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Tributes to 'one in a million' Jack Bain, Alness Horticultural Society stalwart and charity fundraiser who touched many lives


By Hector MacKenzie

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Jack Bain
Jack Bain

TRIBUTES poured in this week for a much-loved Easter Ross man who played a huge role in his community and raised over £30,000 for charity in a highly productive life.

And such is the high regard in which Jack Bain was held that donations to Macmillan Cancer Support have topped £7500 in the days following his death at the age of 69.

Mr Bain, an engineer from Alness who worked with Isleburn before he retired, was well known as chairman of Alness Horticultural Society for the past two decades.

In that role he was able to pursue his passion for gardening while organising scores of flower shows and even turning his hand to flower arranging, his masterpiece being a waterfall arrangement in the church’s flower festival.

The church became an important element in his life with him serving on the board at Rosskeen Parish Church for a number of years before becoming an elder. He was described this week as “an enthusiastic – loud! - member of two choirs", Iain’s Boys and The Invergordon Singers”.

His passion for walking began with daily dog strolls with Dougal and Misty, and more recently Buddha, and gradually developed into coast to coast walks from Ullapool to Bonar Bridge between 2010 to 2018. Along with other challenges, he raised over £30,000 for charity, with Macmillan Cancer Support, being particularly close to his heart.

After his retiral he became known as Uncle Jack to many kids from Obsdale and Ardross and Newmore who he drove by mini bus to swimming lessons and school outings. He was even known to play Santa on occasion.

He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Wilma and daughters Donna Smith, Susan Proctor and Sheilah Bain, who recently became engaged to Jessica Golden.

He is also survived by grandchildren Erin (13), Amy (12), Molly (13) and Jack (11).

With numbers at his funeral limited for social distancing purposes, his family invited donations to Macmillan. Daughter Donna said: “He spent many hours covering hundreds of miles walking and cycling during his life for Macmillan and we therefore feel this would be a fitting tribute.”

Donations poured in alongside tributes from people from all walks of life. One wrote: “You were one in a million.” Another hailed him “a true gentleman” while another wrote: “He taught me many lessons over the years.

A private funeral service was held in the much-loved garden at his own home in Perrins Road in Alness this week.

News from Ross-shire


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