TheThe LeodLeod VoiceVoice Clan MacLeod Societies Canada National Council Newsletter # 52 Spring, 2010

Spring, 2010 Page 1 President’s Report The Gaelic Choir from Seattle with Penny MacLeod Degraff re- ceived a standing ovation when they performed at our house in Merritt for 75 guests. We had a great time discussing stories and talking bagpipes. There were lots of pictures taken of the Highland cows with various Scottish person- alities in the foreground. It is excit- ing to keep up our contacts with the by Dr. Donald McLeod Northwest USA . e are preparing for an inter- Chris and I, with our daughter, esting summer of activities Skye, will be traveling to Montreal Wagain. We seem to be putting on to board a cruise ship that will stop our kilts regularly now. Every at all the important MacLeod stops week there is some reason to don Charlottetown, Sydney on Cape the tartan. The Victoria Highland Breton, Halifax and Boston. We Games are over and Karen and are arranging meetings along the Malcolm and Judy Tipple did the way and can’t wait to see the Clan usual wonderful job of manning the everywhere. We hear that some MacLeod tent. There were many Cape Breton MacLeods will also MacLeods visiting this year and it be on the boat? This will be the was a great time. My brother, Bruce highlight of the early summer for and Penny McLeod were there to us. I look forward to the excitement take advantage of the whisky tast- as the ship pulls into Sydney har- ing events. Most of us tried to avoid bour. If I take my bagpipes I may the meat pies only because there be able to drift back to the time as were signs everywhere advertis- my great great great…grandparents ing “heavy events”. The MacLeod arrived there in the 1800s. It may banner was always in front of the be a magical time for many of us parade and ceremonies thanks to assuming the rain and storms don’t Malcolm’s efforts. interfere with our heritage trip. A barbecue date has been set We are planning to attend some for Victoria (1700 Teakwood) Highland Games in Ontario as we on August 22, Sunday at 12:00 drive through Toronto and noon. All the Vancouver Island when I attend a Diabetes weekend MacLeods will be there. there. My son, Magnus, is doing CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 2 MacLeod’s Everywhere How do we corral them into the fold? by Ken MacLeod a neurology rotation there and we (CMSC VP Pacific like to do courses together. The Clan Parliament is shaping up to be a superb event. I am so looking forward to the trip to As- synt and . I buried some treasure there when I was 16 years old and will try to find it under a large rock that I was able to roll when I was 16. I probably should be doing more farm work to prepare my muscles for the task. John D.K. is standing for presi- dent of ACMS and I have agreed to stand for vice-president for the next term. The excitement of Clan activities seems always to build. Region) I certainly encourage anyone that hey’re all over the place: wants to come to for the MacLeods, McLeods…. last 2 weeks of July 2010 to call us EverywhereT I go, especially when and we will help with information my wife and I show up in the about accommodation etc. Chief Courtenay Legion in our kilts, Hugh will be presiding for the MacLeods come out of the wood- first time and will mark the begin- work. “Is that the MacLeod tartan ning of a new era of MacLeodery. that you’re wearing?” “My mother We are looking forward to seeing was a MacLeod.” “MacLeod was everyone again as this is our four my maiden name.” year cycle with the Parliament be- However, despite the number of ing the crescendo of events and we “Proud MacLeods” out there, our hope everyone is younger than the clan organization, like many other last time we saw them and in good organizations in the community health. Hold Fast and hope to see that are made up primarily of the you soon. ∆ elderly, face extinction unless they Spring, 2010 Page 3 attract some younger members. So The Vancouver Society held how do we do it: Facebook, Twitter, a Spring Tea on April 16 which e-mail, word-of-mouth, programs was attended by the late Neil to attract the young? MacLeod’s widow Florence, son Ian C. MacLeod, past presi- Malcolm and his wife Karen from dent of Clan Macleod Societies of Duncan on Vancouver Island. Dr Canada has one idea, re-forming Don McLeod, our National Presi- the Internet Society entitling mem- dent along with CMS BC Interior bers to receive the international hosted Penny DeGraff and Oran Clan MacLeod Magazine and the nan Car from Seattle in an evening Canadian Voice. In addition of Gaelic and English singing on Ian has provided some genealogical May 8. The event was held at Don and historical resources. To be- and Chris’ the Dunvegan-style come a member of the Internet home in Merritt. Society, send a cheque for $35 to: Highland Games are on the Ian MacLeod, 10920 Seamount radar. The big one, of course, is the Rd, Richmond, BC V7A 4P6. Ian BC Highland Games on Saturday, is working on a CMSC website June 26 at Percy Perry Stadium (www.clan-.org) which (formerly Coquitlam Town Plaza) I’m sure will attract MacLeods. in Coquitlam. Who knows? A MacLeod website On the May long weekend that is easy to find on a “Google there are two events, the first on Search” might be the wave of the May 22 was the Comox Valley future to keep our organization Highland Games at Lewis Park, alive and thriving. Courtenay and the second on May Clan MacLeod recently lost 22-23 the Victoria Highland Games two legendary members: Nancy and World’s Heavy Events Com- MacLeod Nicol of and petition at Topaz Park. The Sons our own Neil MacLeod of Duncan, of Scotland Games are scheduled BC. Nicol was the corresponding for June 10 at Rotary Stadium, Ab- secretary for the ACMS for about botsford. Enjoy these great summer fifteen years and also organized Scottish activities. the Clan MacLeod Parliament at Slainte mhaith! ∆ in 1998. Neil MacLeod was a much loved member who died on March 11, 2010 at age 95 after suffering a fall. Story-teller with a memory par excellence Neil, his stories and his melodian will be missed. CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 4 Past President’s Notes by Ian C. MacLeod eod Voice Editor Judy contin- leadership positions in BC and even ues to ask for material from me, though I was a “mature” lawyer, I soL I continue with my ramblings was a wee bit intimidated by this on “things MacLeod” and “things woman who clearly knew every- Scotland”, even though I am get- one and who was obviously very ting further and further removed much in charge. But very quickly, from my role as National President that intimidation factor turned to (2004-2008) of the CMSC. respect and friendship. She will be sorely missed by Passing of Nancy MacLeod the Clan MacLeod family, espe- Nicol: In this issue, the most seri- cially by her sister, Noël Proven, ous item, by far, is to give some Noël’s daughter, Elizabeth Platfoot remembrance to the memory of and her long time friend, Rose our dear friend, Nancy MacLeod Fleming (also an ACMS Honorary Nicol. Nancy passed away on Sun- VP and Co-coordinator of Parlia- day, November 1 of pneumonia, ment 1998.) ∆ after a long struggle with myeloid leukemia. There was a good profile of Nancy in Issue #104 (April 2007) of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, and I expect that there will be much more in the current issue, so I won’t go into a lot of detail about her Clan MacLeod activities. Rather, I will give just a couple of personal comments. Nancy was a great friend of the Clan MacLeod, both in Scotland and around the world, all her life. I first recall meeting her at Parlia- ment 1998, where she was the Par- liament Co-coordinator (although I may also have met her briefly at the NAG 1992 in Vancouver). Even Ardis, Ian, Nancy and Rose during a though I had held some significant visit in Richmond, BC Spring, 2010 Page 5 THINGS SCOTLAND Somewhat oddly, each of the next three items deal, in some way, with land issues. 1. MacLeod finds Lewis Chessmen, the “5th most important treasure ever unearthed in Britain”: In 1831, Malcolm “Sprot” Ma- cleod, from nearby Pennydonald, discovered a collection of 93 chess pieces in a small stone kist (chest) in a sand bank at the head of the Bay of Uig on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. This is the oldest known chess set in the world. The ably a crofter (tenant farmer). It chess pieces were mostly carved seems that he didn’t much benefit from walrus ivory, but with a few financially from his find. He sold made from whale teeth. All the the collection for £30, but he and pieces are sculptures of human his family were evicted from Pen- figures, except the pawns. Today, nydonald several years later when eleven of the pieces are on display the area was cleared to make way in the Museum of Scotland and the for a farm – perhaps another victim other 82 in the British Museum. of the Clearances. “By the end of the eleventh So, back to at least the early century, chess was a very popu- 12th Century, it appears that our lar game among the aristocracy Viking ancestors in the Western throughout Europe. The Lewis Isles may have been playing chess chess pieces form the largest single – the Game of Kings! surviving group of objects from that period that were made purely 2. Scotch Whisky and An for recreational purposes.” Interest in One Square Foot of In 2003, a panel of experts from Land in Scotland: For the price the British Museum, for a special of a bottle of Laphroaig single episode, called Our Top Ten Trea- malt Scotch whisky, from the Isle sures, of the BBC Television series of Islay (on the very south west of Meet the Ancestors, ranked this Scotland, about 60 k from Ireland), discovery as the 5th most important one have acquired a life interest treasure ever unearthed in Britain – in 1 square foot of Islay - rent to and by a Macleod at that! be one dram annually, deliverable Malcolm Macleod was prob- at the distillery. I also received an CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 6 interesting certificate, to evidence land interest is minimal. So, for my interest. now, I think that I’ll go and savour At great “sacrifice”, all one has my friend. to do is buy a bottle (about $80) of 3. Feudal System: The feudal Laphroaig, copy the bar code and land system has only been abol- register as a Friend of Laphroaig at ished in Scotland — partialy in http://www.laphroaig.com/. 