November 26, 1919 - November 29, 2013
We say a sad farewell to our Dad, our Papa, our Greatgrandpa and our friend. Earl McLean passed away in Vancouver at 94 after suffering complications from a fall in September.
Earl was the son of Ferne and Velma (Orser) McLean. He grew up in Blind Bay on the shores of Shuswap Lake and attended school there. He went on to school in Salmon Arm, Grand Forks and Vancouver. He married Carina Eyre in 1944 in Revelstoke. In 1951 he came to the West Kootenays with his life long friend Earle Cutler and began working at Can Ex, Emerald Mine. He became an electrician, then a foreman and when the mine closed in the early 1970’s he transferred to Placer Head Office in Vancouver as Assistant to the Chief Electrical Engineer until his full retirement in 1991 at the age of 72.
Upon their move to Vancouver, Earl and Carina lived in Richmond along the dyke, a place he loved for its wildlife, sunsets and walking. His passions were gardening, photography and skiing most of all. Carina passed away in 2002 after 58 years of marriage. In 2004 he married June Mulholland (Mainwood). They had 7 happy years together and did a lot of dancing until her passing in 2011.
Earl leaves his son Brian (Linda) of West Vancouver, daughter Sheila Dixon (Michael) of Nelson, grandsons Jason Draginda of Nelson, Ben Dixon of Vancouver, Matt (Kerri) Dixon and greatgrandson Nolan River Dixon of Port Moody. He was predeceased by his brothers Norman, Russell and Berton and his uncle Ray (Elsie) Orser. He is survived by his sister-in-law Taddy Eyre of North Vancouver, brother-in-law Maurice Eyre of Duncan, sister-in-law Francis McLean of Victoria and many nieces and nephews.
Earl was a very kind, thoughtful and patient person, sincerely appreciated by his family and friends. Though we are thankful he was with us for so long, his passing leaves a great space in our hearts. We hope that he has found that perfect ski run in the great beyond and is full of joy!
A service will be held in Richmond at St. Anne’s Steveton Anglican Church, 4071 Francis Road (junction of No. 1 Road and Francis Road), on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 3 pm.
If you wish to make a donation in his name, please consider George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, 5191 Robertson Road, Delta, BC V4K 3N2 (604) 946-6980.