I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm sorry I never got to know Alex. The poem is a beautiful tribute to a someone who clearly enjoyed life and was well-loved. I think we can all hope to be remembered in such a way.
Sarah
Alexander McKechnie 10/08/1930 – 12/26/2015
The day after Christmas we lost a Great Man
A person whose absence was never part of our plan
Alex didn’t seek the spotlight or ask for recognition
Living a life of love and kindness was his true mission
He cherished his family and friends so dear
The lives he touched overflowed with laughter and cheer
He had a mischievous nature, and couldn’t pass up a good joke
But always in a playful way, he was just that kind of bloke
A believer in the superior power of the left-hander
He always spoke with wisdom and candor
Great pleasure he found in caring for others
From family and friends to birds of many colors
A legendary sense of humor and a ready smile
For those in need he went far beyond the extra mile
He was convinced that the lottery and Jeopardy were fixed
But give him a good auction and he’d be transfixed
Some may say he had a very stubborn side
But really it was just that damn Scottish Pride
A sense of adventure lasted all his 85 years
Never did he shy away from exploring new frontiers
With patience and wonder he always viewed life
And spent 46 blessed years with his best friend and wife
A nature so humble and gentle he had
He truly was the world’s best Dad
Creativity and ingenuity were just two of his extraordinary traits
He also had a knack for starting great debates
So though his passing has left a huge void
If he knew that we made a big fuss he’d be quite annoyed
Today we salute him, with all that we can
For it was an honor to know this very Great Man
Alex will be forever cherished by his wife Doreen, daughter and son-in-law Moira and Josh Vander Meer, nieces Sasha Mitchell and Deirdre Hineline, great nieces and nephews, and his loving extended family of cousins and friends both domestic and in Great Britain. He joins his dearly loved daughter Fiona and sister Margaret in eternal peace. A celebration of Alex’s life is planned for the spring.