Long-standing Oxford CAMRA member’s funeral is now on August 1
A familiar figure in Oxford CAMRA circles until a few years ago, John Mackie died on June 27 aged 85. Mobility problems meant he had been housebound for the last few years, but had a steady stream of visitors at his flat overlooking Florence Park and remained an active commentator on Facebook until recently.
Scotsman John was a civil servant for HM Customs & Excise, working in various parts of the country on VAT issues which brought him into contact with a wide range of people. When he moved to Oxford in the 1980s he became a member of CAMRA here and was often seen at social events and branch meetings, with an eye for detail meaning he could audit branch accounts.
He was particularly keen on campaigning issues, encouraging the branch to reward pubs, breweries and individuals who had done something special. He was involved with the Campaigner of the Year award nationally and took his beer tasting seriously often to be seen making notes as he went around. Even when he could no longer stand to serve at the Oxford Beer Festival, he came along to help with staffing. On his 80th birthday, he was presented with a long-service award and a Dundee cake baked by Oxford CAMRA’s then chairman, Pete Flynn.
A committed Socialist, John’s other great interest in later life was the Oxfordshire Branch of the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), campaigning on issues affecting retired people nationally and locally. He was treasurer of this branch until a few years ago, and became a prolific letter writer in the local media.
Iain Blacklaw, formerly of Oxford CAMRA, said: “I moved to Oxford in 1985 and joined the local CAMRA branch where I met John. I moved to Ipswich in 1996 but we kept in touch by sending each other our respective CAMRA newsletters, Last Orders and the Oxford Drinker. More recently we met at various Oxford beer festivals and an occasional branch social during my visits to Oxford. I had known him for almost 40 years. He was a very nice man and it was always a pleasure to meet him, and have a pint or two and a chat. He will be sorely missed.”
Barrie Finch, of Oxfordshire NPC, wrote: “John Mackie was born in his grandfather’s house, overlooking Oban Ferry Terminal, with wonderful views of the Isle of Mull. In his working life, as a Customs Officer, John moved to the port area of Leith at Edinburgh. I visited both areas and took photos for John, when in his later years he couldn’t ‘travel back home’.
“John became a Labour Party member and a staunch supporter. After he had moved to Oxford he became involved in pensioner issues through the campaign group OX-PAG. In 2015 that group changed its name to become the present Oxfordshire NPC Group and John was involved in its local work. John also became heavily involved in NPC Thames Valley Region, where he held several posts over the years. John was also a very active member of CAMRA, and as a fan of Oxford United FC.
“When John was mobile Sue Tibbles, the membership secretary of NPC Thames Valley Region, and I had many Indian meals with John at his favourite local eatery in East Oxford. We did the same in The Narrows, a real ale pub in Abingdon.
“John loved films and music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. He was also an avid reader and had a vast collection in his Oxford flat. I will miss his cynical view of politicians and his lovely sense of humour. John lived to a ripe old age and had no relatives near to Oxford. Rest well, mate.”
John Mackie’s delayed funeral will be held at 3.30pm on Thursday, August 1 at Oxford Crematorium. Funeral arrangements are by the Blackbird Leys branch of the Co-operative Funeralcare, tel. 01865 395489.