MAC celebrated his 95th birthday on Tuesday, June 26, with his wife, Alice, in their new home at Tromed in Somerset East.
Although baptized as Cecil David McLaren, he has been fondly known as Mac.
He worked for the Department of Water Affairs as a mechanic until his retirement a number of years ago.
Mac was born and attended school in King William’s Town. It was here that he met Alice, fell in love and tied the knot in 1949. She was a mere 18 years old and he 26 and it proved to be a blessed and happy union.
They moved to Somerset East in the ’50s and had three boys – Derek, Geoffrey and David who all matriculated at Gill College.
Unfortunately, they lost Geoffrey when he suffered a serious heart attack while in his 50s.
They have seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and are proud of them all and feel richly blessed.
He is proud of his Scottish heritage, but has not really had the urge to find out more about his ancestors and their antics. Has he ever worn the Scottish kilt and sporran? He smiles, shakes his head and replies, “No, never.”
Asked what his hobbies were, his wife did not give him a chance to reply but laughed out loud and said, “Bowls, bowls and bowls.”
A most successful player too when you hear about the prizes and cups that he has won throughout the years.
His witty side comes to the fore when he dryly comments, “Yes, and Alice played too.”
Mac is still a member of the Bowls Club, but does not play anymore. He is now one of the two oldest living members of the club.
In his reserved way Mac added, “Yes, I miss playing bowls, but I had a wonderful run for my money as I have played for most of the 60 years while living in Somerset East.”