Peacefully at Sprucedale Care Centre, Strathroy on Monday November 7th, William (Bill) McLean, passed away in his 95th year. Bill lived most of his life on a farm outside of Glencoe where he raised his family alongside his beloved late wife Joyce (Humphries). Bill is survived by his 6 children: Carol (Mark) Rodgers, Ruth (Eric) Harland, Thom (Brenda) McLean, Joan (Doug) Dymock, Dave (Jill) McLean, and Janet (Steve) Jarrett; 11 Grandchildren: Derek (Chloe), Dan (Laura), Carley (Brian), Rachel, Alexis, Kyle (Laura), Cam, Liam, Riley, Tyler and Jordan; and 3 Great Grandchildren: Jase, Nash and Calvin; as well as his sister-in-law Jean (Haggitt) and a large extended family. He treasured family time more than anything in life. Predeceased by his mother and father, Percy and Florence McLean, his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Lois McLean, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Hilda Humphries. Bill lost his father when he was four years old, leaving him to learn from his grandfather for ten years, and to eventually take on the full family responsibilities at a very young age. Working on the family farm instilled hard working values and ingenuity. This work ethic and resourcefulness continued throughout his lifetime and he taught himself the operations of mixed farming, how to cook, how to operate a computer, how to research and enjoy the benefits of health food. The simplest pleasures in life brought joy to Bill. He loved a quiet evening tinkering on woodworking or painting, canoeing in his personally-hand-crafted-wooden canoe alongside the call of the loons, travelling all over North America in his 5th wheel trailer with his soulmate, Joyce, loading up the 11-passenger van with family and driving to Detroit Tigers baseball games (or listening to the game on the radio), gathering sap and making maple syrup in the sugar bush, or a good home-cooked meal. Bill had a warm welcoming smile for everyone he met. His personality drew people to him, enjoying his company. Bill’s quiet demeanour, kind and caring attitude, and infectious smile warmed your heart and immediately made you feel comfortable in his presence. Bill will be missed deeply by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of crossing his path throughout his life journey. Bill spent the last few years of his life at the Sprucedale Care Centre in Strathroy. A huge thank you to the staff and residents for their wonderful care, love and support. Following Bill’s wishes cremation has taken place. Inurnment will take at Oakland Cemetery, Glencoe and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Parkinson Canada or a charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bill McLean November 7 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Glencoe, Province: Ontario