THE Katherine Historical Society has joined the greater community in mourning the death of a “visionary” former president credited with making the town’s museum the success it is today.
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Long-time Katherine resident John “Mac” MacNamara, 79, lost his fight against ill health in the early hours of September 13, paving the way for a tsunami of tributes to a man who always put his family and his community before himself.
Mr MacNamara was a successful entrepreneur but Katherine Museum manager and curator Simmone Croft said it was his dedication to the facility that she believed left the greatest mark.
“He was president of the historical society for about 22 years,” she said.
“He was very hands-on and was here every day without fail.
“Even after he stopped his presidency in March, he was always here, even it if was just for a cuppa.
“He was a great mentor.”
Mrs Croft said Mr MacNamara was a “visionary” who, along with his wife, Iris, turned the museum around.
“Two major achievements for him at the museum were the community gardens and to see the Clyde Fenton Gypsy Moth secured into a decent shed,” she explained.
“The museum has gone ahead because of him.”