In February, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Egremont, witnessed one of the town’s largest funerals in recent times. All seats were taken, all aisles full and over 100 people lined the road outside the church. What had inspired such large numbers to turn out to pay their respects? The answer: one of Egremont’s great characters, Ian MacDonald, known to every body as ‘Macca’,

Tragically and without warning, Macca died of a heart attack, aged just fifty-one. He was an ordinary guy in many respects. He was hard working, being on Sellafield site for 30 years. His last position was as a projects engineer on the Thorp Reprocessing plant. A role in which he was highly respected. He was a great family man, doting on his beloved partner Joanne and his son James. Macca was the proudest dad in the world, especially regarding James’s prodigious rugby talent. He was a great supporter of Egremont Rangers Rugby League Club, especially the under sixteens, James‘s team. He loved his sport, and was a ardent Manchester United fan and keen golfer - an integral part of Egremont Golf Society and the elite "Big Eight" golfing group

So why did so many people feel moved to attend his funeral? Macca was the funniest man I ever met, his mixture of quips, stories and, especially, put downs enthralled any audience. He could keep people entertained better than any comedian. He had a stubborn & belligerent side too: Close friend, Big Dougie McCartney, the ex Sellafield convener, reckoned it was easier to get a pay rise out of management, than to get Macca to admit he was wrong. But their was also another side to Macca. He was the kindest and most hospitable man you could meet, opening his house to family and friends. There was always a welcome at Macca and Jo’s, particularly at his legendary New Year’s Day parties, when, each year, they played host to around fifty friends, old and new. .

His departure has left a massive hole in the lives of so many people - not just his close friends & family, but anyone who ever met him. His infectious personality rubbed off on so many and it seemed like everyone knew Macca. Hence the massive funeral.

It’s ironic that we are fell walking in Macca’s memory, he never understood why anyone would want to walk uphill! So, if he‘s looking down on us, you can guarantee he‘s laughing his socks off!