24 March 1944
Deep gloom was cast over the village of Melbost on Monday, 6th March, when it became known that Ian Macfarlane Macleod, eldest son of the late Mr Angus Macleod and Mrs Macleod, 7 Melbost, and grandson of Mr William Macfarlane, the much respected retired Free Church missionary, had passed away at sea, at the early age of 20 years. Having attended the Secondary Department of the Nicolson Institute for three years, Ian made the sea his choice and after training in Glasgow, entered the Merchant Navy as a wireless operator, making several trips across the North Atlantic.
He was second radio officer on a British vessel, homeward bound from the Far East, when he took ill with acute appendicitis from which he died a day's sail from the home port. He had been transferred to the rescue ship SS Accrington, where he underwent an operation, but he did not rally from it.
Ian lived a beautiful life. He was one of Nature's gentlemen, possessing sterling qualities. He was of a quiet and unassuming manner, upright in his actions, esteemed by all who knew him, a favourite with young and old and always had a cheery word and smile wherever one met him. He was a most dutiful son to his widowed mother, and has left behind him a fragrant memory.
The remains were brought home by his younger brother, John Murdo (serving in the Royal Navy), and his aunt, Mrs Bruce, arriving by the Lochness on Wednesday 8th March. A most impressive funeral service on Thursday the 9th was conducted by Rev William Campbell, Free Church, Garrabost. The large attendance of old and young who followed the remains testified to the great respect in which he was held. He was laid to rest in Aignish Cemetery. The sympathy of the whole community goes out to his widowed mother, two brothers and only sister, also to his aged grandfather and other relatives, in their sad and sore bereavement.
2 February 1945
Second Radio Officer Ian Macfarlane Macleod, 7 Melbost, Stornoway, who died on board SS Accrington following an operation
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