Hilary Susan MacEwen (13 Mar 1947 - 17 Nov 2023)

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HilaryCancer Research UK, Central Fund

£1,694.20 + Gift Aid of £323.75
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Location
The Canalside Marsh Lane Bridgwater TA6 6LQ
Date
5th Dec 2023
Time
2pm
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Location
Taunton Deane Crematorium Wellington New Road Taunton TA1 5NE
Date
5th Dec 2023
Time
10.40am

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The Crematorium service will be a short service for family and for people who would like to be there, the celebration service will be at The Canalside (Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6LQ) at 14:00. If you are attending the Canalside and you use what3words hammer.transit.ruled

In loving memory of Hilary Susan MacEwen who sadly passed away on 17th November 2023

Beloved Wife of Alastair, mum to Mark & Ross. Grandmother of Lily and Jay. Sister of Andrew and Tim.

Hilary was loved by family and friends and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Born in Farnham Surrey in 1947, she moved to London in the swinging sixties working for the Sunday Times and then moving into advertising. Here she met her husband Alastair, who was to become a wildlife filmmaker. Their marriage in 1976 would last over 50 years.

She had many adventures over her life such as unexpected snakes in Malaysia, travelling across Brazil, living on a houseboat on the Rio Negro and coast to coasting on the Greyhound across America with two young children in tow. She visited Africa many times living in camps on the Serengeti and on the edge of the Ngorongoro crater amongst the lions and other wildlife.

She worked as secretary of the IAWF for over 20 years as well as working for the Wildscreen film festival running workshops and corralling camera people.

She was financial officer for Alastair MacEwen Productions throughout this time while also bringing up two children.

Vicky singer donated in memory of Hilary

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Hilary. I shall miss our chats! Rest in Peace, Vicky xxxx

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Lesley Hickin donated in memory of Hilary

Alastair, Mark and Ross - very sad to learn of your loss, and we send you much sympathy and love.
Lesley, Catherine, Simon and Ruth Hickin

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Tim and Meira Kieft donated in memory of Hilary

In our fond memory Hilary.

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Jacky Lacey donated £20 in memory of Hilary

Thinking of you all. Xx

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Sarah & Peter Scott lit a candle
Herbert Kogler lit a candle
Mrs 07812077932 donated in memory of Hilary

A beautiful soul, kind, funny and bright. Shine on Hilary, you will be missed.

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Nadege Laici donated in memory of Hilary
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Simon Blakeney donated in memory of Hilary
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Kieran Neale is attending the reception
Luke Barnett is attending the funeral and the reception
Luke Barnett donated in memory of Hilary

Hilary was a matriarch to so many of us as we found our feet in the world of wildlife filming. Adventures with both Mark and Alistair have highlighted what an amazing woman she was. Love to all the family.

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Sarah Golding donated £40 in memory of Hilary

Hilary you will always be very fondly remembered, gone too soon you were such a warm lovely welcoming lady ,we hit it off straight away ,sending my deepest condolences to all your family ,it was a pleasure to have known you Hilary xx

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Mags Lightbody donated in memory of Hilary

Remembering Hilary's kindness to me starting out in the industry, so many years ago, shipping Alastair and then Mark out around the world. She was always kind, fun and considerate and am sure will be sorely missed by many. Alastair, Mark, Ross and family - sending so much love to you all x

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Patrick Morris donated in memory of Hilary

We will sorely miss you Hilary. Just loved our time together. Deepest sympathy to Alastair, Mark, Ross and all the family.

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David Spears is attending the funeral and the reception
David Spears wrote

Hilary MacEwan
I have known Hilary and Alastair for 45 years.
I went to work with Alastair at London Scientific Films when the company was in Great Portland Street.
I remember Hilary putting on a meal for the members of the little company in their home in south London. I always remember when Hils visited with Ross and Mark to the Bolsover street studios, when Ross’s way of introducing himself was a punch to the nether regions. It did earn him a bit of a slap!!
In later years, after leaving LSF, Hilary and I and several other camerapeople got together to form IAWFM, the International Association of Wildlife Film Makers. This was because of the unfair way we were being treated by broadcasters. I seem to remember travel payments being an issue. Hils was the secretary and helped and advised many young hopefuls in starting out in the industry.
Hilary and I were given the responsibility of working with an excellent representative from BECTU, the broadcast union, to negotiate with the BBC and we were successful in reaching the agreements camerapeople work with to this day.
Hilary helped Madeleine with searching the area for a house when we decided to move to Somerset because Mads had a job in Bristol. Hils found Rock House for us and I have lived here for 20 years. When Mads passed away 4 years ago this month, Hils and Alastair were wonderfully supportive with regular brew-ups at Staple Hill and many phone chats to keep the spirits up. I miss her very much.

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Kathryn Jeffs donated in memory of Hilary

Amazing funny strong and inspirational- thanks for being all that and more Hilary xxx

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Trish & Steve Lewis donated in memory of Hilary
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Trish & Steve Lewis wrote

Our thoughts and love to Alastair, Mark and Ross. Hilary will be missed all her knew her. We have wonderful memories of our times together.

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Huw Cordey donated £50 in memory of Hilary
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Jane Krish donated £100 in memory of Hilary

Sending much love to you all - how you must miss Hilary.
See you next Tuesday
Jane

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Martyn Colbeck donated £200 in memory of Hilary

Very sad news. A huge loss not only to Alastair, Mark, Ross and the whole family, but also to the wildlife film making community. I was lucky to have known Hilary for 43 years, ever since I first started in the industry. Hilary was a tireless and selfless supporter for all of us associated with making wildlife films. We will all miss her, her big smile and infectious giggle. Gone too soon. My thoughts are with Alastair, the boys and all the family. With love. Martyn

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Alison Taylor donated £20 in memory of Hilary
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Mark Nicol donated £30 in memory of Hilary

So sorry to hear of your loss. When I started at Wellington School and became friends with Ross, Hilary warmly welcomed me into their home. I have fond memories of the times spent playing “Walkman Karaoke” and eating delicious home cooked meals. My thoughts are with Ross, Mark and Alistair at this difficult time.

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Sarah Wade donated £20 in memory of Hilary

Thinking of you all at this sad time and sending much love and strength. Sarah & Mark xx

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James MacEwen wrote

Dearest Hilary, beloved sister-in -law, Thank you for all the years you gave of so much love & laughter.
I was always in awe of how. you managed to organise Alastair's trips , look after Mark & Ross, a menagerie of animals & yet havre time to work.
A truly special person who will be greatly missed.
Thoughts & love to Alastair, Mark & Ross

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Rosie Thomas donated in memory of Hilary
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Sean Russell Morris donated £300 in memory of Hilary

Hilary achieved so much, for so many. A true hero.

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Janice and Richard Beatty donated £30 in memory of Hilary
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