1924
2014
BRUCE E. MACBAIN, 89, OF FREDERICK Bruce E. MacBain, 89, born December 2, 1924, husband of the late Florence M. (Keegan) MacBain, of Perkiomenville, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at home in Frederick Living, with family at his side. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Ellsworth Angus MacBain and Elsie (Carlisle) MacBain. He is survived by brothers George MacBain, Auburn, California, Roger MacBain, The Villages, Florida, and Richard MacBain, Willow Grove; sons Alan B. MacBain and partner Lori Smythe, Trappe, Sean M. MacBain and wife Dawn E. MacBain, Red Hill; grandsons Timothy E. MacBain and wife Stephanie R. MacBain, Lansdale, and Kyle M. MacBain, Red Hill; and great granddaughters Kaitlin G. MacBain, and Ainsley E. MacBain, Lansdale. He lovingly dedicated much of his time to his family, who will miss him greatly. A graduate of the 1942 class of Upper Southhampton High School, he was active in sports along with his brothers. Due to a childhood bout with Rheumatic Fever, his induction into the military was prevented during the Second World War but he found a way to serve by working in the research and development arm of the Frankford Arsenal in Northeast Philadelphia testing recoilless weapons. A decision to pursue a career in journalism found him working in a variety of positions at many suburban Philadelphia newspapers, most notably The Hatboro Spirit. He then purchased a newspaper of his own serving as publisher, editor, reporter, photographer and printer of The Schwenksville Item from 1958 until February, 1990. During those thirty-two years he transformed the newspaper from hot lead typesetting to offset printing and marked the paper's 100th Anniversary. The newspaper reported all the news and political intrigue of the region and excelled at high school sports coverage. Anyone who was a student of Schwenksville or Perkiomen Valley High Schools between 1958 and 1990 most probably had their name or photograph in The Item at one time or another. The Item was also an early champion of The Philadelphia Folk Festival and was integral in helping to secure its current home in Upper Salford Township. The now nationally recognized event was initially frowned upon by most local residents fearing it might bring an undesirable element into the community. He foresaw the upside and potential of bringing The Folk Festival to the area and helped to convince the community to welcome it's presence. The Philadelphia Folk Festival has thrived and become a reliable commercial draw to the area and is a major fundraising source for local volunteer fire companies. He was a strong advocate of the Lower Frederick Regional Ambulance and member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Washington Camp 387 of Schwenksville. He was a strong proponent of the Borough of Schwenksville and the quaint, rural features the town and its people had to offer. Being an advocate of education, he not only reported on the conglomeration of the Schwenksville Area School District and the Collegeville-Trappe School District into the Perkiomen Valley School District in 1970, he became a member of the Board of School Directors of the district, and was elected to serve as the President of the Board of School Directors of the district. Not bad for someone who started out as a school custodian at the same high school from which he had recently graduated. He was a dedicated dog trainer of such skill and effectiveness that he routinely spent his afternoons strolling through the neighborhood, in Perkiomenville, returning newspapers that were collected that morning by the ever faithful schnauzer, Binky. Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by sisters Amy MacBain and Lois Durant, a brother Dale MacBain, and son Stephen Carlisle MacBain. The MacBain family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at the Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc., 21 Main Street, Trappe, from 10 a.m. until 11:15 a.m., when a service by the Patriotic Order Sons of America will be held. A graveside service by Rev. Bradley Mellon, Frederick Living, will follow in Schwenksville Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Schwenksville. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to the Perkiomen Valley School District Foundation, 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA 19426.
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With deepest sympathy from Dorothy, Deborah, and Paula Sheetz. A well-lived life, filled with many accomplishments - Mr. MacBain's legacy in the Schwenksville Item is only one of his many accomplishments. He will be greatly missed.
Sheetz Family
August 13, 2014
My prays to Macbain family. Knowing your father was a beautiful thing as he was loved by so many and has touch my heart.
David Yoder
August 13, 2014
Alan and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always have fond memories of your father from our childhood.
Cindi Albright Patrick
August 9, 2014
Alan
Always has fond memories of your Dad and our political discussions over the years of his ownership of the Item. Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family during this time of mourning.
Arthur & Millicent King
Pocono Summit, PA
August 9, 2014
A truer gentleman shall never have lived. Bruce was warm and endearing and always full of humorous anecdotes and tales of whimsy. Great man you were Bruce. Rest easy
John Scioli
August 8, 2014
What a great man. Took such pride in his work and we read it religiously!
Jen (Maliken) Anderson
August 8, 2014
Alan and family, I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad. May God bless him and help you and your family as you mourn your loss.
kathy Cronin
August 8, 2014
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