William M. McLean

When I am gone, release me; let me go

I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears;

be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love – you can only guess

how much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown;

but now, it is time I travelled on alone.

So, grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.

then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

so bless the memories with your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on;

so, if you need me, call, and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me I’ll be near,

and if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

all of my love around you soft and dear,

and then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and wave,

“Welcome Home”

Son, Brother, Uncle, Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather, Dad was born in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan on Ground Hog Day, 1920 to George Elmer McLean and Frances Florence McLean (nee Wamsley).

The fifth child in a family of seven (six boys and one girl), Dad grew up with older brothers George, Ralph (Mac), Emmett, Douglas (Doug) and younger brother James (Jim) and sister Beaulah (twins). Dad was the last remaining member of his generation when he passed

Eventually the family relocated to Fork River, Manitoba where Dad spent his formative years. His time in Fork River was spent on the family farm with the 1937-38 academic year spent at the Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire. He attended along with brother Doug, thanks to the efforts of Aunt Bessie in Boston.

Enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in October, 1939 Dad served 6 years in the RCN and was honorably discharged as a Chief Petty Officer in June, 1945. Dad was always proud of his service but as with so many of his generation spoke little of the war. Those stories that did emerge were of life aboard ship, things witnessed during his travels or those few light moments that were few and far between. Dad was thankful to return home safely after 42 crossings of the North Atlantic notorious for its harsh weather and sea conditions.

After the secession of the War in Europe, Dad was home on leave before being redeployed to the Pacific theatre of War. While sitting in a barber chair in Winnipeg the news came through on the radio that Japan had surrendered allowing Dad to carry on with civilian life.

Dad married Mom on June 12, 1945 in Winnipeg, Manitoba with Uncle Doug and Aunty Elsie as witnesses. With his War Service Gratuity & the support of the Veteran’s Land Act, Mom & Dad bought a farm and settled in Whitemouth. Dad always told the story of putting in their first crop of barley and it being grading as malting quality. A grain car load shipped to Winnipeg established them as farmers.

Dad tried many vocations during his life time: farming, heavy construction, operating a saw mill, trucking, trapping, commercial fishing, plumbing and finally becoming an electrician.

Dad was a lifetime member of Ophir Lodge and served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1962. In addition Dad was an active member of the Shriners.

Dad & Mom raised two children Valerie & Darrell and grandchildren and great-grand children followed in time. With the pending completion of the Atomic Energy of Canada facility in Pinawa, Dad & Mom relocated to Prince George where he was employed by British Columbia Hydro working throughout northern B.C.

Prince George was followed by a transfer to the B.C. Hydro, John Hart - Generating Station in Campbell River and eventual retirement to Victoria. Dad always cautioned that he had waited too long before he retired but spent many a happy hour on Darrell’s hobby farm in Victoria, travelling in their motorhome visiting family & friends or looking out their living room window at the Pacific Ocean.

Dad and Mom experienced many changes during their 72 years of marriage but one constant was Dad’s love and support of his family.

The Naval Hymn

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd’s the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep:

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

Oh Christ, whose voice the waters heard,

And hushed their raging at Thy Word,

And walkest on the foaming deep,

And calm amid the storm didst sleep:

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

Oh Holy Spirit, who didst brood

Upon the waters dark and rude,

And bid their angry tumult cease

And give, for wild confusion, peace:

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power

Our brethren shield in danger`s hour

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them wheresoe`er they go:

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.