It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, papa, brother and husband, John Lawrence MacLean, age 76 of Northeast Mabou, who passed away peacefully on April 24th, 2023, while surrounded by his family.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marion MacLean; children, Deniese (Raymond) MacEachen, Mabou; Kyle (Robin) MacLean, Sudbury Ont.; Trevor (Erin) MacLean, Mabou; Alex MacLean, Pictou; Melinda (Jared) Crawford, Doctors Brook; Allister (Jacqueline) MacLean, Dartmouth; grandchildren Roddy, Laine, Alex Angus, Draper, Caylee, Nolan, Kaiden, Mardi, Cam, Mary Ellen, Harlee, Belle, Colin, Sadie, and Sally Mae; siblings, D.A. (Teresa) MacLean; Christina (Malcolm) Campbell; Dougald (Hughena) MacLean; Gerard MacLean; Jackie MacLean and Norman (Elsie) MacLean.
Predeceased by his parents, Alex Joe and Teresa MacLean; father and mother-in-law, Alex and Mary Anne MacNeil; brothers Joe and Allister MacLean; son, Draper MacLean; and grandson, Angus Crawford.
Dad was born in Mabou Coal Mines on February 10th, 1947, and shortly after his family moved to Northeast Mabou. He spent his early years fishing lobster, and at the age of nineteen moved to Sudbury Ontario where he spent several years working as a miner, got married and started a family. In 1975, Dad returned to Northeast Mabou to raise his family. For thirty-seven years Big John provided for his family by driving a milk truck for Scotsburn Dairy and developed lifelong friendships with his co-workers and the many farmers on his route.
Big John was a humble man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was his happiest with a house full of family and friends, on the water fishing lobster, boiling the catch in the “shed”, or waiting for Dougald to pull into town. He loved a good story, playing a trick or two, beating Donald at a game of cards, and having scotch music blaring from every device he owned. He was best known for his strong faith, his big heart, and his gentle way of making you feel welcome when or wherever he met you.
We would like to thank Dr. Egar, Dr. Ritter, Lori Ann, Inverness County Home Support and Continuing Care Nurses, and the nursing staff at ICMH for the excellent and compassionate care he received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society PO Box 610, Inverness Nova Scotia, BOE 1NO.
Visitation will take place Sunday April 30th from 2:00pm to 4:00 p.m., and 7:00pm to 9:00 p.m. in the vestry of St. Mary’s Church, Mabou. Funeral Mass to celebrate John’s life Monday May 1st at 2:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Church, Mabou with Fr. Dan MacDonald officiating, burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
