Horace McClelland’s 90th Birthday Bash
Whether it was the good clean living expected of a man of the cloth or lucky genes, the Reverend Canon Horace McClelland celebrated his 90th birthday in remarkably good nick. Given the significance of this major milestone plus the former SLS Headmaster, Chaplain and rugby coach’s 40-year association with Shawnigan, the School feted Horace and Mrs. Mac (AKA Sheila) with a big birthday gathering at the Headmaster’s House. The 90th bash drew dozens of alumni and former colleagues from as far a field as San Francisco. They made the trek to honour – and mildly roast – their former mentor. Emails flooded in from around the globe…some indicating surprise that Horace was only 90. The Hon. Mr. Justice Chris Grauer ’68 was perplexed, as he was sure Horace was already 90 way back in the 60’s! Others more kindly observed that they look forward to attending his 100th. Another noted that Horace had soldiered on so long that his age is now likely higher than his golf score. Old pal Ivor Ford remembered Horace saying that he heard ‘Jesus’, ‘Christ’ and ‘God’ mentioned far more often while he was refereeing rugby on Saturday than he ever did on Sunday at Matins or Evensong. But the best oratory of the evening was Horace’s reply to all the tributes. He joked that he could not recognize the fine fellow everyone seemed to be lionizing. For any age he was good, for 90 – astounding! Crisp, humourous, heartfelt and what a memory! He ran through several rugby teams – citing players’ names, positions, strengths, weaknesses and season outcomes. A stellar performance and no doubt just one of the reasons for such a loyal turnout for a fit and fine man. The School presented Horace with a giant birthday card featuring a life size portrait by Emma Hollings ’08 of him sporting his paratrooper’s red beret. Congratulations Horace on living life well. Next stop – 100! Cheers.
PS – Seven couples of the dozens of SLS marriages that Horace has performed showed up to put proof to the validity of his “life time guarantee.”
– Steve Housser ’67, Executive Director of the Shawnigan Lake School Foundation
Photos by Stephen Lane