Harry Buck Mcalister

Preceded by his parents, Robert McAlister and Catherine Watson Porter McAlister, brothers, Robert (Bobby), Peter and sisters Betsy, Helen, Kitty and Patty, and his wife of 33 years Carolyn Mary Boulter McAlister.

Harry is survived by his five children - Ann C. McAlister (Skochdopole), Andrew R. McAlister (wife Erin Quigley), Mark L. McAlister, Sarah J. McAlister (husband Shawn McRoberts), Ian L. McAlister, (wife Carolyn) and grandchildren, Nathan and Amy Skochdopole, Marinna and Megan Quigley-McAlister, Alexandria and Nicholas McAlister, Andrew and Kate McRoberts, Madeline and Jackson McAlister, and second wife of 27 years M. Diane Linscott McAlister.

Harry was born in Dumbarton, Scotland where he learned the maritime business while working in his family’s boat building business R. McAlister & Sons.  He moved from Scotland to Canada, and then the family immigrated to the USA.  First to Portland, ME and later to Seattle, WA where Harry lived for 50+ years.

Harry enjoyed a long and successful maritime career - a fitting legacy to his family’s shipbuilding business.  He worked for shipyards in Canada and the United States before becoming a consultant to the maritime industry, an expert witness, and member of the Maritime Arbitration Association.

Harry led his life with kindness, a mischievous sense of humor, and devotion to his family and friends. He was quick to offer a helping hand, and always a keen listener and student of life.  He touched many with his knowledge of both Scotland and the Pacific Northwest.

He led a full and rich life with many interests and passions.

His life’s wish was to promote and expand efforts to restore the independence of Scotland.  He gave generously to many Scottish organizations including The St. Andrews Society, Robert Burns Society, the Caledonian Society, and various Northwest Highland Games. He and his first wife Carol worked tirelessly to advance connections between US based Scottish organizations and Scotland creating and maintaining Scottish Connections a directory of US based Scottish organization and affiliations to perpetuate ties to the Scottish culture. Harry and Diane continued to maintain and expand the Scottish Directory which was recognized as the premier source for “who is who” for Scottish connections.

Harry will be remembered during a funeral Mass at Saint Leo’s Catholic Church, 701 South 13th St., Tacoma, WA on June 6th at 12:00/noon.  (Address:  701 South 13th Street (on Yakima St.), Tacoma, WA.).

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation to the Scottish Independence Fund(www.SIF.scot) in Harry’s memory be considered.  DONATE | Scottish Independence Foundation (sif.scot)