A well-known community man remembered as a true character, the 88-year-old died peacefully at Wagga’s Rural Referral Hospital on September 26. 

A family man through and through, his niece Alison Mortimer said ‘Macky’ would take countless people under his wing, regardless of whether they were a blood relative. 

“Macky didn’t differ between blood relatives and his family,” Ms Mortimer said. 

“If you were a decent sort and a hard worker – you were a good egg to him and you were his family.” 

Wherever Mr MacGregor went, family say his bright red 1989 Ford Laser would follow him, leaving behind more than 550,000 kilometres on its clock. 

In a fitting legacy, Mr MacGregor’s ashes will be placed in his priceless car, outside what he liked to call his “big party”, as his family say farewell on October 20. 

Mr MacGregor was a pillar of both the Ariah Park and Temora communities. 

The former volunteer paramedic and firefighter was recognised for his outstanding contributions when he received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2016, for his service to lawn bowls and the community. 

A jack of all trades, Mr MacGregor was a plumber before starting his long-time career as a builder with ‘MacGregor and Sons’. 

“He had a foot in all worlds and he never judged anyone,” Ms Mortimer said. 

“Rich, poor or whatever – but you had to be a hard worker to be his family.” 

He was born and bred in Ariah Park but spent much of his schooling years in Melbourne. 

Ms Mortimer said Mr MacGregor could never get enough of the little people in his life. 

“He was so good and fun with all the children and couldn’t not talk about them,” Ms Mortimer said. 

“As his first-born niece, my memories are of him being the fun uncle.”

An impulsive man, Ms Mortimer said she would often receive a call from Mr MacGregor asking him to pick her up from the train station after an unexpected road trip or adventure. 

“He was the real black sheep of the family, always holidaying or visiting,” Ms Mortimer said. 

“He always rang me because he knew I’d be there.” 

During his time at The Haven, family said he considered the nurses as friends, after they took the time to make him feel loved and welcome. 

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life at Alan Harris McDonald in Wagga on October 20 at 11am. Following the service ‘Macky’ has organised a party at the Ariah Park Bowling Club at 3pm.