Obituary of George MacLean

George MacLean
Feb 4, 1920 - July 11, 2024

Soldier rest!  Thy warfare o’er
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking

Our old soldier sleeps.  George MacLean passed away peacefully, at his residence in Village on the Ridge, Ridgetown ON on Thursday, July 11, 2024.  His son and best friend, Bill, at his side.

George MacLean was born 104 years ago, in West Toronto, the 3rd child of Helen (Murdoch) and William MacLean.  For 59 years, he was married to his true love Dorothy (Air) (2006).  His siblings predeceased him:  William, of Toronto, ON, Lillian, of Edinburgh, Scotland and younger sister, Nora of Innisfill, ON.  Left behind to feel his absence is his only child, William (Bill) and daughter-in-law, June.  He is also survived by two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter.  He will be deeply missed by niece, Beverly Cavicchia (Elvio) and nephew, Brad McMullen (Marion).

George lived in and loved Toronto.  Soon after they were married in 1947, he and Dorothy lived with his mother for a brief time before purchasing their home on Durie Street, where he lived for almost 70 years.  George was a meticulous bookkeeper and continued to work part-time for his employer after retiring.  He was an avid Canadian stamp collector, kept physically fit by going to the gym several times a week, volunteered at the Family History library, as well as at Dorothy’s nursing home, and was a loyal Mason.

George became a member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada Regiment (Toronto) at the tender age of 18.  He was their longest-serving member, at the time of his death.  He loved the regiment, their traditions, parade life and served as their Sergeant Major for decades.  He was likely the most popular, particularly when he oversaw the payroll distribution.  He and Bill made a heart-warming visit to Appeldorn, The Netherlands in 2010, where the 48th Highlanders were honoured for their brave contribution at the 65th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.

George also served on the Warriors’ Day Parade Council for many years, and in 2016 was the Honourary Marshall of the parade, annually held on the first Saturday morning of the CNE.

George’s family would like to thank the amazing team at the Village on the Ridge, for their love and protection of George during his last year on earth.  They would also like to thank the nursing staff on CKHA’s 4th floor.  George had never had an overnight stay in a hospital until his final days and they all showed immense respect and care for him.

He lived to celebrate his 104th birthday, with his favourite drink in hand:  Rye and Ginger.  To honour this wonderful man, George’s family invites you to raise a glass, go to a parade with bagpipes, volunteer your time.  Just like George.

George has been cremated and there will be a private internment service for his immediate family in West Toronto.

A time of celebration and cheer with family and friends will happen on Friday July 26th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 136, 21 Charles St, Milton, ON L9T 2G5. 

In the coming weeks, an event will be held for George locally at the Red Barn in Blenheim, ON, please check back in to see more information about the time and day of the event.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
76 Main Street East, Ridgetown
519-674-3141