1974 and fully in Nov 28, 2004. For Laphroaig, this is a mas- I recall a MacLeod telling me terful marketing program. At the once that he owned a small island in moment, they have over 380,000 the Western Isles. Until 2004, with friends (that’s 380,000 bottles his land ownership came some kind of scotch sold, for perhaps over of feudal powers, such as the right Can$30 million). to approve (or not) marraiges, al- Unfortunately, there doesn’t though I don’t think he ever tried to seem to be anything similar for exercise those powers and I believe any distillery on MacLeod lands. all that power is now gone. The only one that I can find on So I guess my one square foot MacLeod lands is Taliskers, but on Islay carries little benefit, other they don’t even have a web page. than the annual dram to be col- For the “Friends of Laphroaig”, lected on site. it is a great conversation piece, even if the physical value of the CMSC Website: As I men- tioned in the Fall 2009 issue of the Leod Voice, I am now working on building and maintaining a CMSC website. I have a couple of domain names and am slowly adding con- tent. It is going much slower than I had hoped, as a number of other priorities have gotten in my way. I will get the word out once I have it operational. Personal: Daughters’ MS Climb of Machu Picchu, Peru As many of you know, I have been living with MS since at least 1997. My sister (1996) and two daugh- ters, Heather (2007) and Stephanie (1998), also have MS (it appears to disproportionately hit those Spring, 2010 Page 7 with Highland Scot and Swed- have a great and safe trip. ish ancestry – perhaps due to an I include the text and photo ancient Vitamin D deficiency and, of the Flag card that many at a rate of 3:1, disproportionately of you received at the NAG in women over men). Anyway, we Ottawa — are all getting by reasonably well, “It is said during World War although I have the most obvious II that young men from the Clan impairments. MacLeod carried pictures of the Most of you will remember Fairy Flag in their wallets while Heather as the Co-Editor of the flying in the Battle of Britain, and Clan MacLeod Magazine from not one of them was lost to the Ger- 2003 to 2008. Both Heather and man flyers.” Stephanie have been at several Par- MacLeod Fairy Flag liaments and NAGs, most recently NAG 2008 in Ottawa. As many of you know, they are taking part in a very ambitious MS fundraiser, by climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru from October 9 to 22, 2010. They will be the first siblings to do this trek, as well as the first pair with MS. It looks as if each will raise over $10,000 for MS research. Heather has created a web site, at www.msclimb-macleods.ca, to describe their stories with MS, On the back, is the old Celtic and the Machu Picchu climb. She blessing will also be posting a blog on their May you have - experiences, and some pictures. Walls for the wind Steph, on the “About Stephanie” And a roof for the rain, linked page, has done a very mov- And drinks beside the fire. ing YouTube description of our Laughter to cheer you, And those family story (they are so talented, you love near you, even if I am saying this as their And all that your heart may father!). It’s worth a look. desire. Parliament 2010: Due to my Hopefully everyone had a safe mobility challenges, I will not be journey home. able to make it to Parliament this Hold Fast and Shine Brightly summer. For those of you going, Ian C. MacLeod ∆ CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 8 Prairie Region News by Robert McLeod oming up for the summer rently, we are months will be the Manitoba pleased to re- CHighland Games. Folklorama will port that he is be held this year from August 9 to doing much 14, in which our Clan Society has better. a display table for the full week, as This year it does every year. The location for so far in 2010, we held an execu- Folklorama is the same as last year, tive meeting in a private room at Glenwood Community Centre, 27 the St. James Legion with seven Overton Street in the St. Vital area members attending. It was decided of Winnipeg. This year has also to hold our 22nd Annual Dinner in been declared “Manitoba Home- October again. Since then we have coming” for families and friends to booked the event at the Victoria Inn return to enjoy some of our cultural for Saturday, October 2, 2010. events and places of interest. All are welcome! An executive meeting and pot Our Manitoba 2010 Executive luck supper was held on December is made up of: President - Janet 9, 2009 at the home of Carole and Thompson; Past President - Roy John Cox. The meeting was opened McLeod; Vice President - Bob by former president, Carole Cox, McLeod (Harvester)*; Secre- due to the absence of our president, tary - Roy McLeod/Colin Harris; Roy McLeod. Carole passed the Treasurer & Membership - Robert gavel over to our new President, McLeod (formerly Bob)*; News- Janet Thompson, and minutes were letter - John Sam McLeod; Phon- taken by our new board member, ing Committee - Dorothy Doran; Colin Harris. After a short meet- Other Board Members: Margaret ing, a potluck supper was enjoyed McCurdy, Connie McLeod, Colin with appetizers, three entrees, Harris. salad, vegetables, cake, coffee, (*We have 2 “Bobs”; from now tea and wine. Pot lucks are such on, one is called “Robert” and the wonder-filled events! Many thanks other is called “Bob”.) to Carole and John for hosting this Prairie Dog “Robert”(formerly memorable event. “Bob”) ∆ Our past president for 2009, Roy McLeod (one of our original members in 1987) was in and out of hospital for about two months. Cur- Spring, 2010 Page 9 CMS Halifax News byBetty MacLean, President Brian (Barb) and from your grand- n Oct. 17, due to insufficient children and great-grandchildren. attendance, we were not able “We thank you for all you toO hold our Fall meeting. We did have done for our family and wish decide, however, that we would you good health and much happi- still plan a Christmas get-together, ness.” and this was held on Dec. 5th, at More Congratulations: Swiss Chalet, with seven mem- March 25 marked the 50th bers in attendance. Wedding Anniversary for Don On January 23, four members and Eleanor MacLeod (CMSC attended the Robbie Burns Din- Maritime Region VP). They will be ner and Entertainment held at the celebrating the occasion in Myrtle St. John’s United Church, Fall Beach, South Carolina. River. The evening began with the We would be remiss if we did “Addressing of the Haggis”, fol- not mention the 2010 East Coast lowed by a lovely meal (and a taste Music Awards (ECMA) held in of haggis). We were entertained Sydney, NS. Our congratulations with Scottish comedy, dance and are extended to Joel Plaskett of song, a very enjoyable evening. Dartmouth who received six ECMA Congratulations: awards on March 7. His awards are In November I noticed a 60th for: the single of the year, best male Wedding Anniversary announce- solo, best pop recording, song- ment and photo in the Halifax writer of the year, entertainer of the Chronicle. Robert and Dorothy year and producer of the year. Joel MacLeod of Milford, NS (our is the nephew of our members Russ members) had celebrated their 60th and Carol (MacDonald) Hazelden, Anniversary. I quote hereunder the and grandson of the late Robert and newspaper item inserted by their Katharine (MacLeod) MacDonald, family: formerly long time members of “We would like to send love and Clan MacLeod Society. best wishes to our parents, Robert As of writing, unless new spon- and Dorothy (affectionately known sors and committee are found, the as Bobby and Dot) MacLeod on 2010 Halifax Highland Games will their 60th anniversary. They were not be held this year. It is hoped married on November 16, 1949, in that the 2011 Games will resume Neil’s Harbour, Cape Breton. to be part of the 2011 International “Love from your children, Gathering of the Clans scheduled Hughena (Gerry), Diane (Dan), for Nova Scotia. CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 10 Our Spring AGM will be held in early May, and members will be further advised of place, date and time. ∆

