Thomas M. McLean

Thomas McLean, also affectionately known as “ Tom”, “Leggings'', or “Mackey” was our Father, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, Partner, Grandfather, and Friend. Tom entered this life on December 22, 1942, to proud parents, Lillian and Edmund Mclean in Lincoln, Manchester, Jamaica.

He was the fifth of his seven siblings, born into a God-fearing devout Moravian family. Tom attended Fairfield Basic and All-Age School. He enjoyed sharing stories about playing on the school grounds, the adventures of walking to and from school, and sharing meals with his brothers and sisters. Tom had an active spirit and upheld himself as an honorable man. He was a jokester, an insightful listener, and an ultimate role model. As driven as Tom was he was also kind with an infectious aura to him.

He lived in Jamaica for the first 42 years of his life. In1968, he married a beautiful young lady named Dyona Sutherland and they shared in the birth of two lovely children, LaFerne and Dale. As a proud police officer, he served for over 20 years in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, between 1962 and 1984. His highest ranking was Inspector of Police. In his field, others commended Tom for his superb ability to train policemen, manage operations, and delegate roles. He took great pride in working with the Jamaican Government to bridge relationships with other governments. His career extended beyond his hometown, whilst work travels ventured him to London’s Buckingham Palace and Cuba, escorting royalty and heads of government. Ironically, Tom was scheduled for an executive interview for Superintendent of Police, on the day he was migrating to the United States Of America. When he was informed that he was a strong contender for the position, he chose family promotion over the job and migrated to the United States Of America.

In 1984, he relocated with his family to Miami, Florida. He was employed at a number of locations specializing in law enforcement, including directorship roles at the Jefferson Bank and Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Tom decided to retire in the year 2010, closing out his impressive career that demanded rigorous training and sacrifices manifested in 48 years of hard work.

In his career, he earned accolades such as nominations for the Greater Miami Hotel Association Innkeeper Award for the years of 2001 and 2010.

Later in his life, he found love again with his loving partner of twenty -two years, Patricia Jones with whom he indulged his sunset years traveling, developing a love for activities such as tennis and dancing. Tom refined his at-home culinary skills, most times with his Signature Family Time Jerk Chicken.

Tom enjoyed the gift of gab with loving brothers and sisters. There were many loving moments of fellowship over dinner rounded off with hours of long talks. There’s a saying we have in our family “What’s said at the dining table, stays at the dining table.”

He always found time to spend with his grandchild Lily: bike riding, trick or treating, swimming, eating, and long weekend stays filled with love. He shared holidays, important life lessons, and many nights watching game shows and sports, such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, tennis matches, and football games (Go Miami Dolphins).

Now it is time for Tom to rest, he will now lay down his burden and sleep eternally.

Tom is survived by his children, Laferne Mclean-Cross and Dale McLean, his loving partner Patricia Jones and extended daughters Cynthia, Crystal, and Cheryll. His sisters and brothers, Carlton Mclean, Joy McLean, Constance McLean, Dudley McLean, Joan Keizs (McLean), Doreen Spence ( McLean), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends near and far. Tom leaves them to cherish his memory and everlasting impact on us all. We will surely miss him and he will be in our hearts for eternity.