Proud member of the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society
In Memory of our beloved Scottish Cultural Society Celts that have passed on.
Robert (boB) Bruce Cameron
1947 - 2021
Robert Bruce Cameron was born February 15, 1947, and died on October 9, 2021. "boB", as he was affectionately known, was Vice-President of the Scottish Cultural Society of St. Petersburg and was actively involved in a number of Scottish organizations in the Tampa Bay area, including the Scottish American Club of Dunedin. He was also active on the national scene. He actively campaigned to make Tartan Week an annual celebration in April in Tampa Bay and throughout the country.
boB was a gifted teacher, both in the classroom where he shared his experience and expertise in business practices and with the general public where he shared his pride and background of his Scottish heritage.
boB had an infectious personality and a great sense of humor. He was a great story teller and had a joke to share on almost any topic. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by Lisa Godfrey, his great love of recent years.
JEFFERY WILLIAM STROUP 1951 – 2011
We are so very sorry to let you know that our beloved friend and long-time member, Jeff Stroup, passed away very unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 28, 2011. For nearly every Folk Fair since the beginning, Jeff played his fiddle on stage, at our tent, and all around the Folk Fair village, and he always marched in the parade with us. Jeff came to all of our society meetings and loyally supported all of our endeavors. He performed for us at many of our meetings and at the various community programs we participated in, and he graciously fiddled the dance music for our Scottish Country dancers. Since Jeff had no family and since he has been associated with our Scottish Cultural Society for so many, many years, he always said that he considered us to be his “adopted” family.
Jeff’s wonderful musical talents and gentle, caring ways were very much appreciated by all of us, he was much loved, and he will be very sorely missed.
A memorial service for Jeff at A Life Tribute Funeral Care
716 Seminole Boulevard Largo, Florida on Wednesday, October 19th, at 2:00 p.m.
Donations may still be made in Jeff’s memory the Scottish Cultural Society of St. Petersburg, Inc. or SPIFFS.
DEBORAH BOW 1956 - 2014
It is with a sad heart we tell you of Debi's passing. Thursday, July 3, 2014.
Born July 4, 1956 in Alden, NY to Richard and Violet Wery. Debi was the mother of two children, Amanda Reichert and Tommy Bow and was a kind and loving grandmother known as Grammy Debi to her 5 grandchildren, Jacob, Ashley, Eva, Luka, and Olivia, and soon to be baby, Mika.
Debi is survived by her four brothers and one sister, and was predeceased by her mother and father, Richard and Violet Wery. Debi loved her family and friends and was loved by everyone who ever met her. She was always upbeat, kind, generous and was known for her contagious smile. Debi
always said food was love and it fed hearts and souls; it was what brought people together. Debi was actively involved
in the Scottish Cultural Society and the Friends of Florida Folk. In Debi's honor, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
of Saint Petersburg. For additional information on donations, please visit the Saint Vincent de Paul website:
She would be happy to know that even after she's gone,
her love to feed people carries on.
Memorial Service - Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 1pm at
First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive NE,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
HARVEY "MIKE"
MICHAEL HAINES
1954 - 2013
Born in St. Petersburg, Fl. Mike is survived by his wife Louise "Goody" Haines, his brothers Patrick Haines of
St. Pete and Robert Haines, and his wife Betty of
Lake Wales Fl.
He also leaves behind his stepson Zach Johnson and additional grand and
great-grandchildren in Florida and Arizona that love their Poppy Mike.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved sharing his knowledge of the land and of his building expertise with everyone.
Mike was a wonderful part of the Scottish Society, at its SPIFFS events, as a behind the scenes-git r' done guy... helping with tent
set-up and especially teaching the school children about some
of the weaponry on display.
A hardworking man with a tender soul, a big heart and a
deep pride of both... his Celtic and his Native American heritage.
PATRICIA
"PATTY" WILSON
1940 - 2016
It is with a very sad heart that we tell you about the death of our very dear and long-time friend, Patty (Wee Patty) Wilson, on Monday, June 27, 2016. Patricia was born on July 19, 1940.
