Obituary of John Lachlan MacLean

MACLEAN: John Lachlan “Lach”. It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing, at the Nephrology Unit of London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Campus, on Saturday May 16, 2009, of John Lachlan MacLean in Blenheim, in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Barbara Weir (Fraleigh) MacLean. Survived by his devoted children Deborah and her husband Robert Brine, of London; Heather (deceased) and her husband Frederick Meek of London; Ian and his wife Mara Sperandio, of Vancouver; and Stephanie and her husband Ralph Romano, of Blenheim. Also survived by his loving grandchildren, Meggan Brine, Cameron and Fiona Meek, Nicolas MacLean, Sophia MacLean, Clara and Eric Romano. He will be sadly missed by his sister Phyllis Mary Nelson and her husband William of Peterborough; as well as several nieces and nephews. Lachlan was born in 1924, in Sarnia Ontario, son of the late Charles E. MacLean and the late Effie Isabel (Sutherland) MacLean. He served with the World War II Royal Canadian Air Force (1943 – 1945) and was in the R.C.A.F. reserve (1968-1972). Lach was a member of Branch 185, Royal Canadian Legion, Blenheim. Lach held an Honour B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Western Ontario and was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity. He worked in marketing for the Ford Motor Company of Canada followed by the managership of a family music and appliance business in Sarnia. For twenty five years he was a highly respected business studies educator and served as Director of Business Studies at Blenheim District High School. Lachlan was always active in professional organizations both locally and provincially and was instrumental in developing new curriculum for business courses and cooperative education. An avid sportsman, he curled and golfed at many clubs in Western Ontario. He served as past president of the Golden Acres Curling Club and was a past chairman of trustees at the Blenheim Community Golf Club. Lachlan was a member of the Blenheim Rotary Club for over 30 years; he served as past president, in 1978 and was made a Paul Harris Fellow. A long-time supporter of the CNIB he served as the founding chairperson of the Essex-Kent Advisory Board. He contributed his time to several municipal committees as well as service foundations. A supporter of Blenheim United Church, he was an elder and former Clerk of session, as well as a trustee. Throughout his career music played a major role in Lach’s life. From his student days until very recently he entertained with his piano at hundreds of events either by himself or with small bands. Since his retirement, from teaching, in 1988 he played regularly at hospitals, retirement homes and charitable events throughout Essex and Kent. Most recently, Lach has shared his love of music with the community through his partnership in the band, TRIAD. A special thanks to the Nephrology and Dialysis Unit at the Victoria Campus for their compassionate and loving care. Family to receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Tuesday from 2:00–4:30 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. A Legion Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. and a Rotarian Tribute will take place at 8:15 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Blenheim United Church, 49 George Street, Blenheim at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. As per Lach’s wishes, cremation will follow and his cremated remains will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Donations made on behalf of Lach to the Kidney Foundation or the C.N.I.B. would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario (519)676-3451.