Obituary - Donald MacDonald:
It is with much sadness that WSPD mourns the
passing of long-standing band member Donald MacDonald in May 2001. Donald was born in the
Western Islands of Scotland to a musical family. In search of work the family moved for a
time to the north of the United States in the 1930s but later returned to Scotland. Donald
began his working life in the merchant navy, occupying him for seven years before he
emigrated to New Zealand after the war.In New
Zealand Donald, a fluent speaker of Gaelic, decided to become a teacher, and began his
long association with Wellington High School where he taught until his recent passing. He
was known by all for his piping at school events and was affectionately known by
generations of students (and staff) as "Mr Mac".
After leaving the merchant navy, Donald joined the Royal
New Zealand Naval Reserve rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In the 1950s he also
enlisted in the 1st Battalion, The Wellington Regiment (CWO) as a piper. Donald was a
strong advocate for the Pipes & Drums during this period, and lobbied strongly against
the dissolution of the Pipes & Drums in 1964 when the regiment was amalgamated.
After a period away from the band, Donald again rejoined in the 1980s.
Band members have many fond memories of Donald. He was a
generous and warm person, with an enduring commitment to Scottish culture and education.
Donald's funeral was held at St Andrew's on The Terrace, and the service was attended by
several hundred people leaving standing room only in the church. Our sincerest condolences
go out to his family. |
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