Services Dec. 28 for Hunter aide, former chamber leader who died in crash

Well-known Ramona resident Nelson Edward “Mac” MacWilliams was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Wildcat Canyon Road on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

A field representative for Congressman Duncan D. Hunter, MacWilliams was former executive director of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. A Navy veteran, he worked in a variety of areas for Hunter, but is most known for his role as an advocate for veterans. He also worked with the border patrol, fire victims and small businesses, serving as a liaison between the Congressman’s office and federal agencies.

MacWilliams, 54, frequently attended chamber ribbon cuttings for new businesses and new chamber members, presenting the owners with certificates from Hunter.

California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the collision, which occurred just south of Muth Valley Road about 1:20 p.m. CHP Officer Brian Pennings reported that MacWilliams was southbound on Wildcat Canyon Road in his 2004 black Ford F150 extra cab pickup truck when for an unknown reason the vehicle drifted off the right side of the roadway and collided with a rock embankment.

According to the CHP report, the vehicle went onto its left side wheels as it went back across the southbound and northbound lanes and landed upside down on the guardrail on the east side of the roadway, causing a significant amount of intrusion on the roof of the pickup. The vehicle came to rest on its roof blocking both lanes of traffic.

MacWilliams was the only person in the vehicle and no other vehicles were involved.

“As of right now we have no witnesses to the collision,” said Pennings.

There was no evidence of drugs or alcohol, said Pennings.

Emergency crews from Barona and Lakeside fire departments responded to the collision and pronounced MacWilliams dead at the scene.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; mother, Bertha MacWilliams, three brothers, four children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary, 321 12th St., with a gathering scheduled later at Ramona Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783, 2247 Kelly St.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations in his memory to Ramona VFW Post 3783. Checks may be made to VFW 3783 and brought to the VFW, Cheers of Ramona, Java Hut or the chamber office.