Alexander Dominic McNAIR 1929 - 2008
Thursday October 23, 2008
Thursday October 30, 2008
All Saints Catholic Church
LIVERPOOL

1pm
ALEXANDER'S Funeral Service which will be officiated by Deacon Paul Naggar.

Following prayers, the cortege will proceed to Sydney Catholic Lawn Cemetery at Kemps Creek.

ALEXANDER will go to his final resting place and join his wife Betty, to the sound of a Scottish Piper.

St Mary Lawn
Row 101, Lot 2
Kemps Creek

Obituary
Though a man of simple needs and education, Alex was a man far greater than the sum of his parts: but then he would tell you all Scotsmen are ‘great’! Alex had a natural wit and intelligence that brightened and informed the days of those who were close to him, as well as those he worked with, and those who simply knew him…

Alex (Ally to his family) was born in 1929 during the Great Depression into a close and loving family. Like many of that era, he had the constitutional strength and determination (though some would say Scottish stubbornness) that we later generations can only envy. The family’s military history and its long association with the Rosyth Dockyards and the Rosyth community remained always close to his heart. There was little military, naval, or dockyard history he could not discuss or hadn’t read.

Much to his chagrin, the Second World War found Alex too young to enlist though he desperately wanted to be beside his elder brothers: Donald, Bruce, and Tommy, of whom he was so intensely proud. Instead, he helped his father Alex (senior) look after the family at ‘101 Parkside St’ including sisters Nellie and Jean, of whom he was so very fond…and they so fond of him. His education, like many of that place and time, was ‘grabbed’ wherever and whenever a temporary school and teacher could be safely located.

Alex, however, was determined to do his ‘bit’ for the war effort: he helped the Land Army girls: mucking out stables and cow byres and planting much-needed crops. Then, in 1944, just before his fifteenth birthday he got as close to the war effort as he could when he began work for the Admiralty as a ‘storehouse assistant’. It was a job that required a sharp wit and even sharper memory, something that would never fail him. The part of his job he loved most was testing torpedoes up in the lochs, regardless of weather. The lochs for the uninitiated are cold, deep, dark, and treacherous even in summer: and young Alex could not swim, yet...

He and the family came closer to the war when a bomb fell in the fields behind ‘101’, blowing the paintings from the wall onto the dining table where his mother’s precious cut glass crystal sat and where the family had celebrated Christmas Dinner, only a few minutes earlier. A favourite family photograph attests to the happy scene. Miraculously the paintings, crystal and everyone at the table were safe. The Lord has always protected the family.

By the time he was eligible to enlist, the war was over and family life returned much to ‘normal’ despite tough rationing. His beloved brothers had returned from various fronts and married, as did his sisters. Life in Rosyth was near perfect with many new nieces and nephews to add to the family tree. His nephew Ian still remembers with fondness the toy fort ‘Uncle Ally’ built for him one Christmas. Some of us are lucky to possess his model wooden sailing ships; complete with intricate sails and rigging which he pored over so passionately in his retirement despite his arthritic hands. Brother-in-law Ben, Jean’s husband, still remembers the day Alex ‘thrashed’ him at snooker: 64-21 over 60 years ago. Ally never let Ben forget that one!

Alex matured and fell in love with a young ‘evacuee’, a Sassenach from south of the border. Betty Gynn was to be the only love of his life and they married in 1952. It was with Betty and daughter Alana he migrated to Australia in 1958 to begin a ‘better’ life, initially at Gladesville. Betty’s family had migrated two years earlier. Life was pleasant enough but the work was tough and his family were sorely missed.

When Alex came to Australia, he came bearing a Certificate of Service Under the Admiralty, Rosyth, Scotland that stated: ‘Conduct: Excellent’. This little certificate was Alex’s equivalent of his brothers’ medals and military ranks. His intense work ethic served his two future employers well. Nothing less than ‘excellent’ service was given to the Department of Main Roads and Liverpool City Council. There was no equivalent of his Admiralty job in the Australian Navy and he had no other skills but he did have a family to support and medical bills for Alana so he began the hard and hot work for the DMR on a road gang. Alex rarely took a ‘sickie’, was never late, was never unemployed, and was never late with the rent.

Summers were spent on the beaches or with family friends, the Murrays who had also migrated from Rosyth. Eventually Alex taught himself to swim in Narrabeen Lagoon, his favourite place: shallow and warmer than the lochs! Winters were spent in front of a roaring log fire, toasting chestnuts to remind him of home. Alex (senior) finally arrived from Rosyth and the family moved to Sadleir in 1964 and daughter Nicole was born in 1969.

