It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad & grandpa, Donald McLean (72) of Saskatoon, Sk. He passed away quietly in his sleep at St. Paul’s Hospital, after a short but hard battle with Cancer on Friday January 27, 2023, at 1 am.
Donald James McLean was born on February 4, 1950, in Sudbury Ontario to Ruth Louise Smith and James William McLean. Don and his sister Bonnie were raised by their maternal grandparents Olive and Reggie Smith of Dafoe Sk. Donald grew up in and around the Dafoe/Wynyard area, going to Wynyard Elementary School until grade 8 at which time he left to help work on the family farm and go to trade school. At the age of 16 Donald would leave Dafoe and move to Saskatoon where he would get his Class 1A drivers’ licence and later his Chauffeur licence. In 1977 Don would meet Vicki Anne Hadubiak with whom he would marry in August 1981, and they have two daughters together. His first daughter Lisa Shann McLean born June 17, 1979, of Saskatoon, Sk and his second Pamela Dawn McLean born September 20, 1984, of Saskatoon, Sk. After 5 years of marriage Don and Vicki would separate and divorce in 1988. In 1990 while working for United Cab Don would meet his long-time partner/friend Janet Way. Throughout his lengthy career as a professional driver, he would work for many different companies such Ducks Argo/Halcon Holdings, Ridsdale Transport, United Blue line Cabs and S and S Transport. From a young age Donald loved trains which he would later turn into a hobby of collecting and assembling model train sets. He also enjoyed building model semi trucks and well as grain elevators. As a small boy Don liked to play hockey and in his later years would enjoy listening to the Blades on his radio favorite station CJWW. Don was a quiet and private man, but known to many as either Don, Donald or his nickname “Smiley” this was due in part to his small and infrequent smile or smirk and his great sense of humor. He would enjoy meeting his friends and co workers for coffee at the Husky Truck Stop or the Imperial 400.
Donald is survived by his two daughters: Lisa McLean (Joe) Natasha Noble of Saskatoon, Sk, Pamela (Chris) Bailey & Ashlyn Todd of Calgary, AB, his Sisters Bonnie Cowie of Cochrane, AB, Barb of Prince George BC, and his brother Randy of Calgary, AB along with his nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his Ex-wife Vicki McLean of Saskatoon, Sk and long-time partner/ friend Janet Way of Saskatoon, Sk. Don is predeceased by his parents Ruth (Edouard) Bourque of West Bank, BC, James William McLean of Lloydminster, AB and his maternal grandparents Olive (Reggie) Smith of Wynyard, SK.
His daughters ask that in leu of flowers as Donald was not a flower person that people can make a donation in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society or Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. A service for Donald will be held on Saturday February 11th, at 10:30 am at Mourning Glory – Acadia Mckague’s Funeral Chapel 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, Sk. After the service guests welcome to join the family for lunch at Don’s favorite restaurant The Blue Diamond on 22nd Street at 12:30.
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