A life that mattered – hundreds say goodbye to ‘Mister Darlington’
AS the coffin was piped into the overflowing church to the strains of Amazing Grace, the wind from Storm Éowyn blew a flurry of leaves, at the end of their lives, through an open window.
Hundreds had turned out for the funeral of Alasdair MacConachie OBE; so many that the service had to be relayed via screens to the hall at the back of Darlington’s All Saints Church, as well as live-streamed into homes.
Alasdair, who was born in India but became known as Mister Darlington, died, aged 78, on Christmas Day.
“He chose that day of all days – and what weather he’s chosen for today!” smiled The Very Reverend John Dobson, formerly All Saints’ vicar and now the Dean of Ripon.
But the storm that felled a large tree on a street nearby wasn’t enough to deter more than 400 family, friends, civic dignitaries, business leaders, military representatives, and politicians from flocking to one of the biggest Darlington funerals anyone could remember.
“It’s an amazing number of people, showing the esteem in which he was held by so many,” observed The Reverend Brian Holmes, opening the service alongside the Very Rev Dobson.
Amazing yet fitting, given Alasdair’s life of dedication to Darlington, and the wider North East, as a philanthropist, motor dealer, business leader, and community champion.
A former Vice Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Durham, he was awarded the OBE for services to the community in 2004, then granted the rare honour of the Freedom of Darlington in 2012.
Indeed, Alasdair’s youngest son, Simon, had to pause for breath during his moving eulogy as he went through the amazing list of roles his father had graced.
“It’s amazing the man slept, never mind keeping a business going! remarked Simon, who succeeded his father as head of Sherwoods Motor Group.
In addition, Alasdair sponsored more than 20 annual marquee events in the town and became the go-to person for any charity or community group seeking help. “If you needed to borrow a van, or get a leaflet printed, he was your man,” said Simon.
Alasdair’s wife, Mary – mother to Simon and his brother James – died suddenly 35 years ago, and he went on to marry his second wife, Val, in 1992.
“Not many people are lucky enough to fall in love twice,” said Simon, paying a warm tribute to Val for her unswerving support of the family and the way she immersed herself in the community.
Alasdair’s “little sister”, Isla Middlemass, described him as “a wonderful brother”, adding: “He was kind and honest – something we should all aspire to – while Val was a tremendous support, building a home full of music, happiness and joy.”
County Durham’s Vice Lord Lieutenant, Michael Poole, read a message from the Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, describing Alasdair as “a remarkable man, who gave tirelessly to Darlington and the wider region, and inspired all around him”.
“He may be gone but his memory will live on as we say goodbye to a very special person,” Mrs Snowdon added.
Describing Alasdair as “Mister Fixit”, the Very Rev John Dobson told the congregation: “Alasdair had the great gift for bringing people together in a common cause and united effort. How many of us heard him end a conversation with the words ‘Don’t worry about it, my dear boy’?”
Mourners included one of the region’s highest-profile businessmen, Sir Peter Vardy, who described his friend as “a truly wonderful human being”.
Alasdair’s long association with The Army was honoured by representatives of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, from Catterick Garrison, with Major James Hornby saying: “We are so grateful for his support of both serving and retired Gurhkas over such a long time, and proud to be part of today’s service.”
Former Darlington MP and Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, was also there to pay his respects. “He was an outstanding supporter of the community – all you ever had to do was ask for help and it was given,” said Mr Fallon, who was the town’s MP from 1983 to 1992.
Towards the end of the service, Val’s son, Philip Ashton, read a poem, entitled What Will Matter, by Michael Josephson. It includes the line: What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.
The coffin left the church to Carly Simon’s Nobody Does It Better, and it is hard to imagine Darlington without the incomparable Alasdair MacConachie.
He lived a life that mattered. Rest in peace, dear boy.