In a post below is Don Mcleay’s obituary that was published today in the Free Lance Star. Don was chief of the Fredericksburg Scottish Society. I had gotten to know Don this year. I knew his daughter Cynthia from my time affiliated with the Episcopal Church for a several years before. She would tell me about her Dad every time she saw me in a kilt or when I was talking about Scotland.
Don was a quiet and unassuming type of guy. He went about getting things done in sure and thoughtful way. At a meeting of the Scottish Society this week I learned how Don had given much to that group. He will be sorely missed by them.
Don shared his spiritual walk with me. I have many similarities to what Don had experienced. Both affiliated with religion in our cases Episcopalian. In dramatic ways both becoming ‘born again’ and developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Both would be part of the charismatic movement in the Episcopal Church. Both would be the senior warden (lay leader) of the same church (same priest) just different times.
I said goodbye to Don two weeks this upcoming Sunday. I knew the next time would I see him would be the other side of eternity. Till I get home, Don. See you, friend.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Goodbye, friend
Donald Lachlan Macleay, 72, of Fredericksburg, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at his home from pancreatic cancer. He valued being a Christian, a husband, a father and grandfather, and a friend.
Born in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 1934, Don was raised in Falls Church. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated at the top of the first class of St. Stephen's School in 1952. In 1956, he graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Virginia Military Institute.
After serving as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, Don spent many years in the business world before becoming a parole officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Stafford County. In 1992 he was a candidate for the U.S. Congress as an Independent.
Don had a love for Scotland and its history. He made several trips to Scotland to connect with his family heritage and enjoyed meeting his long-lost cousins. For the last few years, he had been working on a novel about 13th century Scotland.
Along with history, Donald cared for the community. He was active in many organizations including serving as vice president of the Clan Stewart Society of America; coordinator of the Burns Night Dinners for the Fredericksburg Scottish Society; longtime member of Tough Love; and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Moose Lodge, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
Don served on the Fredericksburg Mayor's Early Intervention Task Force. Most recently he was recognized by the Chaplin Youth Center for his speaking and service.
Don Macleay is survived by his wife of 34 years, Astrid; his children, Don Macleay of Oakland, Ca., Malcolm Macleay and his wife, Tina, of Fredericksburg, Cynthia Macleay Campbell and her husband, Jeff, of Columbia, Md., Anita Mesimer of Fredericksburg, Swantje Crane and her husband, Craig, of Vienna, Mo., and Alexander Macleay of Fredericksburg; 11 grandchildren, his brother, Murdo Macleay; his sister, Linda Dewell and a cousin, Archie Macleay, in Scotland.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Tower of Deliverance Church, 1808 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg. Scottish attire is encouraged.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chaplin Youth Center, Box 8208, Fredericksburg, Va. 22404.
Date published: 10/19/2007
Born in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27, 1934, Don was raised in Falls Church. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated at the top of the first class of St. Stephen's School in 1952. In 1956, he graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Virginia Military Institute.After serving as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, Don spent many years in the business world before becoming a parole officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Stafford County. In 1992 he was a candidate for the U.S. Congress as an Independent.
Don had a love for Scotland and its history. He made several trips to Scotland to connect with his family heritage and enjoyed meeting his long-lost cousins. For the last few years, he had been working on a novel about 13th century Scotland.
Along with history, Donald cared for the community. He was active in many organizations including serving as vice president of the Clan Stewart Society of America; coordinator of the Burns Night Dinners for the Fredericksburg Scottish Society; longtime member of Tough Love; and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Moose Lodge, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
Don served on the Fredericksburg Mayor's Early Intervention Task Force. Most recently he was recognized by the Chaplin Youth Center for his speaking and service.
Don Macleay is survived by his wife of 34 years, Astrid; his children, Don Macleay of Oakland, Ca., Malcolm Macleay and his wife, Tina, of Fredericksburg, Cynthia Macleay Campbell and her husband, Jeff, of Columbia, Md., Anita Mesimer of Fredericksburg, Swantje Crane and her husband, Craig, of Vienna, Mo., and Alexander Macleay of Fredericksburg; 11 grandchildren, his brother, Murdo Macleay; his sister, Linda Dewell and a cousin, Archie Macleay, in Scotland.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Tower of Deliverance Church, 1808 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg. Scottish attire is encouraged.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chaplin Youth Center, Box 8208, Fredericksburg, Va. 22404.
Date published: 10/19/2007
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