McPherson Scots Talk The Clans and Associates of the McPherson Scottish Festival & Games

March 3, 2019

John W. Ferrell

Filed under: Clans,Festivals — Clan Chairman @ 8:28 am

John William Ferrell, 88, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, surrounded by family at McPherson Hospital. He was an educator and administrator at Central Christian College, McPherson.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War Era.

John was a member of the McPherson Free Methodist Church where he was chairman for the Finance Committee and the Facilities Planning Committee. He was past president of the McPherson Rotary Club, director and founding board member of the McPherson Scottish Festival and co-founder of the Highland Games, chairman of the board at McPherson Family Life Center, served on the board of Oakdale Christian Academy in Jackson, KY, and served on the board of directors at The Cedars. He was the “Hometown Hero” in 2002 by McPherson County United Way and McPherson Chamber of Commerce. 

I spent many years with John planning the Festival as the Clan Chairman under his leadership. He was very meticulous, and required perfection in how the festival was organized. He put together an outstanding team of up to 14 team leaders and managed up to one hundred volunteers to put on the festival. He and my father ,”Webb Clark”, were founding board members of the festival. John was also my neighbor living a few houses down the street, so we also became close friends. When he retired from the festival after 15 years of service, he mentored me to takeover the Chairmanship. It was always a pleasure and the great quality of the festival was due to his leadership. John will be missed as a friend and Scott.

December 8, 2018

Stuart C. Cummins

Filed under: Clans,Festivals — Clan Chairman @ 12:31 pm

I must apologize it has been a while since I have been keeping things up to date. I will try to do better. It is with a sad heart the my good friend Stuart C. Cummins has passed away on December 1st 2018. He was a strong supporter of our festival which has also gone. Stuart believed in his heritage and the importance of passing it along to future generations. Stuart and Nancy were always there never missing a year. He represented Clan Stuart well and would have his whole clan there at times in support of his heritage and our festival. He became a leader of Clan Stuart moving from commissioner, to vice president, to president of the clan over the years. The word Clan means family in the scottish tradition and Stuart was definitely a family man that loved God and his country as well.

I remember watching Stuart and Nancy arrive with their dog Angus to the festival. They were always one of the first ones there except for Ralph Barkley who has since passed as well. He was also a strong supporter of the festival in his Bright yellow trusou and deep booming voice. You could almost hear him across the festival grounds. And you would always see Dean and Jean Robertson show up and pitch their tent right among them. And before they could get setup Dean would be spinning some yarn to impress the Ladies or anyone else that would listen. Yes these were very good times and good friends.

They were extended family, we were extended family, brought together by the festival reunion every year. They are missed greatly as is the festival that created this family.  Ceud Mile Failte! for all the memories.

Deus maille ruinn gus an coinnich sinn a-rithist.

September 22, 2008

Clan Mac Farlane

Filed under: Clans — Clan Chairman @ 12:38 pm

Rick Miller was to be our Host Clan this year, but due to health reasons he will not be able to make it. We hope and pray that all is well with Rick and his family and hope to see him next year. Rick wrote the following message to the festival.

Dennis,  it tears me up to do this, but we will be unable to attend the festival this year.  My wife has just gotten out of the hospital and is very slowly recovering.  She’s just not going to be up to the trip and I depend on her to drive.  I hate to let you down–we all very much wanted to go, especially since we were to be honored.  I tell you, though, we still feel honored–your festival is the best, hands down.  Nowhere else do we feel so at home with a nicer group of people.  And you run things so well and are so masterful that it seems effortless (of course, we don’t see you sweating bullets and tearing your hair!).  If there were such a thing as professional clan organizer, you would be it.  Were you at Culloden, haggis would be England’s national dish!  Please accept my sincerest apologies for our not being in attendance.  Best wishes and take care.–Rick Miller, clan MacFarlane. “EDITED for PRIVACY”

Rick if you are out there we know you would have been a great Host Clan and we are sorry that you could not make it. We appreciate your works of kindness, but it is all of you that make my job easy and make the festival great.

John Little has volunteered to take your place as the host this year. He did so at short notice and we wish to commend Clan Little for all that they have done for the the festival.

October 1, 2007

Clan Gordon “The House of Gordon”

Filed under: Clans — Clan Chairman @ 11:40 pm

The following is a comment that was sent by the new representatives of Clan Gordon. They are new to their position and have presented their clan well. We appreciate their comments and consideration of others in their comments below.

Dennis,

On a more serious note, I just found out that Dick (Santa) Milne, who
used to sponsor the House of Gordon tent passed away on 15 September.
As you know he had serious health problems and I just got an email from
his wife with the news.  I just thought that you would like to know.
  He will be truly missed.

Mark

Dick Milne will be remembered by many for his courage and humor. He represented his clan with love and brought smiles to many faces. Those of you who knew him will miss him and we will carry his good name forward at the festival of one who gave to the children of Alba.

Until we meet again.

The Chairman

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