Bowling was another McNair tradition and he and Alex (senior) were to become a formidable team at the local Bowling clubs. He even tried to turn the backyard into a practise bowling green! Alex eventually joined St John’s Park Bowling Club, where he made many long friendships and proudly received his 25year Membership award just recently. Sadly, many of those friends have now passed on. Alex was particularly proud when Nicole and husband Philip took up the sport. No doubt Alex will be up there watching and no doubt he will be ‘guiding’ a few ‘ends’. He’ll certainly be checking on Carlo’s vegetable patch.

Alex’s determination never flagged. He was determined to look after Betty when she became ill rather than place her in a nursing home and when she finally passed away he was even more determined to remain independent, refusing to be a burden on anyone until it became clear his joint pain and cancer was no longer manageable and he was finally admitted to ‘Braeside’ for care in his final weeks.

His particular loves in the latter part of his life were his granddaughter Zoë who took his mind off his pain, followed rapidly by her brother and Alex’s namesake, Jackson Kevin Alexander, and the exploits of great grandson Kael, his Celtic Warrior. Alex loved to receive his monthly ‘newsletters’ from Sally, Kris’s wife and mother of Kael. They kept him well entertained and usually all the neighbours too!

There were few who will not remember Alex for his generosity and humour. He was always ready to lend a neighbour anything from a nail to an electric drill and his garden shed became known by all as the local ‘Knock & Kirby’s’ store. But, there were few he did not remember as he kept a vigilant watch on birthdays, marriages, and more new births. You could always count on a card in the mail from ‘Ally’.

Alexander Dominic McNair was always a most handsome man, impeccably groomed and neatly dressed, shoes polished to a military shine… But most importantly, Alex was a proud Scotsman and woe-betide anyone who suggested adding ice or water to his scotch!

From his favourite bard, Robert Burns:

"Know thou, O stranger to the fame
of this much lov'd, much honoured name.
For none that knew him need be told
a warmer heart death ne'er made cold"