Patty was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to a Scottish Mum and an Irish Dad, so she loved all things Celtic!!! Patty was one of the founding members of our Scottish Cultural Society of
St. Petersburg, Inc., and she has worked at more than 30 annual Folk Fairs helping to run our Scottish tent.
She was a talented and lovely Scottish Country dancer and, for many years, she was member of our Scottish Country Dance demo team. She performed with our dance team at numerous Folk Fairs, schools, nursing homes, and at various other events. She was so fun, a very devoted and loyal friend, and a little red-headed wild child!!!
She so loved to sing and dance and was always up for an adventure, no matter how “madcap” it was!
Patty was always very active with our Scottish society, was elected our “Person of the Year” in 2007, and for many years hosted our group meetings at her Club House there at Golden Gate Mobile Home Park where she lived. As many of you know, the last few years have been very challenging for Patty, as she has been coping with a number of medical issues.
Patty’s son, Jason, has come from Edinburgh, and a memorial service will be held for Patty on Sunday, July 3rd, at 3:00 p.m. at the Golden Gate Mobile Home Park Club House,
8201 – 40th Street North, Pinellas Park, Florida 33781
We will so miss Patty’s bright smile, her humor, her stories, and seeing Scotland through her eyes. We hope that you can come on Sunday, wear your tartans, share your memories of Patty, and celebrate Patty’s life with us!
GAIL HEBERT
1942 - 2019
and
JOE HEBERT
1936 - 2019
Gail L. Hebert, 77, of St. Petersburg, FL died on July 19th at Suncoast Hospice in Bayfront Hospital. Gail was born in Putnam, CT on April 29, 1942 of the late Arthur and Orina (Coty) Boisclair. She married Joe Hebert on June 17, 1961 and were happily
married for 58 years.
Gail was preceded in death by her late-husband Joe, by 2 weeks, her parents, and brother Gordon. Gail and Joe are survived by their loving family, Joe’s brothers John and Simon, and Gail’s brother Bruce, their sons Jay, Rick, and Marc and their wives Marybeth, Beth, and Shawn, 3-grand-daughters and
4-great-grand-children.
Both Gail and Joe were veterans of the US Air Force and served proudly and honorably. Joe was a 20-year veteran and served from 1956 until he retired in 1976 at the rank of Master Sergeant, Gail was an Airman Second-Class and served from 1960-61. They were wonderful parents that were actively involved in their son’s lives as well as the community. Both Joe and Gail were loved by everyone that knew them and will be missed.
Gail was part of the Scottish Cultural Society of St. Peterburg for
a number of years. During this time she was the Communications Officer for the club. She volunteered at many a SPIFFS fair with the SCS to help share the knowledge of Scottish culture.
Gail was also an officer and active member of the DIsston Heights Neighborhood Association. She had also been a part of the Republican Party in Pinellas.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the St. Petersburg Community Church at 4501 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Ceremonies to celebrate and remember their lives will be arranged by Veterans Funeral Care. Church service, officiated by Pastor Ken Rico, is scheduled at St. Petersburg Community Church on Friday August 2nd at 9:00am.
Interment ceremony with full military honors will follow at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 11:00am. All who ever enjoyed the privilege of knowing them both are invited to attend. VeteransFuneralCare.com
I. MAC PERRY
"MAC"
1940 - 2016
Mac Perry was born on May 18, 1940 and died October 7, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and those who have been touched by his music, art, writing, interest
in archeology, and knowledge about horticulture and
regional history.
Mac grew up in Norfolk, VA and joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school. He was a percussionist in the U.S. Navy Band and served with the Admiral's Fleet on the U.S.S. Forrestal for four years. While serving in the Navy, Mac married Linda Faye Wilson, also of Norfolk. Following Naval service, Mac spent two years at Old Dominion College before transferring to Virginia Tech where he earned a B.S. Degree in Horticulture. After graduation Mac and Faye moved to Seminole, FL where Mac served as a County Agent in horticulture.
As they made new friends, Mac joined a Christian choral group, started his family, earned a Master's Degree in Religious Education, began his writing career, and started a lawn pest control business.
