Tribute: Don Macmillan hailed as a leading expert in the field of farm machinery

For millions of John Deere farm machinery enthusiasts world-wide Don Macmillan, of Devizes, who has died, aged 93, was a walking encyclopaedia.
The American firm appointed Mr Macmillan its first UK dealer in 1958, and in retirement he wrote a number of books on the company’s history and products, becoming recognised as the world’s foremost authority.
In his home town he is remembered for his community service, especially in helping to set up The Crown Centre, a meeting place for adults which serves meals. The centre was established in 1971, and Mr Macmillan had continued to be involved. At the time of his death he was the centre’s president.
Sam Wilson, manager of The Crown Centre, said: "Don was a wonderful man and a proper gentleman. He took a keen interest in The Crown Centre and was a fantastic boss.

"He was part of something that provides an accessible place for everyone to meet, have a drink or a meal."
He was also involved with Devizes Rotary Club, serving as president and a district governor.
Mr Macmillan, who received a Civic Award from Devizes Town Council in 2008 for his services to the community, was also well-known for his sense of style, often wearing a deer-stalker.
Born in 1919 in the Home Counties, he first used a John Deere Model AR tractor before the Second World War. During the war he bought a tractor and plough to work for the Agriculture Executive Committee, and moved around the South West looking for land to work, eventually settling in Wiltshire.
He had so much work that he ordered a new John Deere which arrived in 1943, and his business went from strength to strength. In 1947, at a time when many farmers were still using horse power, he had eight combines and three pick-up balers, and four John Deere tractors.
In 1947 he was invited to visit the John Deere factory in the United States, and the ground-breaking dealership followed 11 years later.
His books, some written in partnership, included an official history of the company, several volumes of John Deere Tractors and Equipment and titles such as The Big Book of John Deere Tractors, The Field Guide and The Encyclopedia, which was published in 2007.
Mr Macmillan was a member of the Institute of Agricultural Engineers for 65 years, becoming a Fellow in 2001 and receiving a Contribution to the Landbased Sector award in 2009.
Peter Leech, who has recently retired from his role as John Deere’s regional training manager Europe said: "I have known Don since the early 70s when I was a boy and he was a successful businessman. The first time I met him I was sent down to Devizes with some parts and I was enormously impressed because he had a huge office and a hands-free phone, which was almost unheard of – it was almost as big as a brick – and he had all the time in the world to talk to the new boy and advise him."
Mr Macmillan was also a keen cricket follower. Chris Biddle, editor of Service Dealer, said: "I often used to bump into Don in the Long Room at Lord’s, sat up in one of the high stools, when we would ‘chew-the-cud’ about the state of the game, the state of the industry or the state of the country."
Mr Macmillan and his wife, Bunny, lived in Etchilhampton for more than 60 years before moving to The Ark, Devizes, last year. He had three sons, Craig, Bruce and Ian, and three grandchildren, Nadda, Michael and Laura.
A thanksgiving service will be held at St John’s Church, Devizes at 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday). Further details John Stuart Funeral Directors 01380 723883.

source: southwestbusiness