Gordon MacConnachie

Gordon MacConnachie, beloved husband of Mary Brohl MacConnachie and loving father to Ellen, Carol, Jean, Nancy and Joanne, died Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at Hospice House, Greenwood. He was born on March 3, 1922 and raised in Montclair, NJ. His parents, William Morrison MacConnachie and Helen Donald MacConnachie, emigrated from Scotland and gifted their five children with fierce pride in their chosen country and in their Scottish heritage. A natural athlete, Gordon excelled in sports, particularly soccer and basketball, and was awarded a scholarship to Oberlin College. Gordon developed lifelong friendships and was voted the President of his Senior Class. Gordon left Oberlin in 1943 to join the Air Corps. He trained to fly B-24s and B-29s. After the war, Gordon received his Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and began his employment at Standard Oil of New Jersey, precursor to Exxon Oil Company. He was employed there for 25 years, rising to the rank of Corporate Secretary to the Executive Board. The family settled in Westfield, NJ, where Gordon coached in the Girls� Softball League, and participated in the Men�s College Club. He was the anchor for the baritone section of the Adult Choir for the Westfield Presbyterian Church. Gordon and Mary established close bonds with several families in Westfield and formed the legendary Supper Club there. And his life-long love/hate relationship with golf was honed in the back yard of their home on 744 Norgate. Taking early retirement from Exxon in 1973, Gordon and Mary moved to Anderson, SC, where they both went to work for Anderson Radiological Associates. They volunteered for Meals on Wheels and he again sang in the church choir. He became an integral part of Crisis Ministries, a grass-roots organization reaching out to all in need in the community. They moved out to a beautiful home on their beloved Lake Hartwell in 1978. The Lake became �vacation central� for their five daughters and sons-in-law and nine grandchildren and for a host of other family members. Eight years ago, Gordon and Mary determined it was time to leave The Lake, and they found Wesley Commons in Greenwood as their retirement home. Ever leading an active life, Gordon volunteered for Meals on Wheels and enjoyed singing and playing in the Kitchen Band. Gordon loved his wife, his children, his extended family and friends, his country, and his Scottish heritage. He was generous, honorable, and kind. He was a gentleman who always sought to serve others as well as his own family. He led a wonderful life. He gave so much to each of us, and we will miss him so very much.

Gordon MacConnachie

December 14, 1969 - August 12, 2009

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