Farewell to a stalwart.

On Friday 15-08-2003, I attended the Funeral of W01 Ron Mackay RMBX 3018. Who died in the early hours of Sunday 10th August 2003.

It was an honour to support his wife Jeanie, and also to represent the Band Service.

The chapel was filled to capacity and for the short service at the cemetery there were over 250 people present.

As we approached the cemetery gates there was a Guard of Honour lining the approach road made up of the Security Company of which Ron was the consultant.

He was Piped to the grave side with an excellent rendering of a suitable lament and the procedure was carried out in the traditional precision that Ron was so accustomed to.

A bugler (Sadly not one of ours) sounded the Last Post, again an excellent rendering. Ron was interned, reveille was played and the Piper broke into Amazing Grace at the precise minute he finished, there was a Flight pass of 4 RAF Fighters, this appeared to be the cherry on the top of a very well organised and dignified event. However I think the Flight Pass must have been organised by Ron himself.

It was nice to meet all of Ron and Jeanie’s family and all his friends especially his son Ian who did all the organising, He remembered me from the time I served with Ron at Shotley Point.

Ron was a firm but fair man, and will be greatly missed by all who ever came in touch with him.

SEEYERLATERON.!

Stan Thomas