Currie of Balelone, who died on 23rd
September, 1992, had been a Life Member of the Society since 1963.
He was the author of a history of the Currie family entitled With
Harp and Sword. He is survived by his wife Irene.
Chevalier Kenneth McL. Hay, B.E.M., K.C.L.J. who died suddenly,
on 22nd September, 1992, was a long standing friend of the Society
and of its President, Norman H. MacDonald.
He was made an Honorary Member of the Society in 1969 for his
enthusiastic efforts to encourage young people to join the Society.
He was a man of many parts who generally rose to the top ranks in
every organisation with which he was associated. For dedicated
service to
the Civil Service
Sanatorium Society he was awarded the British Empire Medal. He was a
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, a
fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Chairman of the
CounciI of the Royal Celtic Society, President of the St. Andrew
Society of Edinburgh and Commissioner of Clan Hay. He was also a
talented entertainer. Having bequeathed his body to medical
research, a memorial service was held for him in St. Michael's
and
All Saints Scottish Episcopal Church, Edinburgh which was attended
by several hundred of his friends. He is survived by his wife Fiona,
nee McDonald, who is a Council Member of the Society.
Lieut. Colonel Gordon D. Leggett, E.D.,
D.D.S.,
K.H.,
K.C.L.J.,
who died on 22nd September, 1992, had been prominently involved in
the Clan Donald Society of Canada since 1960 and was Chairman of
the now disbanded Clan Donald Council of Canada. He had practised as
a Dental Surgeon in Toronto for 50 years, served as President of the
St. Andrew Society, was Rector's Warden of All Saints Church,
Kingsmay, a life member of the Toronto Scottish Regimental
Association, United Empire Loyalists Association and of many other
organisations. In World War II he served as an officer in the
Toronto Scottish Regiment and with the Canadian Dental Corps in the
British and Canadian Armies. He is survived by his wife Doris and
sons Dr. Gordon Leggett and Dr. William Leggett and their families.
Mrs. Elizabeth W. MacDonald, who died on 1st March, 1993, the
widow of Robert MacDonald, C.A., was an Honorary Vice-President of
the Society. She had formerly been a very active member, having held
office both as Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer at various times.
She is survived by her son Lindsay, who is a Life Member and
grandchildren.
Mrs. Eyvor von Philp, wife of our member Mr. Clarence von Philp,
formerly of Bromma, Sweden, died on 8th March, 1993. Clarence and
Eyvor became Life Members of the Society in 1978 and graced our
annual gatherings on a number of occasions. Resplendent in Keppoch
tartan, they won many friends and admirers with their warm
personalities and by their striking appearance. Eyvor, originally
from Finland, worked in Edinburgh for a time with disabled people al
the former Simon Square Centre and had faultless English. She is
survived by her husband, Clarence who has recently removed to Spanga,
Sweden.
D.
Brodie Macdonald, of Ashampstead, Berkshire, who died in
December, 1994, had been a Life Member since 1972. Mr. Macdonald,
who was highly respected, was a former President of the former Clan
Donald Society of London. He is survived by his son James.
William (Bill) Allan. It is with deep regret that we record the
sudden death of William (Bill) Allan at his home at Otatara,
Invercargill on 15th December 1994.
Bill
and his wife Elspeth and two small sons arrived in Invercargill, New
Zealand from Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland in 1962. He
initially worked for a local Bakery then established his own bakery
business which traded under the name "Caledonia Cake Kitchen." Bill
had only retired 2 months previous to his untimely death, just a few
days before his 64th birthday.
Bill
was involved in the Presbyterian Church and at the time of his death
held the office of Session Clerk at First Church, Invercargill. As a
tribute to Bill the Church was full of friends and associates for
his funeral. The coffin was piped from the Church by a Clan Donald
Society Piper. P/M Lang Morton chose as his musical tribute, "The
Dark Island," and played the cortege away from the church to "A
Man's a Man." A guard of honour comprising Clan Donald Society
members from Southland and Otago, together with representatives from
kindred organisations was formed at the church door.
Bill
joined Clan Donald Society of New Zealand in 1963, was elected to
committee in 1964 and became President in 1965. He held this office
through to 1967. He became Vice President in 1970 and remained in
that position through to 1981 when he became President until 1984.
In 1985 he served on the committee through until his death, thus
giving 30 years of active support to the Clan Donald Society.
Bill
was a gentle gentleman whose dignity, kindness and humour was a
great asset to the Clan Donald Society. He had a good understanding
of the Gaelic language, tartans and the Clan system.
He
will be greatly missed.
He is
survived by his wife Elspeth, sons Hugh, William (Billy) Jack,
daughter Ainslie and grandchildren Michael and Brittany.
Gus
am Brist
an latha.
Submitted by Mrs. Joan Gunn, Secretary and William MacDonald,
Commissioner for Southland, New Zealand.
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