Obituary: Ian MacKerlich, Drumbuie
The death of Ian MacKerlich, peacefully at his home in Drumbuie on December 7, saddened his many friends over a wide area.
Ian MacKerlich.
He was 87 years old and although diagnosed with an illness for many months, he continued to go for a walk every day until recently.
Known as ’Dawson’, after the famous Falkirk and Rangers goalkeeper Jerry Dawson, Ian was born in the family home in Drumbuie to Kenneth and Mary MacKerlich, who ran the local shop, with his father also running a grocery van round Lochalsh.
He was a younger brother to Mary and Roddy.
Ian went to school in Plockton and after leaving he worked at Murchison’s garage in Kyle before being called up to do his National Service.
Ian became a military policeman in Germany in 1954. On his return, he took a job with Weymes Brothers at Duncraig Forest.
In 1958 he started work with his cousin’s building firm, MacKerlichs, initially as a lorry driver then as a mason. He worked there until he retired after 44 years’ service in 2002. He continued to help with funerals, latterly working with Macleods in Portree.
Ian played football for Plockton and was a strong defender. He then joined Jimmy Beaton’s team, Drumbeg Rovers, a team which livened up the football scene at the time.
In 1959, he met Marie Ann Macleod, from Point in Lewis, who was a student at Duncraig Castle College and they married in Queen Street Church of Scotland, Inverness, on December 7 1962.
They had three daughters - Sheena, Mara and Teenie.
They lived in Cnoc Terrace, Kyle, for 15 years before building a house in Drumbuie in 1982.
Ian kept himself busy following his retirement. Initially he helped build Gregor and Teenie’s house next to his own in Drumbuie.
He also loved working on his croft and in October this year he was on his tractor at the tattie lifting as he was concerned his son-in-law wouldn’t do it right!
He also put out the occasional splash net and loved daily walks to meet the locals for a blether. He regularly attended the Free Church until recently.
Ian was a family man who was loved by young and old and he will be much missed in the community, especially in Drumbuie which will not be the same without him.
He died on his 62nd wedding anniversary.
The funeral service in Kyle Free Church was packed to capacity with the Reverend Iain Macleay, retired minister from Alness, officiating as Reverend Roddie Rankin was unwell. Presenter was Donald Matheson.
Sympathy is expressed to Marie Ann, daughters Sheena, Mara and Teenie and to his brother Roddy.
A collection raised £1,537 which will be shared between local Macmillan nurses and Kyle Medical Practice.
Ian was buried at Balmacara Cemetery.
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