Loud Memorial Raglan - August 22nd 23rd
On Monday 22 August a Community memorial service was held at 11 am at the Raglan Town Hall for
Loud (Lord Robert James MacLeod). There was a welcome Karanga/Mihi/Karakia/Wiata.
Guests were then welcomed by Dagy, celebrant for the service. Wellspread gave an excellent eulogy.
Other tributes followed from family, Raglan Community Board, Waikato District Council, Raglan
Volunteer Fire Brigade, Raglan Lions and Dagy for H3. Loud was piped out to the tune Amazing
Grace. Following the service attendees moved across the road for a wake at the Raglan Club where
many memories and tales were told.
On Tuesday 23 August Loud’s memorial hash run set by hare, Humpy, began at 11am at the Raglan
Camp Ground soccer field. A collection of many veteran hashers from around NZ assembled to
accompany Loud on his final hash run. The trail commenced through Raglan Domain, across the Te
Kopua channel via the Papahua footbridge, and continued past places associated to Loud, including
Raglan Volunteer Fire Station for our first check, before continuing to the second at Raglan Town
Hall. The pack slightly diminished as we climbed to view Raglan harbour and bar (the sand bar across
the harbour entrance and not the tavern variety) before descending to navigate the Kaitoke walkway
past Raglan Area School (where the experienced pack provided expert advice to students on how to
slide down a soapy slide). A third check and PS, was made along the walkway with a view over the
inlet to the MacLeod residence. It was On Home to their abode from there. The circle and fines
followed and a few wee drams in tribute were also downed. His casket was placed in a coffin, built
by Short Planks and Dagy, together with the ashes of both his canine mates, Tammy and Maxi, who
had gone before. Also included were the consumed whisky bottle and hash memorabilia including
his mug and MacLeod hash kilt. The signed lid was secured, a nip of very special single malt
Chieftains MacLeod whisky was drunk to his memory and he was laid to rest in the garden under the
avocado tree. A BBQ followed with many memories and tales told. A great send off for a great
hasher.
On On Loud to join that hash pack in the sky.