Final farewell to a gentleman of Contin
CONTIN bade farewell to respected resident, Roderick Munro, last Friday
morning when his coffin –- with his old deer stalker hat on top –- was taken through the village.
The hearse stopped briefly at the Contin Football Ground –- which Mr Munro (89) had donated to the community –- then made its way to his family home at Smithy Croft, close to the garage he ran for many years.
There his son Gordon, a Falklands War veteran, walked immediately behind the hearse to Contin Parish Church while carrying his father’s Cameron Highlander’s hat.
Gordon was joined by his sons Robbie, formerly of the Royal Navy, and Harry, an Afghanistan veteran currently serving in the Royal Signals.
Mr Munro was born in 1924 at Holm Gardens, Inverness, and was adopted by his grandparents who brought him up.
He walked to school in his kilt every day, which left a lasting impression, as he would not wear a kilt again in his elder years.
Mr Munro qualified as a mechanic at Macrae and Dicks Inverness, and then joined the Cameron Highlanders. He served most of his time during World War II in North Africa. El Alemein left a big mark on him, as he often would mention the war, but never in detail.
In peacetime he joined the Colonial Service in Tanzania, where he built power lines, dams and managed a large workshop.
He hit the jackpot when he met “the love of his life” Livette, the beautiful French daughter of a bank manager.
Mr Munro returned to Inverness in 1962 and on a visit to his younger sister Sheila, who lived next door to Contin Garage, he discovered it was for sale.
He bought the garage which came with Holly Cottage House and croft land which adjoined the Contin Shop.
Gordon explained in the eulogy to this father during the funeral service that the garage became part of their lives, and his dad would help anyone, no matter what time of the day or night.
Mr Munro bought a plot of land opposite the garage in 1965 and built a new house for his wife which he named Smithy Croft, and together they created a new garden which they both enjoyed.
Mr Munro desired no favours or wealth, he was a very charitable man and enjoyed helping in the community, said Gordon.
He started the youth club and old folks’ Christmas party, and also gave the community the football field, which delighted him.
Mr Munro also became a local Justice of the Peace and worked on the children’s panel for many years.
“Dad was a straightforward gentleman who demanded little from those around him, and who expected only the best from his children,” said Gordon, who said his father’s love of his family and his patience were some of his finest qualitities.
He added that his father had an ability to listen, absorb and to offer a point of view based on Highland wisdom.
“Dad also enjoyed the poetry of Robert Burns, and whether you liked it or not, would come out with an impromptu Burns recital at the first available opportunity,” said Gordon.
He explained that his father lived a long and happy life, and only succumbed to ill health right at the very end.
“He was always a well-dressed man, his hat and cravat always on, a warm friendly character whose reassuring presence we all felt during difficult times.” said Gordon, who added that his father was a soul that brought “joy and fulfilment to many” and his quiet legacy will live on.
Mr Munro, who passed away at Migdale Hospital on June 19, is survived by his wife Livette, children Kathleen and Gordon and his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
