A statement from the Virginia Commissioner
Bill Yoder
Email: bill.yoder@gmail.com
My name is Bill (William McGown) Yoder and I am delighted to be the new Virginia State Commissioner for Clan Donald. I am descended from a hardy group of Jacobite refugees who established a Scots-Irish community in of the wilderness of Londonderry, New Hampshire in the early 1700s. I have been fascinated by my Scottish heritage since I was a child when my McGown grandparents presented me with a tie in the family (McDonald) tartan, after their pilgrimage to Scotland. For many years it was the only tie that I would consent to wear. I joined Clan Donald about five years ago, after meeting my lovely wife Lorry and discovering our mutual love for our Scottish heritage. Lorry is descended from many Virginia Scots, and her great-great grandfather was a McDonald who travelled to California to make his fortune during the gold rush in the 1840s.
It is a bit intimidating to step into Stan Darroch’s shoes as he moves up to assume the post of Regional Commissioner. Stan has been a solid and dependable presence in the role of Virginia State Commissioner for many years. I will try to make the transition as seamless as possible, and I will need help and support from all of you as I take on this role. Fortunately, Stan is not going anywhere; he will always remain a key part of the clan and we will continue to see him at all events.
I have found great joy and wonderful friendships in attending Clan events, and I look forward to getting to know all of you at future games, parades, and celebrations. We have a wonderful heritage that is well worth celebrating. I am eager to hear your ideas and suggestions, and I will support you in every way that I can. I look forward to joining you in clan activities, helping the clan to grow, and stewarding the clan so that it continues to be a place of fun, fellowship, and support for us all.