Roddy McDonald
1950-2014
Rod was brought up in Garmouth, attended Milne’s High School in Fochabers and on leaving school joined the RAF. He had a very successful career visiting some lovely parts of the world as his service took him to various RAF stations. Even after retirement his dedication to the RAF led to another career, this time with The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based in RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, this was something he was very proud to be part of as they attended air displays and Second World War commemoration events throughout the country with the Spitfire and Lancaster bomber to the fore.
When I joined the board of ECFC in the mid 90’s, Audrey Fanning, who was the club’s Commercial Administrator introduced me to Rod and Angie, she explained of their great love and support of the club through their visits and sponsoring players each year. I soon found out how deep that commitment ran when Rod on finding out the financial state of the club at that time donated a very healthy cheque to the club. This came as a complete surprise to everyone; Rod’s comment was “well I don’t get up as often as I would like so it is something I want to do”. This kind gesture from a gentleman and a great and loyal fan of the club was just one example of Rod’s generosity, one with which anyone who knew him can readily identify. The club will be forever indebted to him for his completely unexpected but nonetheless most generous support.
Rod and Angie always tried to plan their visits around home fixtures, this allowed Rod to have a look at any new faces in the team and help him choose his Sponsored Player for that year. We always joked with Angie, that Kaz (Paul Kazcan) just charmed her into sponsoring him. Rod and Angie’s warmth of spirit, good human nature was evident and along with my wife we all became very good friends and spent many an enjoyable evening in each other’s company.
Angie once told me never telephone on a Sunday at 7pm as this was when Rod and his mum had a good natter; so usually later in the evening and on many a Sunday we had a chat over the phone. Rod was a football fan in general, but a dedicated follower of “The City” in particular. He was always keen to know how the team was playing, how individuals were doing and how were things going off the park. He always listened carefully and came back with profound words of wisdom, he had a good knowledge o f the game as he himself played at good level in the forces, he loved to talk about tactics and how to get the best out of players, he never critized but respected everyone who gave up their time and effort in to the running of the club.
It came as a shock for us all when Rod telephoned last year to say he had been diagnosed with cancer. He was very positive from the outset and battled the illness bravely and with great dignity. Unfortunately, Rod lost his fight last weekend with his best friend and partner, Angie by his side.
Our thought and prayers are with Angie, Rod’s two sons Paul and Mark, Rod’s mother, sisters Violet and Margaret and their families, and also Angie’s parents. Rod’s funeral will be held at 10am on Tuesday 13th May, in Alford in Lincolnshire.
A genuinely honest man who never forgot his Moray roots; he will be sadly missed.
(A facebook page is open on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Official for anyone wishing to add his or her condolences).
Norman Green