Obituary of Arch McLaren

McLAREN: Archibald (Arch) Donald. A resident of Ridgetown, Archibald (Arch) Donald McLaren passed away on Sunday May 20, 2007 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus at the age of 74 following a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma (cancer). Born in Chatham, Ontario, son of the late Donald R. and Mary Ellen (Edge) McLaren. Beloved husband of Anita Elaine (Wright) McLaren with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Dear father of Donald and Linda McLaren of Highgate, Barb and Eric Denotter of Kingsville, and Doug and Lara McLaren of Charlotte NC. Much loved Grandpa of Jim, Sheila and Michelle McLaren and Sarah and Christine Denotter. Brother of the late Isabelle McLaren (2003). Arch was a Member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Ridgetown where he also served as Elder, Sunday School Superintendant and Clerk of Session. He graduated from the University of Guelph (OAC Class of ’55) with a BSc in Agriculture and completed his Masters in 1964. Hired in 1957, he was employed at the RCAT (now known as the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus) and worked in various capacities, including instructor, extension specialist and Head of Field Crops. 17 years as Secretary of the Ontario Corn Committee and also a term as the Chair of the Ontario Field Crops Research Committee helped to satisfy his interest in scientific method and computer aided data analysis. He was a founding member of the Ridgetown Curling Club and a director of the Ridgetown Senior Centre. After retiring in 1990, he continued to enjoy curling, bridge and time at the farm and also took up golfing, geneology and travel. The McLaren Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main St. E., Ridgetown, on Wednesday May 23, 2007 from 2:00-4:30 p.m, and 7:00–9:00 p.m. Funeral Service at the Funeral Home on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Brad Watson officiating. Interment in Duart Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made (in lieu of flowers) to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141.