A FORMER Gurkha rifleman known as 'Mac' was remembered today by family and friends for his "outrageous sense of humour" and "caring" nature.

About 200 mourners paid their last respects to David MacDonald, of Terry's Lane, Cookham, at Amersham Crematorium.

Grandfather-of-six Mr MacDonald died suddenly following a blood clot aged 82 on July 28.

He helped revive cookham Regatta and was formerly membership secretary of the Cookham Society.

His daughter, Lynn, 57, said it was "too hard to pick" one memory but recalled Boxing Day parties, a safari in Kenya and driving lessons taken together which she joked "came to blows".

Her father would be remembered for his “laughing eyes and outrageous sense of humour”, for being a “devoted husband” and “loving person”.

He was a “man of quiet wisdom and deep integrity”, she added.

Son Phillip, 51, told mourners of the selfless spirit of his father who had chauffeured him for work duties after a brain haemorrhage operation left him unable to drive for a year.

“What started out as awkward actually brought us closer together,” he said, adding he was left with many 'cherished memories'.

Youngest son David, 45, said his father was always 'good company' and described him as 'loyal', 'compassionate' and 'loving'.

He was a passionate supporter of MENCAP and carers involved with the mentally handicapped, who helped eldest son Neil throughout his life.

Neil died in his early 50s.

David said: “His best trait was his laugh, he was probably the most sociable person I have ever known and he loved the social side of sport,” he said.

A keen sportsman, 'Mac' played rugby, swam and could often be found teeing off at Winter Hill Golf Club in Cookham.

Granddaughter Danielle said he was “a wonderful man” with a “heart of gold” and a “true gentleman”.

Mr MacDonald, a Rotarian ,was also involved in Probus.

On leaving school at the end of 1944 he volunteered for the Indian Army and joined the 1st Gurkha Rifles.

Following the partition of India he was demobbed from the Seaforth Highlanders in 1948.

In 1950 he married Phyllis, who he leaves behind.

For 36 years he worked in Store and Personnel Management at Marks & Spencer, with his career latterly taking him to Kenya and Cyprus, before moving to Cookham.

Friends wishing to make a donation are asked to send it to MENCAP via Berkshire Funeral Services, 67 Marks Road, Maidenhead. SL6 6DP.