Robert Graham McLean

With heavy hearts, we sadly announce that Robert “Bob” Graham McLean died unexpectedly, on Friday, November 15, 2013. Bob is now resting peacefully after contracting double pneumonia while battling ALS-FTD. A loving and devoted family man, he is survived by his much loved wife of 48 years, Bonnie (nee Norrish); his cherished children Tammy McLean, Wendy (Brian) Knight, and Kevin (Alexis) McLean; his greatly adored grandchildren Ethan, Maya, Emilia, Brody and Scotty; his treasured twin sister Sheila (John) Sheppard and numerous other family members, pets and friends. Special thanks go to Doug Erickson, Lynda Nugent, Hailu and Hergie, four very special and compassionate friends.

Bob was born and raised in Montreal. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces and went to university under the Regular Officer Training Program. He earned his B.ED in Physical Education from McGill University in 1965, married the love of his life, Bonnie, and was posted to Calgary. While raising his family, he completed his military service and then worked 29 years in various roles in Human Resources at the City of Calgary. Bob went to work at Lee Valley, his favorite store, after retiring from the City of Calgary. An avid craftsman, he used this opportunity to “sneak” new tools into the house that he used to create wonderful things for his family.

Bob will forever be remembered as a gentle, gadget-loving, reserved, loving and loveable man with a wicked sense of humour. His family meant the world to him as he did to them. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

“Time for us to part now, we won't say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky.


Every waking moment, and all your whole life through


Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.


Just wish me to be near you, and I'll be there with you.”

From Look for me in Rainbows by Vicky Brown

Due to Bob’s wishes there will not be a formal service. The family has private memorial plans for the spring. Donations may be made in his memory to the ALS Society of Alberta, 250-4723 1st St. S W, Calgary, AB. T2G 4Y8. All donations in his name will help fund research on the C9orf72 ALS-FTD gene.