CMS Halifax ready to greet visiting MacLeods at 2009 Highland Games CMS Cape Breton News by LeeAnne MacLeod-Archer he Clan MacLeod Society In a corresponding effort to of Cape Breton held its fall better foster the social aspect of meetingT on October 3, 2009 in clan membership, CMSCB hosted Baddeck. Members Bill MacLeod its first annual Christmas luncheon and Corinna Petersen (father and on December 6, 2009 at the Royal daughter duo) presented a Pow- Cape Breton Yacht Club in Sydney. erPoint introduction to the new Despite a late fall snowstorm which CMSCB website (http://www.clan- kept many members at home, those macleodcb.com) As well, a guest attending enjoyed a tasty lunch, from the presented a Christmas trivia and warm fellow- brief overview of their activities in ship. Cape Breton, which include social We also hosted our 6th annual gatherings and an annual picnic Robbie Burns dinner on January which attracts visitors from around 23, 2010 in Baddeck. The weather the world. cooperated for once and a good Spring, 2010 Page 11 number of members and friends of loist Laurel Browne followed the Clan MacLeod gathered to enjoy meal. A door prize donated by VP the evening. Guests were treated Margaret MacLeod (a framed copy to a delicious roast beef dinner, of one of her beautiful paintings) complete with mashed neeps, hag- was awarded. gis and scotch, as well as old-style Plans will soon be underway bread pudding for dessert. Rev. Dr. for a spring meeting and a sum- Greg MacLeod was MC for the din- mer picnic. Notable events in the ner, with grace presented by Rev. past quarter include the retirement Cameron Brett. A new addition to of CMSCB President Dr. Alastair the program, Rev. Major Donald MacLeod after 50 years of dental MacGillivary, CD presented an practice. He plans to continue con- enthusiastic address to the haggis, sulting on a part-time basis. ∆ and musical entertainment by so-

Nova Scotia’s Wendy MacInnis and her son proudly display the NS Gaelic Flag at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, BC

CMS Central Ontario News by Karen Macleod McCrimmon

entral Ontario has a spring explanation of dress, the marking Cand fall ceilidh every year. system and things to look for when During our get-together we have judging competitions thanks to a delicious pot luck dinner pro- Carol MacCrimmon-Pugliese. We vided by everyone followed by a had a piping demonstration by Da- varied program. This spring we vid MacCrimmon-Pugliese whose had highland dancers with a great “music” scared the pants off of CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 12 our newest member, 18 month old bumping into one another as we Colin McCrimmon. Society Presi- learn new steps; “Video Travel- dent Karen Macleod McCrimmon ogues” from members who have presented three different versions taken memorable trips abroad and of the history of the “Fairy Flag” in- have had some team games. cluding a slide show. The children Our Executive was again rein- created shields at the crafts table stated for another two years. Presi- during this portion of the evening. dent, Karen Macleod McCrimmon Just recently, CMS Central assured everyone that they too Ontario was given a rare historical could experience the joys of being a treasure. Through our connection part of this group and that we were to CASSOC (Clans not hogging the execu- and Scottish Societ- tive positions. ies of Canada), we President – Karen Ma- learned of a Mrs. Pa- cleod McCrimmon tricia Dunsmuir in Vice President – Diane BC who was moving Sankey and came across a Treasurer and Genealo- 1895 manuscript of gist – Lesley McCrim- Piping Music. The mon details on the title Membership Secretary page stated: “The – Christina Macleod Gesto Collection Gladish of Highland Music, Social Secretary/High- Complied and Arranged by Keith land Games – Cathie White Norman MacDonald and Dedicated Program Co-ordinator – Diane to the Memory of ‘The McLeods Sankey of Gesto’ 1895”. The MacLeod Hospitality Committee – Melba Crest with HOLD FAST was on Shaver, Mary MacLeod, Jean the left side of the page. She kindly McLeod, Irene McLeod donated this priceless piece of our CASSOC Representative – history to the clan. It is currently Allan MacLeod, alternate Bob being preserved properly before MacLeod. joining the Clan Archives at the It is always fun getting familiar University of Guelph. faces together and welcoming new In the past we have had “Merry members. The children add the joy Moments” open to all - to read, do of their youth to each of our gather- a skit, tell a joke or story; “Scottish ings. ∆ Dancing” where we can watch the intricate footwork or just enjoy Spring, 2010 Page 13 Victoria Highland Games Pipers, Bands, Dancers, Whisky School and various entertaining groups welcome spectators

CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 14 World Championship Heavy Events with competitors from Canada, England, Holland, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland and USA compete in eight events

Spring, 2010 Page 15 CASSOC by Beth Macleod, CMSC Treasurer he Clans and Scottish Societ- this end, Ian C. MacLeod, former ies of Canada (CASSOC) is president of CMSC, has offered to anT organization that has been in be our Clan Representative with existence for many, many years. respect to inquiries from those The late Marjorie and Margaret visiting the website and also to act McLeod were amongst the found- in a coordinating role for any Clan ing members of the organization Member or Canadian Society who and encouraged the Central Ontario wishes to have information placed Society to join and be represented on the CASSOC website. within its executive and recre- To contact Ian, please send ational functions throughout its your information to him via email: history. [email protected] In the fall of 2009, National Otherwise, if you wish to mail Council decided that the Clan your information, please use the MacLeod Societies of Canada, following address: (CMSC), become a member of Ian C. MacLeod, 10920 Sea- CASSOC replacing Central On- mount Road, Richmond, BC, tario. CASSOC’s role is to reach V7A 4P6. out, on a national basis, to the many I hope that you will all take organizations within Canada that the time to visit the website and espouse and encourage all things explore the many subjects avail- Scottish in Canada. To use CAS- able. If you have any comments SOC’s own words, it is an organi- or suggestions for Ian regarding zation for organizations. the Clan MacLeod information or Chief John MacLeod of additions thereto, please contact MacLeod was a patron of CAS- him directly. ∆ SOC for many years. The website www.cassoc.ca provides an opportunity for Clan MacLeod to provide information about the clan and its worldwide and local Canadian Societies’ activities on an existing Cana- dian website. This website attracts many people looking for informa- tion about their clan and Scottish orientated interests in Canada. To CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 16 My Grandmother by Alma MacLeod (CMS Alberta South)

