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McLENNAN William "Alec"

District mourns the loss of a true gentleman

"He was born William Alexander McLennan on November 8, 1911. Apparently, there has been some discussion over his actual birth date, some saying it was October 8, 1910, but I do have it on good authority that November 8, 1911 is the correct date.
Everyone knew him as Alec and that is the name I will use for the remainder of the eulogy.
Alec McLennan was born in Katanning but his parents came originally from Scotland.
When Alec was born his parents were farmers at Borden.
Alec was the eldest of four children, two boys and two girls and the only remaining being Maude, who is known as Johnny, who resides in Perth and I believe is present at the service.
 Alec lost both his parents in quick succession with tuberculosis when Alec was 12 or 13 and as Alec was under 21, and the eldest son, the farm was taken over by W.A. Trustees and a manager appointed.
Alec's education was initially by correspondence, but he boarded at Hale School for his secondary. education.
Whilst at Hale School his sporting prowess came to the fore. He was an excellent athlete and in 1927, he won the Interschool 880 yards, a real achievement.
Completing his education, Alec moved back to Borden going on to work the farm.
Alec worked under the manager until he became outright owner.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER "Alec" McLENNAN           #1

Alec met Maisie, a teacher, and they married on February 29, 1936.
Alec and Maisie bore two sons, Maurice and Michael and have two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren with one more on the way.
Together Alec and Maisie farmed at "Illawarra" at Borden. The property mixed farming of wheat and sheep as well as 100's of chooks, ducks and turkeys.
Alec, I am told, was man who had a real affinity with animals, they were more than mere animals and he spent a good deal of time with them. Also, one of Alec's favourite animals was the humble, loyal dog.
It was normal to see Alec driving around the town with three or more dogs in the back of the ute. Alec liked Collie dogs the best, so often he would be asking everyone he met if they would like a puppy.


 

McLENNAN FAMILY           #2
 Back Row L - R:    MICHAEL McLENNAN,  MERRYLIN, VAL, MAISIE, ALEC & MAURICE
Front Row L - R:    LEON {Merrylin & Mike's son), with JOCELYN ( Val & Maurice's daughter).
 

Alec and Maisie moved into Bethel in June 1995 not long after it opened and both enjoyed their time at Bethel.
Their 60th Wedding Anniversary was a special occasion at Bethel with the then Mayor, Annette Knight paying a visit.
Maisie passed away in September last year and I am sure Alec missed her greatly as a big part of his life was gone.
When Alec had a fall recently, requiring his transfer to Perth, we were afraid he would never return.
However, he did return and was very happy to be back, being very chatty and bearing a huge grin.
Alec loved sport and was involved in major teams in the district. In football, he was a member of the Gnowangerup football team playing with the famous Hayward brothers who went on to play in the WAFL.
Football was one of his loves and Alec thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Eagles doing so well this year.
Alec's other passion was cricket. He was a member of the illustrious Tambellup/Cranbrook team playing with the famous Herbert brothers who went on to greater honours.
One special achievement in cricket was when he made 55 runs on his 55th birthday, a truly monumental feat.
I am told he was the oldest living Life Member of the Borden Cricket Club and his love for the game shows through in that he became an umpire after retiring as a player.
Alec also loved to keep up with Test Cricket, ending many late night hours listening to the old wireless with Maisie saying: "Turn that thing off".
He was a good husband, for he always made a cup of tea at 5.00 a.m. for his darling wife.
The Alec I knew was a quiet man. A man of few words who kept to himself and did not want to be a bother or a fuss.
He never argued or caused a disagreement, but was always obliging and helpful, Though he did not talk a lot, he liked company, people to simply be beside him and spend some time with him.
Alec passed away in June 1999
We will all miss him greatly.”

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

 

References:                 Article:         Eulogy for W. A. McLennan by Peter Tomlinson  (1999)
                                    Gnowangerup Star

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