Mac's passion for music and love for the vibraphone, guitar, and Indian flutes lasted throughout his life. His interest in painting started during his undergraduate years and continued until his death. Mac's creative talents and diversified interests were gifts to many, and he won awards for his contributions in art and music. His paintings are cherished by residents of the East Coast, Midwest and beyond.
Mac published sixteen books on topics in religion, landscaping, regional history, archeological discovery, music, food, he also wrote historical fiction. At mid-career, Mac was awarded an honorary
Ph.D. in Literature.
His commitment to, and excitement about, regional history and native people arose from the discovery that their home was built over an Indian Mound and their neighborhood over the remains of an Indian village. Eager to share his research and knowledge, Mac built a replica Indian village in the front yard of their home to display how Indian inhabitants lived. The display included many tools used in daily life. Mac found great joy in providing tours of this outdoor museum.
Mac is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Linda Faye Perry; sons, Teague (Joanna) and Clay (Jessica); brother, Thomas Perry (Dawn); grandchildren, Marika, Jayde, Liam, Femke, and Nienke; nieces and nephews; friends in music, art, regional history, archeology, and members of the local chapter of the New World Celts. Mac was predeceased by his parents; brother, Samuel; and infant daughter, Nicole Suzanne.
The family feels deep gratitude for the exceptional medical care, love and compassion shown Mac, family, and friends by the medical and nursing staff of the Moffitt Cancer Center and the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Pinellas Park.
In lieu of flowers contributions to Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Pinellas Park in Mac's honor would be greatly appreciated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Published in the Tampa Bay Times on Oct. 16, 2016
GLADYS LILLIAN
CHERNECKY
1929 - 2019
Gladys Lillian Chernecky, 89 of Seminole, Florida, formerly
of Orange, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on
October 26, 2018. Gladys was the beloved wife of the late William Chernecky and daughter of the late Lillian Mckenzie Forrester and John Forrester. She graduated from Bay Ridge High School in Brooklyn, New York. She received a B.S. degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. She was a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). She worked at Yale-New Haven Hospital and later at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
She also worked at her son's insurance office of Shield Insurance of Tampa Bay where she was a licensed agent.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks & was also a member of the Congregation Ohr Chadash Synagogue.
Gladys was a proud member of the
Scottish Cultural Society of St. Petersburg.
Her grandparents were both sea captains, the Forresters from the Clyde-Mallory Lines and the Mckenzies from the Cunard Lines. Gladys loved being by the water and also adored her father John Forrester. He was the union president of the New York City maintenance workers for 30 years. He was also a pioneer of the labor movement in the United States along with being president of the New York State Democratic party for 6 years.
She lost her mother Lillian when she was 8 years old and dearly missed her throughout her life. She is survived by her three loving children, Dr. William Chernecky of Seminole, Gordon Chernecky of Seminole and Gail Rehka of Largo, two loving grandchildren Holley Lawson of Tampa, and Heather Rehka of Largo, and two loving great-grandsons Landan and Liam Lawson.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774 on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. A Visitation will commence at 4:00 pm with the Funeral Service following at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be take place afterwards there at the church cemetery, with a reception to follow.
https://veteransfuneralcare.com/obituary/gladys-lillian-chernecky
Mark MacNEILL
1929 - 2021
Mark MacNEILL, 92, passed away on October 24, 2021. He was born in Somerville, Massachusetts in 1929. He graduated from Boston University and worked in Massachusetts and Florida tracking space satellites. He moved to St. Petersburg in 1973 and worked as a cartographer, drawing maps of towns and cities in Florida.
Mark was very proud of his Scottish heritage and his MacNeill Clan. He was an accomplished poet and published his poems for the Galley and the MacNeill Clan Magazine. He was recently awarded the MacNeill Order of Merit for his contributions.
He and his wife of 49 years, Cheryl, have been long-time members of the Scottish Cultural Society of St. Petersburg. At the November meeting of the SCS Karalee Bidwell gave a moving tribute to Mark and his involvement with his Scottish heritage.
Boston