Iris MacKinnon, a beloved and respected member of Westermains Bowling Club in Scotland, passed away on August 22, 2024, at the age of 91 after a brief illness. Iris’s dedication to the club, where she was a member for 46 years, left an indelible mark on the local bowling community.
Iris joined Westermains in 1978 and quickly became a prominent figure in the club, representing it with distinction at local, county, and national competitions. Among her many achievements, she won all the Ladies Competitions, including the prestigious Ladies Championship in 2004. Off the green, Iris served on the Committee in various roles, including President and Treasurer, for most of her time at the club. She only stepped down from the Committee in 2022.
Her contributions to Westermains were recognized when she was made an Honorary Life Member at the start of the 2023 season, a title she cherished. Despite being unable to bowl in recent years, Iris remained deeply interested in the success of the club and particularly enjoyed supporting her family members, Jim and Andrew, in their matches.
Iris was not only a dedicated member of Westermains but also a respected umpire and a past president of Cumbernauld Indoor Bowling Club. Her impact on the bowling community extended far beyond her home club, and she will be missed by many who knew her.
As the community mourns her loss, several members and clubs have expressed their condolences on social media. Ross Reid shared, "Sad news. Thoughts go out to Jim, Geraldine, Andrew, and the rest of the family. A great lady and servant to Westermains Bowling Club who always made a point to stop and talk and ask how my family were." Paul Kane reflected, "Very sad news, but a life well lived. Thoughts are with Jim and Andrew and the rest of the family. It was a pleasure to know you, Iris, Scotland’s number one fan at Belmont in 2017!"
Iris MacKinnon’s passing leaves a void in the lives of her family, friends, and the broader bowling community. Funeral details will be announced at a later date.