y Grandmother, Sigrudur When they landed at Halifax Magnusdottir, was born in she went with her children to a MReykjavik, Iceland. She married small store to purchase supplies for an Olafsson and had at least seven the train trip west. This must have children when she was widowed. been quite hilarious when you think I do not have much information of only being able to identify food about her life in Iceland except by labels and knowing that cook- to know that she took the name ing facilities on the train would be Victoria at the time of her emi- skimpy at best. My mother men- gration. Her two eldest children, tioned tinned pineapple as one of son Stephen and daughter Gunna, the treats but in my mind I am not remained behind in Iceland. By the even sure there was tinned pine- time I became interested in geneal- apple on the shelves at that time. ogy, much time has passed and I They landed in Fort Macleod have been unable to trace any con- in Southern Alberta and joined her tacts in Iceland. daughter Augusta who, with her In 1906 she emigrated to Can- husband, worked at farming. From ada with her four youngest chil- my mother’s stories, it must have dren. Her oldest daughter Agusta been really hard. But my grand- was married and had come to Can- mother was a determined pioneer, ada earlier but was in poor health, eager to learn to read and write probably because she had four English, quite a job in itself, and young children and was subject determined to make a better life for to seizures. Hoping for a brighter her children. future, my grandmother sold ev- Well, WW1 hit and with it erything she possessed and set off the Spanish Flu. My grandmother for Canada on a sailing ship named lost a young son from the Spanish the Phyllis Coymn. I have a picture Flu and then her daughter Agusta, of it and it was a lovely five mas- pregnant again, also succumbed ter. It first landed at Portsmouth, to the disease. This left my grand- England, then crossed the North mother with Agusta’s four young Atlantic to Halifax. What a journey children to raise, as their father had for a lady who could only speak abandoned them. She had expected Icelandic, and was accompanied by Gunna, who she had left behind four youngsters between the ages in Iceland, to join her in Canada of five and twelve. but she died in the flu epidemic Spring, 2010 Page 17 also. She never saw her oldest son cards was tempting the devil. again and I have been unable to I have a picture of Grandma trace him. taken shortly before she died at the Life was not easy in the early age of 64. She looked like an old, time of Western Canada settle- old lady; I was very young when ment. Grandma was very super- she died, so I didn’t get to know stitious, every happening was an her. What a shame, she must have omen of some sort and playing had some great stories to tell. ∆ My Salt Lake City Experience by Lesley McCrimmon or a genealogist at trip to Salt This is the genesis behind the FLake City is like going to the founding of the huge bank of gene- Vatican for a Catholic, Mecca for alogical information gathered and a Muslim, or St Andrews stored in the massive for a Golfer. (Don added archives of the LDS. It the last one). is their mission to try Nestled in the middle and connect everyone of this picturesque city, with their full line of founded by Brigham ancestors. Young in 1847, is The Last October, I had Church of Jesus Christ the opportunity to visit of Latter-day Saints the LDS Genealogical (LDS), also known as the Centre Family History Mormon Church. Central to the Library and began do- Mormon belief is that the only way ing some McCrimmon research. a soul can enter heaven is through Anyone is welcome and the mem- proper baptism. bers working at the Centre are ex- It is believed that many of the tremely kind and helpful. The only LDS members’ forbearers were problem with genealogy is it is like not baptized or never had the reading a great book, the time just opportunity to be baptized. By flies by. Six hours later I was just reconnecting with their ancestors scratching the surface of the infor- it is believed that a fully Baptized mation I was researching. Mormon can offer them a baptism One very interesting item we by proxy. The ancestor then has found was a copy of the Enlistment the option of accepting or rejecting form from the Canadian Army for this offer. Don’s grandfather. This permit- CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 18 ted him to go overseas to fight in was wrong. This goes to show you WW1. Don noted after reading the that mistakes can be made and how document that his grandfather’s important it is to verify information signature was almost identical to if you can. the signature of his father. Please continue to submit your We also found a sister of Don’s family updates by snail mail at: mother, named Margaret. This was Lesley McCrimmon, 16619 Innis a surprise to Don as he had never Lake Road, Caledon, ON L7C 3A4 heard of an Aunt named Margaret. (Canada) or by e-mail at: lmccrim- Upon further searching, we dis- [email protected]. covered that this was in fact, his I hope to see you at Parliament Aunt Izzy (short for Elizabeth). this summer. ∆ The date was correct but the name MS Climb of Machu Picchu

by Heather MacLeod fore! After many failed attempts to or nearly 15 years, Multiple wipe it away and with the gradual Sclerosis (MS) has played a worsening and blurring of my vi- largeF part in my life. In 1996, my sion, I went to my physician. The aunt was diagnosed at the age of symptom that lead to a series 40. In 1997, my father was diag- of optometrists, ophthalmologists nosed, at the age of 48. In 1998, and neurologists appointments was my youngest sister, Stephanie, was called “optic neuritis”, otherwise diagnosed, at the age of 17. And in known as inflammation of the op- August 2007, at the age of 31, I was tic nerve that causes a complete or officially diagnosed with MS. On partial loss of vision. For a period the morning on June 16th, 2007, I of 10 days, my vision went from woke up and thought that I simply 20/20 perfect eyesight to hardly be- had a piece of cat hair stuck on ing able to see out of my left eye at the lens of my left eye. After all, all. Over the course of the next 4 with two cats, it had happened be- to 6 weeks, my vision returned to Spring, 2010 Page 19 20/20 vision again. I was fortunate - An estimated 50,000 Canadians in that I had a complete recovery, have MS. which is not unusual of Relapsing- - The MS Society estimates, based Remitting MS. I am also very for- on current prevalence rates, that tunate in that blurred vision was there are approximately 1,000 new my one and only symptom. The cases of MS diagnosed each year. good news is that prior to and ever This means that three more people since my diagnosis, I have made are diagnosed with MS every day healthy choices to ensure that I am in Canada. doing everything I can to reduce - Multiple sclerosis is usually stress, eat well, exercise often, and diagnosed between the ages of 15 embrace life’s good fortunes. to 40, affecting women twice as My sister Stephanie and I have often as men. decided to join the MS Climb If you have any questions group and embrace the challenges at all about MS Climb or about of: 1) Trekking the Inca Trail to providing a donation, please do Machu Picchu in Peru in October not hesitate to send me an email 2010, and; at [email protected] or give 2) Fundraising $7,500 each for me a call at 780.340.1506 or mail the MS Society of Canada. me at Heather MacLeod, 526 It is with the support of family, Geissinger Loop NW, Edmonton, friends, colleagues, businesses and AB T5T 6T1. ˚ the community that Stephanie and [Note: Follow the action on I will be able to achieve these two www.msclimb-macleods.ca] big goals! The MS Facts: - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS attacks the protective myelin covering of the brain and spinal cord, caus- ing inflammation, resulting in “attacks”, followed by remissions. - It is the most common neurological disease of Sisters Stephanie and Heather MacLeod prepare young adults in Canada. for MS Climb of Machu Picchu, Peru CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 20 CMSCPresident Dr Don visits NS by Dr. Donald and Chris McLeod e have had a wonderful time with a science cruise from WMontreal to Boston. Rain and wind of course are the Maritime conditions and we accept them with traditional pleasure. We have had our share of searching shops for anything relevant to MacLeods. When we travel, we try to travel light but a necessity is tartan. Walk- ing about Sydney, Cape Breton Island gave our tartan recognition. We did pick the yellow MacLeod of Lewis, being the most unique of all tartans. Greetings of “Good tory via our clan military back- morning Mr. And Mrs. McLeod” ground. My wife, Christine and came from many people on the daughter, Skye had a luncheon with street and most shop keepers. We Donald (Halifax) and his wife Elea- did visit with LeeAnne MacLeod- nor. Our conversation was mostly Archer between her court cases in MacLeod with touch of Masonic Sydney, Nova Scotia. She is a busy, history. The visit was too short but respected lawyer in a complicated, the boat beckoned for the trip to Bar heritage-type community with its Harbour. Betty gave us MacLeod share of clan bickering. She shared place mats, a great reminder of a with us many of the Gaelic culture great visit. programs that continue in the Cape Breton area. B a c k t o sea took us to Halifax and a terrific tour with Betty McLean to the Citadel, full of Scottish his- Spring, 2010 Page 21 Boston gave us a tour of M.I.T. longevity and health. with special attention to the Space Remember that we have to Science Centre, my historical ca- keep asking questions if we want reer. A tour of the Boston Hospitals to find the occasional answer. I of- with a classmate now in charge of ten wonder if our MacLeod motto, all the Emergency Departments “Hold Fast” refers to our memories. was a fine time to compare health Keep that brain healthy and do all care systems around the world and those things that give us energy to to continue the debate. People from push the boundaries of a safe and all areas of the world exchanged exciting future. Our swing through email addresses. The Scientific New York and Ontario will hope- American crowd is quite an ener- fully bring us into contact with getic group looking for answers. more MacLeods, the group that The relevance is questionable for excites us the most. We unfortu- most of us as the most exciting nately missed Sarah Pipegrass (our topics were the state of the universe MacLeod Boston representative) 13.73 billion years ago, what is by just a few hours as she teaches the cultural spice of choice, the night school courses. ideal orbit to Mars and gene de- Our contingent from Canada is fects for repair. My future topics very excited about our meetings at for this group will be medical con- Dunvegan for Parliament 2010 in siderations for space journeys or Scotland. ∆ hormone manipulations for

CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 22 Heeding the Call by Ernie MacMillan (CMS Glengarry)

he skirl of bagpipes greeted me as I parked my car at Kirk Hill UnitedT Church. This didn’t surprise me for I was attending the annual St. Andrew’s day service organized and conducted by Ian MacLeod, a local dairy farmer, violin instructor and member of the church. Ian has been giving fiddle les- vice with a renewed dedication to sons since 1993 and indeed when I respond to God’s call in whatever entered the old stone church, there sphere of life and activity they are were some dozen teenage fiddlers involved. in the choir area, playing a med- That is what Ian was already ley of sacred and secular tunes in doing and inspiring his students to perfect time and harmony, as Ian do — using his talents to maintain accompanied them on the piano. and enlarge God’s kingdom in this They were but a few of the forty part of the world. students he teaches each week in And what is this part of the his home during the school year world? and they were a testimony to his Kirk Hill is a community be- skill as a teacher. tween Cornwall and Hawkesbury The theme of the service was in Eastern Ontario. It is situated on “Following Jesus” and the prayers, a county road amongst lush dairy hymns and meditation interspersed farms about ten miles from the Qué- with fiddle music and highland bec border. The area was settled in dancing followed the theme close- the late 1700s and early 1800s by ly. Retired minister Rev. Garth mostly Scottish emigrants. For Mundle, formerly of the Maritimes years, Gaelic services were held and now of Ottawa, was the guest weekly for those who used their an- speaker. Meditation doesn’t exactly cestral language in their daily lives. describe his presentation. Follow- This day Donaldson MacLeod said ing the theme, he spoke about the Lord’s Prayer in Gaelic and one God’s call — not just to clergy, but of Ian’s young female violinists, to everyone of the congregation — Robin Barillaro, sang an inspiring with such energy and passion that rendition of “Morning Prayer” in I’m sure every person left the ser- Gaelic.

Spring, 2010 Page 23 Ian and his family operate a beautifully manicured dairy farm two kilometres from the church, and his wife Karen, the director of nursing at a local seniors residence, is the church’s music director. Their daughter Ashley is a well-known celtic fiddler who has performed around the world. Scott works with his Dad on the farm and youngest son Brad plays the bagpipes. Ian began playing the violin at ten years of age, won many fiddling compe- titions and played occasionally as part of several music groups around North America. He and Karen have worked hard to maintain the Scot- tish traditions in Glengarry County through their music. St. Andrew would be proud to see how Ian and his commu- nity are heeding the call to God’s service. ∆ Oran nan Car Choir performs at CMSC President Dr Don McLeod’s Merritt BC castle home, complete with piper

CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 24 20 shots — a challenge A large and very loud American goes into a bar in .

“I hear all you Scotch people are real hard drinkers.” he says in a big booming voice, “Now you folks just don’t know what hard drinking is! Why I’ll wager a bet with any man to drink 20 shots of whisky one after the other and give you $500 dollars if you can do it.”

No-one takes up the challenge. One bloke even leaves!

“Well, there ya go, sure proves my point!” the foreigner says disgustedly. A few minutes later the guy who left comes in and says “Hey Big Man, is that bet still on?”

“Sure as hell is!” and he orders a line up of 20 glasses of whisky. The man runs along the bar, grabbing each glass and throwing back the contents, to huge cheers and the astonishment of the visitor. The visitor of course tries to do it as well, but can’t pass the 17th, so he gives the bloke the $500.

“Tell me,” slurs the foreigner, “where did you go before you (hic!) came back in again.”