On Thursday November 6, 2008, Ian McColville said:
I remember my uncle Ally, auntie Betty and my wee cousin Alana until they left for a new life in Australia in 1958. I was then 11 years and had no appreciation for the wonderful hand made treasures that took pride of place in our house. All made by Alexander McNair. At that age, I did appreciate the toy fort and crystal radio set that uncle Ally had made for me though. He was a gifted man, with skilful hands and an eye for detail and some of those treasures are still on show today and I do appreciate them.
On Friday November 7, 2008, Craig McCOLVILLE said:
From the son of the first named of Ally's big brothers, Donald, I too carried on the military tradition which has been written about. I served for 25 years in ROYAL SIGNALS, leaving as a Major after witnessing, at first hand, the Fall of the Berlin Wall. I don't know if I ever met Uncle Ally, perhaps at a family wedding, but I certainly knew about him, and I don't think I ever heard a bad word spoken of him. Aunt Jean is the last remaining daughter of my paternal Grand Mother. La Paix de Dieu, soit toujours avec vous.
On Sunday November 9, 2008, Alana McNair said:
Did I remember to thank you for taking me fishing by the river; for walking me to my music lessons after a long, hard day at work; for making the tiny wooden bow and quiver for the plastic ‘Cupee’ doll that won ‘Special Prize’ - 10 shillings at Gladesville Public School Doll Show, 1961; for the clip over the ear when I needed it; or for your hugs and kisses when I needed to feel safe and secure; for the hugs and kisses you gave me anyway; for writing “I love you dearly” in my favourite birthday book on the 11/08/68; for calling me your “wee girl”; for knowing I was always your “wee girl”’ no matter how big I got; for making me laugh when I didn’t feel like laughing with a corny joke, and, for spreading that love further one stormy day when you turned the living room into a giant sandpit for Kris your grandson when he couldn’t go out to play. Thank you Dad. I Love You. Forever…
On Tuesday November 11, 2008, Nikki said:
Dear Dad, thanks for always being there for me. Not only were you my dad, but also my best friend. We shared many many years of laughs, hugs and kisses all of which I miss dearly. I still go to give you the daily 8.30am phone call which you religiously waited for each morning. I am so happy that you were able to spend lots of time with your two grandchildren who adored you. I know it was a very special day for you when Zoe was able to put her arms around your neck and tell you she loved you. Her hugs always made you feel so much better than any modern day medicine. I still laugh at the times we went shopping and you would push the shopping trolley backwards because you thought Zoe would like to see where she was going, even if it meant more pain for you. I am also glad you were able to spend time with Jackson and hold him. Just remember, all those bruises he gave you were LOVE bruises. I think his cheekiness has come from you. Thank you for all the hugs and for letting me be ME. It’s been a tough 10 years but I wouldn’t change a single day. I know how much you loved me, and appreciated everything I did for you. I now say goodbye knowing that you now want me to go and live my life and enjoy time with my family. You will always be in my heart forever. Until we meet again one day .I love you always from your No 1 xx
On Wednesday November 12, 2008, Lynette f Koorey said:
Alec Mc Nair was my neighbour for over 40 years. He was a quiet gentle man with a dry sense of humour. He reminded me of my own father with his dark hair and widows peak. They were both Piceans. His beloved wife Betty departed this life ten years since and he kept her memories alive all these years. He dearly loved his daughters Alana and Nicole. He was very proud of them both for all their achievements in life. Nikky`s babies gave Alec great pleasure watching them grow and develop in the last few years. Mr Macca Nacca, as I called you, you will be sadly missed by all and never forgotten. Lynne Koorey & Family.
On Wednesday November 12, 2008, Carlo Zumbo said:
From the first day I met you Alex you welcomed me and made me feel as if I had always been your best friend. I am saddened that I did not meet you sooner – but still my life is richer just for meeting you. You not only embraced me as a friend, you welcomed me as part of your family whom you loved dearly and who loved you deeply...who still love you deeply. Alex, you were a very proud Dad, Pop, and great grand-pop,and rightly so, and a most generous man. I will have happy memories of the many times we had a beer or a scotch (usually scotch – always ‘straight’) and a ‘chat’. I shall treasure your little grape vine – she is doing very well by the way! So are the tomatoes... I shall miss you my friend - 'Io ti ricordo mio amico'. We shall always love you - ‘Noi ti amiamo per sempre’. Carlo
On Wednesday November 12, 2008, Sally Lipman said:
Dear Pop, I know how much you loved the monthly updates I sent about your great grandson's exploits and I'm delighted that you were able to meet him. In years to come I know Kris and I will be able to tell Kael about you and how you always referred to him as the 'cabbage patch kid' or 'baldie' and show him our treasured photo of the 4 generations all together. I will miss your dry wit, your no nonsense approach to life, your sly sense of humour (we were always on the same wavelength) and even your awful jokes. It was a pleasure to have met you and you will always be fondly remembered. Love Sal
On Wednesday November 12, 2008, Kris Lipman said:
Dear Pop, I'll always remember the awesome Sundays at Pop's as a child, to be honest those Sunday visit's were one of the few things I looked forward to as a kid, the cubby house's you'd make for Scott and I,The stormy day beach in the living room as Mum said, the toy's you made me. The wooden rifle for my role as a bushranger in a primary school play, not to say the least of which would be the H.M.S Kris Lipman which still sail's proudly in my living room. Helping me to learn how to ride my first bmx, These are some of the best memories of my younger days, I'm so glad as your grandson that I could give you a great grandson too meet as Sally has said your little cabbage patch kid Kael, I'll always remember you, I hope you found what you believed in. Love Kris
On Thursday November 13, 2008, Philip Wheeler said:
Dear Alex, it was a pleasure to know you and share our love of military history and scotch! I'm really pleased you were able to come up to the bowling club and watch me bowl and I know how much enjoyment you got out of hearing about my bowling and knowing Nic was bowling also..thanks for all the advice... I'm still waiting for it all to work! Some of it is probably illegal these days- (the product of a canny Scot)! I remember when I asked you for your blessing to marry Nic and Nic trying to listen from around the corner and what a proud father you were at our wedding. I know you got great enjoyment from Nic and I visiting Scotland and England and visiting many of your old haunts and all the other places you spoke to us about and sending back reports from the various places we went. You were a very proud Poppy to Zoe and loved her kisses and hugs and were alwasy amazed at how quick she was to pick up things. Zoe loved her Poppy and still refers to "Poppy's Elmo" as opposed to the normal Elmo. Zoe now says Poppy's flying in the stars. Jackson has the Scottish red hair and we think he has inherited the highlander gene! I remember you as a gentle, dignified man always immaculately dressed and groomed, with a wit and a mischevious twinkle in the eye. I have a huge respect for the way in which you put your family first and moved from your homeland to a very different country and culture and the way in which you forged a life and a living to support your family. I know you and Nikki were as close as any father and daughter could be and she will miss you terribly but is very proud of you. I am very glad to have spent the time with you that I did and to have very happy memories of that time.
On Thursday November 13, 2008, Nikki said:
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered, “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
On Tuesday November 18, 2008, lsley easton said:
Alex you were a very dear friend. I consider Betty to have been my very best friend ever, and I probably didn't get to know you well until after her passing. I always considered you more as family than just a friend. I will miss our visits together. the chit chat,jokes and drinkies. Not a day goes by that some mundane activity reminds me of happy memories of our friendship. To a wonderful friend, father, grandfather and great grandfather, may you rest peacefully with Betty.
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