MacLEAN, ALBERT MAIR “MAC” - After a full and blessed life well lived, Albert died May 11, 2012 at the Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB, at the age of ninety. On a beautiful flying day, he took his final flight as he lived his life, calmly and in charge, with his loving family by his side. Born in Campbellton, NB, on April 8, 1922, he was the son of the late Donald and Marjorie (née Mair) MacLean. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Edward, Donald, Hugh, and Bill, his sister Marjorie, his beloved wife of forty-five years, Mary (née Fraser), his son Donald, daughter-in-law Judy, and his close friend Phyllis Wood. He is survived by four children, Margaret Hume (Forrest) of Vancouver, BC, Jim (Joanne) of Fredericton, NB, Joan Myles (Wayne) of St. John’s, NL, and Bert (Nöella) of Lakeville, NB. Albert was the proud “Grandpa” of Katherine Hume (Carl Montgomery) of Sechelt, BC, Stan Hume of Guadalajara, Mexico, Laura MacLean (Cody Goddard) of State College, PA, Anna MacLean of Toronto, ON, Matthew MacLean (Rachel MacGillivray) and Jennifer Bruce (Danny Poirier) of Fredericton, NB, Mary MacLean (Brandon Keyes) of Welland, ON, Hutson Myles of St. John’s, NL, Nicole Myles (Brian Brook) of Halifax, NS, Jeremy MacLean and Chantal MacLean of Lakeville, NB. In recent years, Albert enjoyed being “Great-Grandpa” to Clyde, Hanna, Aria, Leif, Bailey, William, Emma, Caleb, Aiden, and Cameron. He leaves with happy memories his sisters Mary Rogers of Bathurst, NB, and Jean McDonald (Jack) of Ottawa, ON, and sister-in-law Peggy MacLean of Richmond, BC, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Flying Officer MacLean proudly served in the RCAF during WWII, his ultimate posting being a pilot of Lancaster bomber aircraft with an RAF crew as part of 630 Squadron stationed at East Kirby, England. Following his war service, Albert married his sweetheart, Mary Fraser, and completed a bachelor of commerce degree at Dalhousie University. He then worked for thirty-three years with Eaton’s retail and catalogue divisions in Moncton and Halifax. For over sixty years, he was a very active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for forty-five of those years. The congregation recognized his significant contributions by bestowing him with the honor of Elder Emeritus. For many years, he continued his dedicated interest in air force matters and in serving his country and community. He was a volunteer and sponsoring body chairman of the R.C. Air Cadet 101 (Moncton) Squadron, a member of the Board of the Canadian Corp. of Commissionaires, and the NB representative of the RCAF Benevolent Fund. He also served his local community through many years with the Greater Moncton Band Festival and the Moncton Regional Development Board. The Moncton Rotary Club acknowledged his work in the community by making him a “Paul Harris Fellow”. For many years Albert was an avid lawn bowler at the Centennial Park Club and a curler at the Beaver Curling Club where in recent years he enjoyed meeting friends to play cards. Albert recently published his memoirs with his daughter Margaret, entitled, My Life: Adventures of an RCAF Flying Officer, Eaton’s Manager, and Family Man. He launched his book at the joyous family celebration for his ninetieth birthday, which included a concert and reception. Donations may be made in Albert’s memory to the following two registered charitable organizations, Air Cadet League of Canada 101 Moncton Squadron 101air@cadets.net and Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation Inc. friendsfoundation.ca. The family extends their sincere thanks to the medical and nursing staff of the Moncton Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care of Albert.
His life will be celebrated at a service to be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 77 Hildegard Dr., Moncton, NB at 2 pm on May 15, 2012, with reception following in the church atrium. Fair Haven Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements and messages may be sent to the family at www.fairhavenmemorial.ca