Maclaren Eric Gillespie

GILLESPIE, Maclaren Eric

Passed peacefully on 4 June 2026 at his home in Anakiwa, aged 78 years, with Celeste by his side.

Dearly loved father of “his girls”; Hayley and Macaela, and Father in-law to Nick.

Loved and cherished partner of Celeste.

Also remembered with love and respect by the mothers of his girls Barbara and Janice and loved and respected father figure to our extended family – Michelle, Martin, Russell and Jesse.

Dearly loved and protected little brother of his big sister, Gael Singer and brother-in-Law to Niall Singer.

Loved “Uncle Mac” of Lorne, Guy, Claire and Rachel, Andrea, Kurt, Spencer and Sarah.

Witty, clever, and much-loved friend of many.

Mac is happily reunited with his parents, Maclaren Eric Gillespie and Alva Daphne Gillespie.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you keep our smiling Dad in your hearts. 

Plant a native tree in his memory or spend a quiet moment in nature or by the ocean thinking of him.

A gathering to celebrate Maclaren’s life will be held at the beachfront in Tirimoana, Anakiwa on 13 June 2026 at 11.00am, followed by food and drinks at the Queen Charlotte Tavern from 12.00pm.

A poem from “Handsome Mac” 

“Look around – a fresh new day, 

The sky, the hills, the sea…

But don’t forget inside the shadow,

That’s where the best will be”

Tribute from Charlie Alburo – 
On behalf of Celeste’s family, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Maclarin Eric Gelipsie. His passing leaves us with a heavy heart because we never got the chance to properly thank him for giving our sister Celeste a happy life.

Started from years ago when he visited Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. He, Celeste, my partner, and I had dinner together in a seafood restaurant. I witnessed my sister’s happiness being with a man like him who truly loved her. Indeed, until this year, I saw their pictures posted on my sister’s Facebook account, their sweet smiles and laughter, show how happy they were as a couple.

I had been expecting that he would come to the Philippines again to meet all our family so we could thank him personally. However, we were heartbroken upon learning that he had passed away.

We also thank Mac’s daughters, Hailey and Macaela, and his son-in-law for treating my sister as a member of the family and for giving her love, support, and respect. The kindness of your father will always be remembered.