With great sadness, the family announces the peaceful passing of Ross McLean, 93, of Rainy River, Ont., and formerly of Spohn Twp (Harris Hill), Ont., on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 at the Rainy River Health Centre.
Ross was born on May 16, 1923 to Sarah (nee Campbell) and John Francis “Frank” McLean in Lambton County, Brigden, Ont., moving to Rainy River in 1924 and then to Harris Hill in 1926.
He grew up and lived all of his life in Harris Hill until moving into the long-term care home in Rainy River in January, 2016.
He grew up on the farm in a log house that also was the community post office run by his parents. He attended the one-room schoolhouse in Harris Hill.
Over the years, he worked on the family farm raising sheep, beef cattle, and horses, logging, and was a commercial fisherman with his brothers, Ken and Jim.
He loved the outdoors—the lake—but enjoyed farming the best.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Hubert, Annabelle “Anne” (Albert ) Kreger, James “Jim” (Ellen), Clarence “Ken,” and Violet (John) Nicholas.
He was united in marriage to Ruth Schettler, the love of his life and best friend, who survives along with their three girls, Brenda (Greg) Sitarz, Shirley McLean, and Laurie (Troy) Brown; grandchildren, Adam (Kyla) Mackay, Andrew Mackay, and Madison, Katelyn, and Wyatt Brown; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Lincoln Mackay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ross was a generous, easy-going, friendly person who was a story-teller and enjoyed visiting with people.
The McLean door always was open to friends and neighbours to come in for a cup of tea. He always made time for people; this was his nature.
He also enjoyed reading about world history, geography, and politics, playing cards/cribbage, and watching hockey on TV. He was a great father and grandfather, and always spent quality time with his family.
Ross was in great physical shape most of his life and loved playing sports with the kids, whether it was having a foot race, baseball, soccer, or playing road hockey well into his 80s.
We started losing pieces of him as dementia settled in over time, but there always remained a sparkle in his eye and glimpses of the man he was.
A visitation for family and friends was held Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont.
A celebration of life service was held Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Rainy River, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River at a later date.
The active pallbearers Robert Kreger, Don Nicholas, Allen Olson, Doug Kreger, Allan Stone, and Cam Hanson.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of Ross’ family and friends.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
DOUGALD ROSS McLEAN
