OBITUARY: Hector Donald MacDonald
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Brora native Hector Macdonald, who emigrated to Canada more than 50 years ago, has died at the age of 80.
One of nine siblings, Hector was brought up by his older sister Bunty after his mother died when he was just two years old. His brother Billie drowned at an early age in the River Brora.
A bricklayer to trade, Hector served his apprenticeship with Meam, Golspie, and joined the volunteer 11th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, rising to the rank of sergeant.
He played as goalkeeper for Brora Rangers for several years and would caddie at Brora golf course for anyone who asked, once winning a caddie tournament.
Mr Macdonald married Jean (née Gray) in 1966, with his bride-to-be attracted by his “good looks and prowess on the dance floor”.
The couple emigrated to Canada the following year, following in the footsteps of Jean’s sister Anne. They returned to Brora in 1971 with son Rob. Another son, Glenn, was born before the family moved back to Langley City, British Columbia.
Hector coached soccer for many years with both the boys’ teams. He served with Hall 5 Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years, and he and Jean made many friends in the community.
They eventually left Langley to retire in Hope, a smaller community around an hour’s drive away from their previous home. By this time the family had expanded with the birth of three grandchildren.
Hector enjoyed golfing in Hope and played his last round in August with Glenn and a friend.
He loved gardening and grew a magnificent vegetable garden, and was particularly proud of his tomatoes. Hector retained an interest in his home county to the end, reading the Northern Times online every week.
Jean said: “He will be forever loved and missed.”
