Words spoken
By
Gary Robson
MAC to us all is
" Husband,
" Father,
" Grand-father,
" Friend, and a true legend
Our Brother MAC had the characteristics of Private Walker, Arthur
Daley and Del Boy.
He had a personality and smile that we will all remember and
more importantly he brought a smile to everyone's face.
There are so many stories and memories we all have about Mac
sadly too many to mention today here are just a couple for you
to picture MAC in the military.
Lennie Wallace - Provo Cpl
Said the first time I met Mac was when I locked him up and we
have been friends ever since.
Jeff Swann - Sgt BOS
Whilst serving in Germany if ever I was on BOS MAC would come
into the guard room after a night out with the lads and used
to say would you like a cup of tea Sgt Swann after that he would
come in drunk regularly and I would put him to bed in an empty
cell. After a time he had his own personal cell which was never
locked.
Nigel Jackson - Fus
Sitting alone in the NAFFI on my first night in the battalion
and MAC came up to me and gave me a bottle of Newcastle Brown
Ale - He said "Only real Fusiliers drink this" which
made me feel part of the Fusilier family straight away.
After demob we all went our separate
ways until MAC set-up fusilier Tuesday
Starting off as a small group of ex 1st battalion lads and then
extending it through the BEANO travelling around the country
meeting fellow fusiliers from all battalions thanks to MAC.
One trip to Cambridge MAC drove the mini bus with a set of mole
grips clamped onto the breaks which had gone, he wasn't gonna
miss the BEANO.
We even formed a Caravan Beano and on our first trip to Scotland
MAC against Caravan Club rules reserved a pitch for Colin Atkinson
to the annoyance of the wardens. I will never forget the image
of MAC walking around the site in just his Jeans and braces,
nothing else but a big grin on his face I will leave you to
picture the image itself. A good time had by all especially
with MAC supplying the Booze and we had a German Night, Italian
Night and a BBQ and we even had a Fusilier Tues, Polo shirts
in all in Drummore. We then became known as the Fusilier Pickey's.
To finalise MAC has managed to regroup and reunite Fusiliers
from around the world, you could see the pride and satisfaction
on his face at every event.
We are all grateful to MAC for rekindling lost relationships
ALL THANKS TO MAC McKENNA
So fall out Richard Mac McKenna your duties are done - OAFAAF
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Thanks
for the journey my Brother. I made you a promise to look after
your wife Carole, and I will carry out that duty with the utmost
pride and honour, love you till my day comes Bro. Bomber xxx
Terry Bomber Allsopp
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Richard (Mac) Mckenna the a Fusilier send off for him.
Bury Branch 4th September
Below are just some of the messages
left for Mac
Terry Bomber Allsopp
1 September at 14:00
Husband Father Grandad Brother Fusilier Man All Round Beautiful Person
Richard Mac Mckenna passed away last night, leaving Carole, and the
rest of us stunned please respect the family's wishes, no calls please,
I will put updates on here as we get them.Thank you.
Steve Critch Be in shock for some time 1 of our own ,Faith and hope
will come good as this man was true
George Gallant
Richard (Mac) Mckenna the a Fusilier send off for him. The funeral was
on 12th September at Birtley Crematorium and afterwards at the Barley
Mow Pub in Birtley.. RIP Mac OAFAAF.
Joe Eastwood
The freshly flowered streets of a Gateshead town.
Are no longer stained with smoke and brown.
The market place and open square have rarely seen.
So many summer flowers, so many shades of green.
Times have changed, and now few signs of squalid sweat and grime.
When steel and ships brought early death, to families just like mine.
The town has a new face, all bright and fresh and bold.
And bravely hides sad stories, far too often told.
Those aged streets have witnessed other times of pain,
When weeping widows filled the church, again and yet again.
Yesterday the church observed a million prayers and tears.
As our family said farewell to a brother Fusilier.
Bon Voyage Mac........
Phil Massam
Although a sad occasion it was a moving experience today to see
hundreds of the fusilier family attending Mac Mckenna's funeral. I have
never see so many hackles attending a funeral and it was a measure of
just how popular he was and how the Regiment can honour one of it's
fallen. I hope that he can leave a lasting legacy of getting numbers
on parade to show the people of the North East what it means to be a
Fusilier. Well done to all who attended and thoughts with the family
OAFAAF.
This guy was a true friend and could even sell empty carrier bags 3
times,if you ever had the pleasure to drink with him and his Beano Crew
from Newcastle you will agree he was a star,my condolences go out to
his new wife and his family,RIP Mac you will sadly be missed
Alan Moss What a fantastic guy will be sadly missed
My greatest respect to the gentleman rip ubique
Vincent Stewart Bodys
Kind lovely words mate
Alan Moss
He was just one awesome guy
Barry Green
Still trying to get my head round this tragic news RIP Mac you
where one hell of a guy condolences to his family and friends OAFAAF
Mac Mckechnie Snr
So true Phil Massam don't know anyone that could come close to
filling this mans boots
Eric McLeod
RIP from a fellow Fusilier and brother
Mick Cheetham
R.I.P Sir.
Gareth Robert Lomax
All ways the good ones R.I.P mac
Stephen Holden
If there is any room let me know spud of timings ifbyhere is room for
me
Vincent Stewart Bodys
Cheers lads Mac loved you lot you all know that
Mike Hall
Likewise mate
Alan Aspin
RIP OAFAAF
Peter Kinsella
So sad,OAFAAF.
Robert Edwards
rip
Derek John Brooks
Spud if there is any room for a little one as i have my prostate out
mon and wont be fit enough to drive but i must see mac off if its the
last thing i do hope you dont mined me askin buddy but dont no how i
am going to get there other wise thanks.
Vincent Stewart Bodys
Really hope you get there Brooksy mate Mac loved yah
Derek John Brooks
Thanks vinny m8.
Andy Fusilier Power
If anyone could kindly give myself and Wayne Gandy a lift. .We will
be there. . RIP Mac..GBNF. .OAFAAF
Norman Prior
RIP
Eric McLeod
RIP
One of our Bury Branch;
RIP Richard Mac McKenna 1RRF from Newcastle, a legend through out his
lifetime and a very loved and respected man, I am sure all will miss
him and are in shock at the sad news, he touched so many hearts with
his humour and character.
Barry Green
Still trying to get my head round this news RIP mac one hell of a guy
condolences to his family and friends OAFAAF
Steve Critch
Understanding and not knowing why is well I don't know
Lea Mcgowan
Cheers Baz, RIP
Richard McKenna Snr
We would like to thank everyone that turned up to say farewell to
Mac Mckenna, , Thanks to the standard bearers and a great big thanks
to David Mckenna Piping was fantastic mate , As everyone knows mac was
the founder of Fus Tuesday along with a couple of other lads , we have
vowed to carry on his good work and try to build on the great foundation
he has laid , It will be no easy task, and we will need help and support,
So brothers and sisters , Fusilier Tuesday will continue, and the next
one is the 27th Sept at Newcastle Labour Club from 11am onwards ,
It is our intention to dedicate this one especially to Mac , please
come along and show your support , Hope to see you all then
