Peter MacLean
Lieu de naissance : Rear Christmas Island
Date de décès : 11 janvier 2013
Peter Joseph MacLean (Peadair Jack Pheadair Chaluim Ghobha) of Christmas Island passed away on Jan. 11, 2013 at New Waterford Heights, long term care facility. Peter was a member of the St. Barra Parish and for many years he was an active member of the Christmas Island Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Margaret (MacNeil), a sister Mary (Neil) MacNeil and a brother and sister who died in infancy.
Born in The Highlands in Rear Christmas Island he was the son of the late John P. and Annie (Anna Mhìcheal Nìll Mhìcheil) (MacInnis) MacLean. Their home was one of the most notable cèilidh houses in that area of the country. Peter grew up in a household where Gaelic was the language of everyday life and in which Gaelic cultural expression in its many forms wove the fabric of social community interaction.
Peter worked as a carpenter starting in his teen years, learning the trade from craftsmen in the local community and going on to spend some 20 years working in the Boston area. During his stay in Boston, he was invited to join members of the North Shore Gaelic Singers to perform at the Newport Rhode Island Folk Festival, and at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Peter and his wife, Margaret, returned to Christmas Island in 1972 and Peter once more immersed himself in the cultural life of his community, becoming a part of that group that we know today as the Iona Gaelic Singers.
He also developed a love of Gaelic song and music at an early age, a love that continued throughout his life. Peter’s singing voice was at once powerful and tremendously musical and he had a rare talent for introducing ornamentation into his delivery. In addition to being a performer of rare ability, Peter was a mentor, a cultural icon, a friend and an inspiration to the many, many people who came to learn from him, novices and seasoned performers alike. Tall in stature, manly in his bearing, Peter with his piercing blue eyes and quick retort courted and cajoled the world with all the grace and charisma of a silver screen movie star. He was well loved and he will be deeply missed.
Visitation for the late Mr. MacLean will take place on Monday, January 14 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., with the funeral mass to be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Abbass officiating, both taking place at St. Barra Church, Christmas Island. Interment at a later date.
A celebration of Peter’s life will take place this coming summer. Donations in his name may be made to the Christmas Island Fire Department and the St. Barra Parish Cemetery fund.
Peter’s friends would like to thank the staff of New Waterford Heights, Northside General, 4th Floor, Drs. Kohlsmith and Haq for the compassionate care given to him.
Online condolences to http://www.twcurry.com.
