Article by Alan K. McRae
As President of The Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand I have the sad task of informing you of the passing of the Clan’s Past President Ian McCrae, J.P., of Muswellbrook who passed away this morning – Wednesday 15th June. Ian has battled with his health for some time though fortunately he was able to attend the Armidale get-together with our Scottish guests, Mrs Marigold MacRae and Baroness Miranda MacRae van Lynden, recently in March.
Ian was first elected to the position of President of The Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand on 19th February 1997, where he remained in the position until his resignation on 16th February 2011. For many years he and his wife, Joan, attended Highland and Clan Gatherings at Bundanoon, Aberdeen and Toukley, as well as the Celtic Day held at Blacktown for some years, always with our Clan tent, where members were able to meet and were well known in the Scottish Community.
He also served as Newsletter Editor for a time Ian and Joan travelled to Clan gatherings wherever they were held in N.S.W., Victoria and Tasmania until restricted by Ian’s declining health. His dedication to the Society has been greatly appreciated and his wisdom and guidance will be missed.
I would like to extend, on behalf of the executive and members of The Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand, our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Ian’s wife Joan, immediate and extended family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.
Ian’s service is to be held on Tuesday 21st June. The family can be contacted via “McCrae House”, 21 Bowman Street, Muswellbrook. NSW 2333 Phone 02 65425649
Alan McRae – FAIHA, President of The Clan MacRae Society of Australia and New Zealand. 15 June 2011
