By RON LANE
IT WAS 1975, and for 18-year-old Donald McKill of the British Royal Marine Commandos, “it was very bloody cold.” Reason being, it was at that time he was based in the upper regions of Norway, undergoing artic warfare training. The Cold War was at its height, and it was unanimously accepted by military leaders that if the Russians were going to make a move through into Europe, it would come through that region.
“We lived out in the fields in snow holes from January through till the end of March and the temperature was known to hit -40 degrees. There were also Canadians, American and Dutch Marines. It was quite an experience.”
But for this young Scottish lad, he took it all in his stride for ever since he could remember this is what he wanted in life – to wear the coveted Green Beret of the British Royal Marines -the Commandos.
Of the 55 young men who enlisted, Donald was one of only 12 to complete the course.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1958 and educated at the highly regarded George Watson’s College, Donald McKill is a soft spoken person who has never been known to raise his voice. There is no need for his very presence is one of confidence and authority. By his own admission, the intense training both mental and physical, of the Commandos, not only molds their character but also stays with them for life.
After completing his time in the Marines which saw Donald serve many postings in the UK and overseas, he went to work on the North Sea oil rigs. Following this as a result of his military training, he worked in security in Kenya and Capetown, South Africa.
In 1984 he returned to Scotland and became self-employed when he took over the running of Lawson’s Timber.
During his time at Watsons College, Donald had played soccer and rugby union. “I had a real passion,” he said. “Anything with a ball and I would chase it.” However, it was the game of rugby that really took hold. Now after all these years, his love of the sport is indeed still a major part of his life.
Unfortunately his playing career was cut short in 1995. While playing for his home team Watsonians as front row, Donald was involved in a scrum collapse which was to result in a broken neck.
“I spent three weeks in hospital and this was followed by about three months of convalescing. However, I was lucky and made a full recovery; but heeding my doctor’s advice my playing days were over.”
Interesting to note that even during his time in Kenya and South Africa, such was his love of the game that he continued to play.
According to the magazine for former pupils of his college, Donald’s time at Lawson’s Timber’ ‘’resembled the United Nations of the rugby world with Kiwis, Aussies and Springboks as well as many Watsonians passing through the workshop.’’
It went on to say that training sessions he conducted at his local club became legendary.
It was during 1995 that Donald met Alison the lady who was in 1996 to become his wife and the mother of his three children, Charlie, Ellie and Zoe.
Donald’s love affair with Australia started when he visited in 2001 as a member of the British Lions Rugby Union Support Group. His next visit came in 2003 when he once again visited as a member of a British support group, this time for the Rugby World Cup. Not only did he visit Australia but also the tourist resort called Noosa Heads and as they say in the classics, “It was love at first sight.”
“I took one good hard look, saw it all and decided that this was where I wanted to live and raise my family.” Then in 2005 it became a reality and the McKills arrived in paradise.
On arrival, Donald started work as a personal trainer and his children were enrolled in Saint Andrews College. The children then joined the Noosa Nippers and following this Donald and Alison joined the senior club, thus making their involvement in surf lifesaving movement a full-on family affair. During the winter months, Donald continued his love of rugby by becoming a member of Noosa Dolphins along with his young son Charlie.
“It is a rather strange coincident, these club colours,” said Donald. “As you know in a proud club your colours are a much respected thing. Our colours at both the surf club and the Dolphins are maroon and white and so are the colours of my old rugby club back home.” And he added with a smile, “So are our Queensland football teams.”
On joining the surf club the parents quickly obtained their bronze medallions and since doing so their contribution has been outstanding. Both are patrolling members with Donald holding the position of patrol captain.
Away from patrols, he works as a fitness trainer, is a leader with the Noosa Seahorse Nippers, a group dedicated to helping children with special needs, and is now a member of the sponsors committee, one of the most important sub committees in the club. He is also a member of the highly successful Surf Education Group a body responsible, under the leadership of Greg McLaughlin, for taking Surf Life Saving into our schools.
His outstanding contribution to the club last year saw him being named the Club Person of the Year. And rightly so.
With the onset of the winter month, his commitments are directed with the same quite intensity into the world of rugby. However, it is in this area his work has not only been beneficial to rugby but also to the community at large.
It was through the efforts of this man that the touring British Lions and their support group were based in Noosa thus bringing national media attention to our community. Now because of his commitment to the sport he has been made a Liaison Officer for Australian Rugby; add to this his recent appointment to the position of vice- president of the Dolphins.
Last year the Noosa Surf Club gave its total support to another project in which Donald was a catalyst- the Battle Back Golf Tournament. This originated to assist disabled British servicemen wounded in service to their country, to visit Australia for a golf challenge against our wounded veterans. Not only an outstanding concept, but also a great success.
One thing that keeps this remarkable man active is his commando-type attitude to his fitness. Some time ago he took part in an Iron Man event in France that consisted of a 3.8kl swim, a 180km bike ride and finished with a 42km run.
It is this attitude of nothing is impossible and if properly approached anything is achievable, that has given us a man we can proudly say- is one of Our People.