“Eh? oh aye,” says the man pocketing the bills,

“I went tae another pub just tae make sure Ah could dae it!” ∆ TheExciseman asis of the North author, Dawn “What does that man do for a MacLeod, relates a tale she living?” asked Dawn. wasO told in Wester Ross [Shire, “The Exciseman”, said her on north west coast of Scotland, friend. “He spends his life watch- just north of Kyle of Lochalsh and ing, in the hope of catching some- south of Ullapool - so between body at it. He hasn’t a dog’s the MacLeod lands of Glenelg chance, of course, these folk are and Gairloch] in the 1950s after far too clever and too clannish to she observed a busybody hanging give anything away.” about and staring at nothing in “What are they supposed to be particular. caught at?” Dawn persisted. Spring, 2010 Page 25 “Distilling whisky, it’s the hope.” Highlander’s traditional sport.” “I was thinking of that,” said “I can’t believe they make his son gravely, much to the old whisky out in the bleak places I’ve man’s disgust. “I’m sure it is the seen him.’ Dawn said skeptically, best thing to do. If the still is done, ‘Like in a graveyard!” he may as well take it. Twenty-five “That’s all you know about it, pounds is a lot of money, and will and just as well,” was the reply. do us more good than it will do Another friend joined in. -There him.” was a good story going around a The crofter stood staring at year or two back. Two men, father his son, while a slow gleam of and son, had kept a still hidden understanding crept into his eyes. undetected in a wonderful cave for “Our still, I see. Perhaps there is many years — so long that it got something in what you are saying. worn out and useless. The tragedy But you would not be letting the was they couldn’t possibly afford a Exciseman find the place it is in?” new one. Nor had they the money “That will not be necessary, we for legitimate brands, and it seemed can take it up to the Easan Dorcha they would be forced to go without [south of Ullapool, north of Ach- their daily dram — a bitter sacrifice nasheen] one night, or some other for men whose work took them out place no one uses, then show the on the hill in all weathers. Exciseman the way to it. We must Such men really do need their make some pretense at hiding it ration of whisky, though it is a well, so the man will not feel fool- pity they have to drink the crude, ish at having passed it by so often, terrible stuff of their own mak- but that will be simple.” ing, while the finest Scotch goes The more they thought about away to America. One day the son it, the better the plan seemed, so on came to his father in great excite- the first suitable night they moved ment. “The Exciseman is getting the still with its unwieldy copper annoyed,” he said. “He’s offering worms away from their real hid- twenty-five pounds to anyone who ing place to another cranny in the will give information leading to the rock, and made a good show of discovery and seizure of a still in disguising it. Then they went to this area.” the Exciseman and said they had “Oh, the man will never find stumbled on a still while going after ours!” said the father, “but, why some straying sheep. boy, are you looking so pleased? The official needed no encour- You would never give away any- agement. He was onto the trail at one’s still to the Exciseman, I once, and hustled them away to the CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 26 hill at a fast pace. He had not been aware of the Easan Dorcha cave, so the story sounded convincing. He Heritage Trust knew Donald and his father were by Rebecca Mackay poor and they had recently taken aasay Heritage Society was sheep to that hill. They might not formed in 1988 and became a be familiar with the owner of the RTrust in 1994. During that period, apparatus and thus more willing we have actively been collecting to give its site away to earn the material for our archives and dis- money. seminating the information via He was right in one respect, talks and publications. People are the two men accepted the reward interested in what we do and we with great alacrity but no one suf- have done our best to accommodate fered any loss as a result of their that interest. betrayal. The owners gained, they Raasay Heritage Trust has dis- went to and got parts to seminated material in a variety of make a new still for twenty pounds, ways: talks at home, in Skye, in which left them a fiver to celebrate Inverness for the Gaelic Society the occasion. of Inverness, and the USA and As for the Exciseman, nobody Canada, a book about Raasay using knew if he ever suspected he had archival material, an audio tape of been duped, but on paper his hon- Raasay music and song, and exhi- our was vindicated he had captured bitions, and the production of a tea an illicit whisky making plant. ∆ towel showing a map of the island [This story ran in the March and some of its Placenames. 2008 issue of the Clan MacLeod The Gaelic Society of In- Society of (NSW) News- verness has published an essay letter. The couple of italicized written by a Rebecca Mackay on comments were inserted by Ian C. Place names, History and Myth MacLeod, then President, Clan relating to Raasay, Rona, Fladda MacLeod Societies of Canada.] and Eilean Taighe. People show a great interest by attendance at talks, purchasing our products and by becoming Friends to the Trust. Two new books about the island are about to be printed. Important organisations such as the School of Scottish Studies have referred to us those who seek information. For many years, we Spring, 2010 Page 27 have helped students with theses of the Raasay Heritage Trust to be and school projects. The Trust has invaluable” been involved with disseminating Sabhal Mòr Ostaig information in Primary Schools. Raasay Heritage News is pro- The Trust has been consulted by duced annually. Should you decide the Association of Field Archaeolo- to become a “friend” of the Raasay gists over the period of its existence Heritage Trust, this publication can and prior to that consulted with be e-mailed or posted to you. Fur- Raasay Heritage Society. We have ther information may be obtained helped students in The Sabhal Mòr, from Rebecca Mackay M.A. F.S.A. the Gaelic College in Skye and the Scot, secretary, Raasay Heritage University of the Highlands and Trust, 6 Osgaig Park, Raasay, Kyle, Islands. “Over the years we have Ross-shire, IV40 8PB, Scotland, taken various groups of students to or email: osgaig@ Raasay and have found the exhib- lineone.net ∆ its, archives and local knowledge AN ENGLISH – GAELIC STORYBOOK SHEENA’S GARDEN – NOW ON-LINE Our first e-book is now live on the Internet at:http://www.parl.ns.ca/ ebooks/sheenas-garden-ebook.htm ∆ Gaelic-language Library launched for local community alifax has a growing, active community of Gaelic speakers and learners. A wealth of Gaelic resources can be found in the city, but oftenH they are out of print or inaccessible to the average learner, due to considerable expense and diminishing quantities. When Shay MacMullin saw the vibrancy of the city’s Gaelic com- munity, and learned that the municipal libraries were destroying some of their Gaelic language materials, she felt compelled to launch a library dedicated to Gaelic-centric books that she could make directly available to the thriving community of Gaelic speakers and learners in the local area. Although the collection is in its infancy, it is growing. Some of the books are English language, but pertain to Scottish and local history. Shay points out that the collection benefits from books generously donated by families of Gaelic-speakers past. If you wish to support the Gaelic library project, there are three ways to contribute, says Shay, “We’d be happy to accept donations of books - new or used, cash to purchase books that CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 28 become available, and also feedback or input on how to grow or improve the library.” To learn about how you can borrow books, visit our list of materials at: www.halifaxgaelic.ca or contact Shay MacMullin at halifax.gaelic@ gmail.com by email or phone 902-461-7798. ∆ Flowers of the Forest may we ever remember them Neil MacLeod by Malcolm E. MacLeod (CMS Van Island President) eil MacLeod of the Vancouver and later Vancouver Island ClanN MacLeod Societies passed away on March 11, 2010. Dad was born in Flat, Alaska on August 30, 1915, the son of Donald MacLeod from the Island of Berneray, in the the north cemetery up on the hill sound of Harris, and Mary Anne as it is the largest and only white MacLean of Locheport, North marble stone in that very crowded Uist. graveyard. From there, our lineage His grandparents on the pater- goes back to Margaret, who was the nal side were Malcolm MacLeod youngest daughter of Sir Norman who married Mary Munro, both MacLeod of Berneray. She became from Berneray. His maternal grand- pregnant by her tutor Neil Beaton parents were Neil MacLean and and they signed an obligation to Isabella MacLean of Locheport, marry. This was not to be as her North Uist. Grandfather Malcolm father, Norman, would have none represented Berneray to Lord of this and drove Neil off and sent Napier’s Crofting Commission at Margaret to live with her oldest Leverborough in 1883 and greatly sister who had married the chief of impressed them with his “accurate the McNeils and was living in Kis- knowledge of facts and great moral simul Castle, in Castle Bay, Isle of courage”. Those of you who have Barra. Twenty years later, a young been fortunate enough to have Neil MacLeod arrived on Berneray visited the Isle of Berneray will and was accepted without question. have observed his gravestone in He had taken his father’s first name Spring, 2010 Page 29 and his mother’s surname. Thus are was Pipe Major of said Band. we descended. In the last few months I have My grandfather Donald done some research into some of MacLeod (1882-1949) came to our histories and found, with the Canada around 1900, first to Glen- help of my cousin Fred Macleod garry County, Ontario and then to on Berneray, that Norman Paterson Manitoba before traveling west to MacDonald was also from Berner- Victoria where there was a size- ay and happens to be my cousin able Gaelic community and several Allan MacDonald’s grandfather. folks from the Outer . It Norman Paterson MacDonald was was in Victoria that he met Mary a tall man with very upright posture Anne MacLean who had come out and a full black beard and handle- to Minnesota, USA with her three bar moustache and was known as sisters. Three of the sisters made the “Black MacDonald”. their way to the Vancouver and My Aunt Evelyn (Mom’s sis- Victoria areas and one returned to ter) married John MacDonald, Skye where she married a light- Frances (my mother) married Neil house keeper and settled in . MacLeod and Mom’s younger sis- Donald also had a younger brother, ter Elsie married Richard MacKin- Angus who came out and settled in non who hailed from Skye. I have Vancouver but we have lost track a letter dated April 1, 1914 from of him and his descendents. Mary Donald to Mary Anne written when Anne and Donald must have met Donald was on his way to Alaska in Victoria and were married in via Skagway and Whitehorse in the home of Constable and Janet which he mentions meeting his Munro at 553 Vancouver St. on brother Malcolm in Prince Rupert. November 4, 1912. These folk Malcolm was a sailor and became a were most likely also from Berner- Sea Captain and eventually settled ay. Donald was supported by his on the Island of where he brother Angus (who I think must died and left issue, whom we have have come out at a later date than recently contacted. Donald since he would have been Another letter which I have too young to have come with Don- has Mary Ann travelling to Flat, ald). Mary Anne was accompanied Alaska via Whitehorse when she by her bridesmaid Mary Stewart was about six months pregnant and the “Bride came into the draw- with Dad, who was born August ing room on the arm of her cousin 30, 1915. Dad spent the first eight Norman Paterson Macdonald who years of his life in Flat and attended wore the full dress uniform of the a one-room school from the age of 50th Gordon Highlanders”, since he five. In the winter time he went to CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 30 school on foot, via snowshoes, on putting up poles and stringing lines. skis and by his own dogsled that After returning to Vancouver, he was built for him by a local fellow found work on the coastal steam- who had lost a watch that dad found ships, which were largely manned and returned to him. Dad also had by Highlanders, to the extent that a pet Husky dog named Scotty that most of the crew on some of the pulled his sled. Needless to say, boats spoke Gaelic. the spoken language at home was Around this time Dad was of- Gaelic and that is what dad first fered work on the stern wheelers learned but he spoke English at on the Yukon River and as he had school. To his dying day, dad still always wanted to return to the had some Gaelic. north, he took up the offer, not the The MacLeod family left Flat, first year, but the second since he Alaska in 1923 and travelled to had to stay and play rugby the first Seattle via tram to the Kuscoquim year. There were also many High- River and by steamboat to Holy landers on the riverboats. Dad’s Cross Mission on the Yukon River uncle Angus was the skipper on where they boarded the steamer the Tutshi which ran on Lake Atlin Alaska which took them up the Yu- from BC up to a place in the Yukon kon to Fairbanks. From there they called Ben Mu Chree. It was on caught the newly completed train this ship that my Aunt Evelyn and line to Anchorage. These children Uncle John met. had never seen a train so it was Dad had a wonderful memory quite an exciting experience. and could recall events and names In Vancouver, Dad went to accurately back into his childhood. Norquay School and Vancouver Dad spent only five summers on the Tech and he enjoyed many sports stern wheelers but he often said that including hiking, skiing, and wres- those were the most memorable tling but his passion was rugby, a years of his working life and the sport he truly excelled at. He was Yukon was forever in his heart. known as the “Bruiser” and played When he returned to the Yu- for the all-stars against the New kon to work on the sternwheelers, Zealand Allblacks and was proud the first ship that he sailed on was to say that they were thoroughly called the Aksala and dad recog- beaten. nized it as being the same vessel As the eldest child, Dad’s (the Alaskan) that had taken them working career started when he was up the Yukon in 1923. When they 15 when he went to work at Bral- brought it into Canadian waters, orne Mine in the Bridge River area they changed the name and what of BC, working with the line crew they did was reverse the letters, Spring, 2010 Page 31 from Alaska to Aksala. In 1937, at the age of 22, dad made a trip to Scotland on a Scot- tish merchant ship and when they reached Glasgow, the ship had to go into dry dock for repairs so Dad was paid off for a period of two or three weeks. He had met some relatives in Glasgow and they sug- gested he go to Berneray and North Uist and Dad thought, “How am I going to get there”. As it turned out, his mates all threw in some money and bought him an air ticket to Solas on North Uist and he had ships that came into their new mill a wonderful visit there. He met his in Tahsis. Dad hired on and spent Grandfather MacLean and several the next 31 years in Tahsis. His other relatives on Berneray. duties took him from electricians’ Dad joined the Canadian Navy helper, to winch man on the ships, when the war was in its second year to splicer of rigging, to long shore and spent the rest of the war on con- foreman, to Fire Chief and manager voy duty, in the St. Lawrence and of water supplies for both the mill bobbing around the North Atlantic. and the village. Mom and Dad left He had some very interesting and Tahsis in 1976 and moved to North some heartbreaking stories. It was Vancouver where they were very during the war that Mom and Dad active in Horseshoes, Vancouver were married, with Dad travelling Naval Veterans, Blind Bowling, to Vancouver to be married and Vancouver Yukoners’ Society, then meeting up with mom in Win- International Sourdough’s, Moray nipeg several months later, for a Nairn and Banff Gaelic Society as honeymoon. well as the Clan MacLeod Society When the war was over and of Greater Vancouver. Mom and Dad was discharged, he travelled Dad sold their house in North across Canada by train again and Vancouver in 2006 and moved to was in search of a job. He wasn’t Duncan, to a house about three in Vancouver much more than a blocks from us and fit right into week when he met a fellow that this community, joining the St. he knew who told him that the Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Gibson brothers were looking for the Legion. winch men to load lumber on the Dad has several photographic CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 32 negatives from that trip to Scot- [Neil is survived by his wife land in 1937 and I have recently Frances, children Carol (Jim) purchased a digital scanner. I am Avon, Malcolm (Karen), Anne looking forward to seeing them (Ross) Keeler, eight grandchildren and sharing with my cousins on and ten great-grandchildren and Berneray and others who may be sister Angela. To all we extend our interested. ∆ regards in clanship.] Remembering Neil by Angela MacLeod (CMS Greater Vancouver)

