Ken McLachlan, a respected and dedicated figure in Queensland rifle shooting, passed away leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, and achievement in the sport he loved.

 

Ken’s passion for marksmanship began modestly in the bushland of undeveloped Cannon Hill, where as a young boy he first picked up a Daisy air rifle. That early enthusiasm developed into a lifelong commitment to shooting and mentoring others. As a Lance Corporal with the Army Cadets at Gregory Terrace College, he demonstrated early leadership and discipline that would define his later contributions.

 

𝗜𝗻 𝟭𝟵𝟱𝟲, 𝗞𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗦𝗟 𝗥𝗶𝗳𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 -a testament to his enduring commitment to building the shooting community. His legacy there is preserved, with his jacket pocket held in the Queensland Rifle Association (QRA) Museum. Over the decades, he was an active member of numerous clubs across Queensland, including Railway Frenchville, University of Queensland, Maryborough, Raglan, Pheasant Creek, and Monto Rifle Clubs.

 

A distinguished competitor, Ken achieved notable success on the range. He was the winner of the North Queensland Queen’s Prize in both 1973 and 1980, and in 1980 he was also named QRA Champion of Champions.

Ken’s influence extended well beyond his own shooting. He was deeply involved in coaching and development, contributing to every Queensland State Team from 1973 through 1986 in either a shooting or coaching capacity. In 1980, he coached the Under-25 Australian team on their tour to New Zealand. Alongside Eric Bubb, he helped initiate the Under-25 team events in 1978, shaping opportunities for younger generations of shooters. member of the Australian Team in 1979.

 

His service to the sport was further reflected in his role as a Zone representative and QRA Board Member.

𝗜𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟱 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗤𝗥𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

 

Ken McLachlan will be remembered as a passionate competitor, a generous mentor, and a tireless advocate for rifle shooting in Queensland and beyond. His legacy endures in the many lives he influenced and the strong sporting community he helped build.

 

As many of you would be aware Ken was the father of Margy Kerlin.

 

Our condolences to the family.