A funeral never to be forgotten

[doug the slug]

Today, i had the honour of attending the funeral of a good friend. Colin James Mclellan, aged 89 was hit by a motorcycle when crossing the road at 5.30am on his regular morning walk in north bundaberg last wednesday.

Col was a war hero, having been decorated with the Military Cross for what he did in Bougainville in 1945, the details of which are absolutely awesome.

That aside, Col was a thorough gentleman with not a harsh word to say about anyone. i met him through our mutual love of exhibition poultry, which is where the wood work connnection comes in, the building of poultry pens. Col's pens needed to be extremely strong as his birds were so good that many attempts were made to steal them.

Today we committed the soul of one of bundaberg's finest sons and one of Australia's bravest ever soldiers and a man who has probably had more impact on my life than anyone not a blood realtive to me. One of the largest churches in bundaberg was filled to about 150% capacity. we had to park about 700 metres away from the church and we were early.

Col excelled in everything he did and this was very obvious by the way his familywere supported at the funeral by all ex service and other groups attending.

Col, i salute you.

[Driver]

Doug

That is a fine tribute to someone who clearly meant a great deal to you. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Col

[Ashore]

May he rest in peace

Lest we forget Col and all the others who made this country what it is

[Greg Q]

Doug, please accept my condolences. It sounds like he was one of those old-school heroes, and I am sure that he will be missed.

[Caliban]

Doug
Sounds like this world will be a sadder place now.
He will live on in a lot of people's memories from the sounds of things.
Good on you for having a kind heart and bringing him to our attention.
You're a true digger.

[doug the slug]

Doug
Sounds like this world will be a sadder place now.
He will live on in a lot of people's memories from the sounds of things.
Good on you for having a kind heart and bringing him to our attention.
You're a true digger.

Might be sadder in the short term but we (cols friends and family) wont dwell on it. I forgot to mention before tha in addition to his other achievements he was Chieftain of Clan Mclellan at the time of his death. He aws an amazing man

[bennylaird]

Life goes on but our memories remain.

Crack a smile when you remember the good times, bet he will be smiling too.

[ele__13]

Lieutenant

COLIN JAMES MCLELLAN MC

QX52216
<table summary="Certificate details table" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield" width="50%">Service</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue" width="50%">Australian Army</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Date of Birth</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">27 April 1916</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Place of Birth</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">BUNDABERG, QLD</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Date of Enlistment</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">30 January 1943</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Locality on Enlistment</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">BUNDABERG, QLD</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Place of Enlistment</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">QLD</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Next of Kin</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">MCLELLAN, MARJORIE</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Date of Discharge</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">16 January 1946</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Posting at Discharge</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">47 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">WW2 Honours and Gallantry</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">Military Cross</td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <th class="nriscertificatefield">Additional Service Numbers</th> <td class="nriscertificatevalue">Q25454</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Gumby]

Thanks for sharing that Doug. He was obviously a big influence and a great Aussie.

There's not enough Col's in this world. :(

You are fortunate to have the memories.

The next time I take a top off a coldie I'll give him a cheer for you.

[E. maculata]

There's not enough Col's in this world. :(



That's trues enough Gumby, but I'll wager that, us Aussies, the Kiwis, & the Canadians got more than our Quota of top Blokes like Col.
My condolences Doug, remember they were sons of the lucky country, cause they made it so.

[Rookie]

Doug, I'm not a religious man, but I believe that if a man does have a soul, it manifests itself, and lives on, through the influence that man has on others in his life, and the way they in turn carry on their lives having had that influence. From the sound of it Doug, you and many others like you at that church, are now carrying Col's torch and can pass on those things you learnt to love so much. Carry it proudly.

[Auld Bassoon]

Doug,

May I offer my sympathies on the loss of your obviously good friend and, perhaps, mentor.

Col sound like one of those blokes that are a real treasure to know and learn from. My Godfather was like that for me.

Go well, my friend!