Obituary
Gerry MacGregor b. 2/6/59. Duntocher. D.. 24/7/2011 Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
Born Gerry Dodds, Gerry reverted back to the clan name of MacGregor. Dodds being one of several names adopted by the MacGregors during their many proscriptions, where their very name and tartan was banned by law. Gerry often wore the full belted plaid in the Clan reenactment society and looked ever inch a MacGregor outlaw and coo thief and was often billed as the “Mountain Man” in the Pubs and clubs where he played his overtly political folk songs for Scotland, Ireland and international workers generally. Along with Eddie Alex Scullion and Leanne Coyle he played in the group, “Druzba”, Russian for “Truth“, often in the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic. He played in Spain, Ireland and many other locations, as a Scottish Republican socialist.
As soon as his autopsy is over we will publish details of his funeral. It will be a humanist funeral and he will be cremated. His ashes will be scattered by his partner, Karen Mcluskey. We will publish details of his funeral as soon as we know, along with other details of Gerry’s life.
Donald Anderson.
http://scottishrepublicansocialistmovement.org
http://scottishrepublicansocialistmovement.org/SRSMForum.aspx
9 comments:
It rains today. And it is as if heaven sends all our teardrops to earth.
We sadly miss our most trustful and genuine friend Gerry MacGregor.
In loosing him we also lost a true comrade, a burning internationalist, a Scottish Patriot, who stood for Scottish and Irish independance. The world is so much poorer now.
He never judged people by the amount of money they owned or the car they drove.
He gave us advice about capitalism in order to take the first steps into a world strange to us, after the wall came down. He loved our country, the DDR, and he admired the brave trial to found a people’s republik.
For many years he was a member of the Scottish-German-Society for Peace and Friendship. He was one of the member of the Scottish committee of this Society and was several times involved in planning the Burn’s Supper in Berlin as well as the St. Andrews Night in Glasgow.
He performed successfully with Scottish and Irish folk music and working class songs in the DDR and later in Germany too.
With his songs he cheered people up, but made them also think about national and international politcal and humanist issues.
He had a vision of a better world, with freedom, no hunger and wars and he had many heroes; Bobby Sands was one for sure and Robert Burns. Once he gave me these lines by Robby Burns;
Here's freedom to them that wad read,
Here's freedom to them that wad write,
There's nane ever fear'd that the truth should be heard,
But they whom the truth would indite.
This words are for Gerry to take with him on his way now,
Dear friend:
Never a peth of least resistance, Was the way you have chosen to go.
Hard and stony the long distance, Maybe your holy vision come true,
“thig ar latha” you can see them, together for this time to come.
Joined with many the march of Freedom, “saor Alba a’nis”, that’s to be done.
It was Gerry who installed our endless love to Scotland and made it our home.
We will never forget you and what you have done for us, big wise man.
You will be for ever in our hearts.
Rest in Peace, Gerry!
Karen, his partner for many years always has supported him and gave him
comfort and assistance, when he needed it. We send her and his children Gilian and Chris, as well as his so much loved Granddaughter, wee Layla our sympathy. We feel so sorry for you all.
Yours true friends from East-Berlin
Eva and Ecki, and the whole Family
It rains today. And it is as if heaven sends all our teardrops to earth.
We sadly miss our most trustful and genuine friend Gerry MacGregor.
In loosing him we also lost a true comrade, a burning internationalist, a Scottish Patriot, who stood for Scottish and Irish independance. The world is so much poorer now.
He never judged people by the amount of money they owned or the car they drove.
He gave us advice about capitalism in order to take the first steps into a world strange to us, after the wall came down. He loved our country, the DDR, and he admired the brave trial to found a people’s republik.
For many years he was a member of the Scottish-German-Society for Peace and Friendship. He was one of the member of the Scottish committee of this Society and was several times involved in planning the Burn’s Supper in Berlin as well as the St. Andrews Night in Glasgow.
He performed successfully with Scottish and Irish folk music and working class songs in the DDR and later in Germany too.
With his songs he cheered people up, but made them also think about national and international politcal and humanist issues.
He had a vision of a better world, with freedom, no hunger and wars and he had many heroes; Bobby Sands was one for sure and Robert Burns. Once he gave me these lines by Robby Burns;
Here's freedom to them that wad read,
Here's freedom to them that wad write,
There's nane ever fear'd that the truth should be heard,
But they whom the truth would indite.
This words are for Gerry to take with him on his way now,
Dear friend:
Never a peth of least resistance, Was the way you have chosen to go.
Hard and stony the long distance, Maybe your holy vision come true,
“thig ar latha” you can see them, together for this time to come.
Joined with many the march of Freedom, “saor Alba a’nis”, that’s to be done.
It was Gerry who installed our endless love to Scotland and made it our home.
We will never forget you and what you have done for us, big wise man.
You will be for ever in our hearts.
Rest in Peace, Gerry!
Karen, his partner for many years always has supported him and gave him
comfort and assistance, when he needed it. We send her and his children Gilian and Chris, as well as his so much loved Granddaughter, wee Layla our sympathy. We feel so sorry for you all.
Yours true friends from East-Berlin
Eva and Ecki, and the whole Family
Thank You for your comments which are a beautiful tribute to Gerry. May he rest in peace and his inspiration and life be a lesson to all of us to continue the struggle for our beloved Scottish Socialist Republic.
Regards
Larry
The world is a poorer place without Gerry MacGregor. I have lost a great friend, brother musician & comrade, as well as a brother-in-law, who I simply viewed as a brother. R.I.P. Gerry & I'll see you again on the other side. John Gerrard McCloskey.
Lovely words Johnny you have my sympathies to your family.
Only the good die young as I note from experience.
I am a Christian Socialist and Scottish Republican and understand we are only passing through.
I am convinced we will be rewarded on the other side.
Regards
Larry
Hi everyone I'm Gerry's son Chris. Me and the rest of the family really appreciate seeing and reading such lovely tributes to my dad. Thank you all very much.
Yes Chris where there is hope exists comfort in life and for the passing journey.
Stay strong and blessings to your family from myself in Kirkcaldy Fife.
Hi Eva, I never got the chance to speak to you at Gerrys funeral service and at the Lismore apart from saying goodbye at the end of the night to you and Ecki. Nice words and very touching.
Hi Eva, Nice words and very touching. I has hoping to get a chance too speak to you at Gerrys funeral service and left you in the capable of Mr Coyle, I only got the chance to say goodbye to you and Ecki at the end of night. Take care and god bless.
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