Obituaries

Roderick Alan Fitzjohn Macmillan (d. 2006)

 From the RW October 20th 2006:

         A life crammed with notable achievement was remembered at St Martin of Tours church, Werrington, Cornwall, on August 11th when a large gathering met for the thanksgiving service for Tower Master John Macmillan. Although John had receieved treatment for throat cancer earlier in the year, it was nevertheless grievously unexpected that the end came so suddenly, though thankfully very peacefully, in his sleep.

 

        A Wykehamist, John was educated at New College, where he read Law after doing his National Service. After Oxford he followed family tradition by taking up the mantle of a Lloyds underwriter in the City of London. His outstanding ability as an oarsman with Thames Rowing Club led for selection in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, where in spite of Herculean efforts his team just missed the Bronze Medal in the coxless fours, and settled for fourth place. He was also a member of the famous Leander Club. Later, in the 1954 Commonwealth Games he gained both silver and bronze. After retiring from competitive rowing he maintained links in the sport with friends all over this country and abroad.

 

        His modest, unassuming manner hid a wealth of interests: in golf (past captain of Launceston Golf Club), the British Legion, investment clubs, fine wines, bridge, British and European history, and the church, where in addition to looking after the bells he was sidesman and churchwarden. In 1952 he married Brenda Snook at St Gennys, north Cornwall, and later when living in Rickmansworth came under the gentle encouragement of tower captain Fred Elliott.        

 

        John carried all his many responsibilities uncomplainingly and efficiently. A man of quiet charm and unfailing courtesy, thoughful and considerate, a devoted family man who immediately became attentive and supportive to Brenda when her health began to fail. His passing has left a big void in the lives of Brenda, their children, grandchildren and a considerable number of family and friends.   

Robert Perry adds:

 

If this is the John Macmillan who rang at Werrington, Cornwall, then I knew him.   He kept the bells going there more or less single handed and although no method ringer himself he was always pleased to welcome visiting peal and quarter peal ringers.   He will be much missed, not least because the tower will probably become silent now he's no longer there to keep an eye on things.