e first met Neil and Frances ceilidhs and picnics for several WMacLeod in 1968 when Don years. and Neil were both attending a BC We really got to know each Fire Chiefs’ Convention just north other well when Bernice Davidson of Campbell River. Don and I were suggested that we write our autobi- having lunch in a small café when ographies. We planned to meet at this tall, dark-haired man came her place every two weeks for six over and said,”You have a button weeks but we enjoyed it so much accordion — I play one of those.” and had so much to write about So Don said, “Help yourself.” that it went on for almost a year. At — The stranger started to play — it made me laugh to hear him play the same pieces that Don played — and so began our friendship. When Neil a n d F r a n c e s moved from Tah- sis to North Van- couver we met again at the Gael- ic Society and at Clan MacLeod gatherings. The “boys” enter- tained at socials, Spring, 2010 Page 33 each session we read out what we warm hospitality — and of course had written since our last meeting — the accordions would be going and Bernice led us through a cri- from morning till night, Frances tique. It was unbelievable how Neil and I adding our voices in the old could recall past events, time and songs that I swear are heard no sequence, names and nicknames, where else! places and addresses. His memory Neil was the only other button was simply amazing. accordion player we knew and for When Neil and Frances moved that reason alone he will be sorely to Duncan, Don and I visited them missed. But for the fun, the laughs often, staying for two or three days and the warm companionship, he at a time and always enjoyed such will be missed even more. ∆ Dorothy Irvine October 1, 1944 – December 10, 2009 by Heather Bethune, Dorothy’s cousin orothy had many plans for 2010. October 1 was her sixty- fifthD birthday and she was looking forward to retiring and returning to the continu- ation of more extensive trav- els and to having more time for her art. She was in the midst of drafting the plans for her new gardening area once the construction of the new two-storey garage and storage area was complete in the New Year. It had been a busy time at the Irvinelea Farm during the past few years as construction had been completed on several of the buildings with the last of the buildings already partially constructed. Plans were well underway to make this very modern and pro- CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 34 gressive farm into one even less terest. A trip to Glenelg would be work intensive so all the partners part of the journey as that is one of could continue their independent the MacLeod ancestor locations interests. Designs and plans were and a revisit after several years was being considered for additional keenly anticipated by Dorothy. stonework, more gardens and to As 2009 was one hundred and finish the interior of the new win- fifty years since the Irvine ances- terized veranda. It was all begin- tors had come from Perthshire, ning to look just as Dorothy hoped Scotland, to Glengarry County in and very little was yet to finish. Ontario, it was the next part of the It was to their Irvinelea Farm trip. It would not be Dorothy’s first that the Clan MacLeod early-birds trip to Perthshire as she had been were welcomed in 2008 before the there over twenty years ago with meetings began in Ottawa for the college friends but this time she North American Gathering of the and her brother Douglas would be Clan MacLeod. In the middle of traveling together to explore their their tour of points of interest to “Irvine roots” and she knew she MacLeods in Glengarry, everyone would enjoy seeing the beauti- was invited to gather and to have ful Tay Valley area in Perthshire. a time for introductions to other While in Fortingall Dorothy would MacLeods, to engage in continu- once again view the old Fortingall ing conversations and to partake yew tree outside the church but this of great food. time she would splurge and stay at The 2010 Clan MacLeod gath- the nearby luxury small hotel which ering in Skye, Scotland, was high would be much different from her on Dorothy’s list as she had begun first trip there traveling with a back to seriously check out the various pack. Aberfeldy and a stroll in the hotels and bed & breakfast ac- Birks of Aberfeldy to see again commodations in Dunvegan area the woodland gorges of waterfalls nearby the planned parliament and rapids and later seeing what meetings. She was going to arrive changes have occurred to make early to join in the pre-parliament Alberfeldy the first Fairtrade Town tour of historical Assynt. While in Scotland, Ween with its historic in Scotland, it was going to be a church and the Castle Menzies, the good time for an extended vaca- village of Dull, the conservation tion. After the parliament ended, village of Kenmore, Perth city, brother Douglas was to join her and Blair Atholl, the Victorian resort together they would drive around town of Pitlochry, the village of the so Dorothy could Killin with the falls of Dochart and show Douglas all the places of in- the Breadalbane Folklore Centre, Spring, 2010 Page 35 Logierait and Dunkeld would be the major places of interest. Since completing much of the Irvine family history in preparation for this trip, each place would have a different feeling and meaning. But none of this was to happen. Cancer arrived suddenly, aggressively and terminally and on December 10 Dorothy began a different journey. During her hos- pitalization in Ottawa, visitors were welcome to come if they agreed to follow two rules: no pity and no tears! Later on a cool, breezy day with lots of fluffy, white snow everywhere friends, family, neigh- bours, fellow artists, and members on to France, England, Scotland, of the many committees Doro- Ireland and Iceland. Dorothy taught thy belonged to, gathered in the high school to finance her next Breadalbane Church. The church trip to Vancouver, Waikiki, Tahiti, was packed with only standing , , Tonga, New Zealand, room for many. Some folk drove Australia, Bali, Singapore, Malay- for many, many hours to join with sia, Thailand, Nepal, India, Paki- others from nearby to attend the stan, Afghanistan, Iran and , funeral. then flying home from Switzerland. Dorothy was born in Glengarry Returning trips to the United States, to Sara MacLeod and Ian Irvine. across Canada and to Mexico were Brother Douglas was older and enjoyed also. Before going on any brother Stewart was younger. A trip she researched the countries, gifted academic, Dorothy entered reading everything she could find University of Toronto when she on the terrain, waterways, the cit- was sixteen. After graduation with ies/town/villages and the people. her Honours B.A. in Fine Arts and After teaching at Barrie North English, she and two other grads Collegiate in Barrie, Sir John A. started their travel journey in Lis- MacDonald High School in Ot- bon, Portugal, and continued on to tawa and Almonte High School, Spain, Italy, Malta, Sicily, Egypt, in Almonte, Ontario, Dorothy Turkey, , riding the Orient decided in 1982 to change careers Express through Yugoslavia, then and began her architectural studies CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 36 in Ottawa. After graduating from An avid reader, she devoured in- Algonquin College in Ottawa, formation on history, architecture, she worked for Parks Canada and gardening and mystery books! for three different architectural Dorothy was the perfect example engineering firms until 1990 when of “Ask a busy person and it will she returned to Glengarry. First be done!” Titles were not important she worked as the Chief Building to Dorothy. She knew what she Official and By-Law Enforcement could accomplish in the time she Officer for Lochiel Township and had available. Her conversations then in 1998 she decided to join usually started with “We can do it” the Irvinelea Farm partnership. or “Someone has to do it, let’s get It was to the Irvinelea Farm that going on it.” relatives, cousins, classmates, and Stewart gave the eulogy on lifelong friends gathered over the December 16 and he ended it with years to enjoy good conversations, the following sentence: “A stranger a great welcome, wonderful food might ask, ‘What was special about and laughter. Dorothy?’ You just had to meet her, Dorothy became involved talk with her, get to know her, to in many local and community understand how special she was.” activities. She was a member of An accomplished lady with- the Vankleek Hill Horticultural out a sign of ego and an amazing Society, Membership Chairman friend. ∆ of the MacLeod Society of Glen- [We are all sadened by the loss garry, Captain of the door-to-door of Dorothy and extend our sympa- campaign for North Glengarry thy to her family and friends. Her for the Heart and Stroke Society, contribution to Clan McLeod will treasurer of the Breadalbane Com- be sorely missed.] munity Cemetery, member of the Tole Painters’ Guild of Ottawa, life member and volunteer in the Dunvegan Museum, member of the Dalkeith Friends of the Library, member of the Dalkeith His- tory Club, member and advisor of the Glengarry Historical Society, Chairman of the North Glengarry Heritage Group, editorial advisor for the book The Stone Buildings of North Glengarry, editor of the book The Churches of North Glengarry. Spring, 2010 Page 37 Nancy MacLeod Nicol by Ruari Halford-Macleod 31 July, 1939 to 1 November, 2009 ANCY MacLeod Nicol, the medical wards and three outpatient eldest daughter of James and departments. IsabelN MacLeod Nicol, was edu- However, teaching was in cated at the Mary Erskine School Nancy’s blood and her next post for girls (known in these days as was that of senior nursing officer Queen Street), where she delighted for in-service education with South in the sporting side of the school Lothian District. and played for the golf team. When districts were dissolved Hers was a happy post-war in 1983 and the unit became part childhood, with holidays in Aber- of South Lothian College of Nurs- dour and the Irish Republic. Im- ing and Midwifery, Nancy under- mediately after leaving school, she took the nurse teacher’s course became a student at the Princess at Jordanhill. Having gained her Margaret Rose Hospital, where diploma, she returned as senior she spent two years before further nurse tutor. training at the Royal Infirmary From 1991 she was head of the of . At the Elsie Inglis continuing education department at Memorial Hospital she undertook Lothian College of Health Studies training in midwifery. (now part of Napier University). After spending some time as a From 1988-93 she was a member of night sister in orthopaedics at the the Royal College of Nursing. Princess Margaret Rose Hospital, She contributed to and edited Nancy turned to teaching and took the book Basic Management for the clinical instructor’s course at Staff Nurses, designed a learning the Royal College of Nursing in pack on disciplinary policy and pro- Edinburgh, subsequently teach- cedure and invented Adminstrivia, ing at the Princess Margaret Rose a nurse management game. Hospital, Edinburgh College of Nancy had an excellent, satis- Commerce (now part of Napier fying and enjoyable career. University) and the South Edin- As a member of the Clan burgh School of Nursing. MacLeod Society, she held almost Changing direction once more, every official post in Scotland. She she was appointed nursing of- also planned and organised Clan ficer at the Royal Infirmary of MacLeod gatherings in Skye for Edinburgh, having charge of four more than 500 people worldwide,

CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 38 and wrote a short history of the As- sociated Clan MacLeod Societies entitled Tell Your Children About the Stones. Nancy was a committed and enthusiastic member of the Girl Guides movement, enjoying every aspect of indoor and outdoor activi- ties. Throughout her life she was also a loyal and active member of St Anne’s Church, serving as an elder with care and devotion. Everyone who encountered Nancy thoroughly enjoyed her in- corrigible sense of humour. She had a quick wit, an enquiring mind and a great zest for life. Nancy lived her 70 years to the full, even when, lat- terly, her health was failing. She is survived by her sister, Noel, her niece Elizabeth and many, many friends. ∆

Spring, 2010 Page 39 The Editor’s Page The highlight of the year is almost upon us and all CMS members planning on attending Parlia- ment are excitedly anticipating the event. Visiting Dunvegan on the Misty Isle, having a dram with longtime friends and making new friends will fill the unscheduled time between the many well-planned activities and meetings that make up Parliament. I’ll be with you in spirit this year and have only one request: that you make a few notes of your activities and impressions and send me a written picture (as well as any photos you take) for the next issue of the Leod Voice. It’s your chance to be a journalist! You will find that not all family stories in this issue are of MacLeods but one is of an intrepid woman who settled in an area where MacLeods abounded and gave rise to a very active and dedicated Alma MacLeod. Thanks for answering my call, yet again, Alma! Finally I want to pay tribute to my dear friend Nancy MacLeod Nicol. When I first met Nancy, some 30 years ago, I was impressed by the dedication and zeal with which she approached each one of her many projects and interests. Nursing, teaching, Girl Guiding, church work and all things MacLeod received her full attention and energy in their turn. Her dazzling smile was generously shared with all and her infectious laugh charmed friends and yet-to-be-friends alike. Problems were always approached as challenges to her artistic creativity; her clever mind picked away at the tangle until an innovative and unique solution was found. She was a welcome guest and a generous hostess, eager to offer a traveller a bed, a fine meal, a cup of tea and a dram of whisky. Cleverly she always served her finest whisky first and then Newsletter refills were from her next-best bottle. I will miss you greatly Nancy, and will try to follow your Timelines: example. Spring—May 1 Hold Fast and Shine Brightly. Fall—October 1 My address: Judy Tipple, Membership and P.O. Box 111 Executive Changes: Saturna Island, BC Canada V0N 2Y0 March 1 Phone: 250-539-5475 and September 1 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] CMSC Newsletter # 52, Page 40