Squadron Leader McLean, William Francis “Frank” – 82 of Pictou Nova Scotia passed away on February 5, 2015 at home surrounded by his wife Eva and daughters Shell and Jo. Born in Pictou in 1932 to parents Major George McLean and Muriel (Beer), Frank spent most of his formative years living in the family home on West River Road in Pictou. In 1950, shortly after graduating from the Pictou Academy, Frank joined the RCAF in search of wartime adventure in Korea. By the time he finished his aircrew training however, the Korean War had ended and Frank was assigned to a sub-hunting Lancaster squadron in PEI. Frank loved to fly, first as a wireless operator and later as a tactical navigator on a myriad of sub-hunting and transport aircraft. He also served as the CO of CFS Sydney and in a number of intelligence assignments including a vital Cold War position at SHAPE HQ in Paris, France and later in Casteau, Belgium. But it was the maritime patrol mission hunting Soviet submarines that Frank loved the most and his abilities became legendary throughout the allied sub-hunting communities. As a result, in 1972 Frank was selected to fly on exchange with the US Navy in Keflavik, Iceland where he was able to master their P-3 Orion with a view to later leading Canada’s purchase of the P-3 Aurora Maritime Surveillance Aircraft. Upon completion of 35 years of service, Frank and Eva returned to the family home in Pictou where they spent many wonderful retirement years punctuated by long, joyful summers at their beloved cottage in Waterside. Frank is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eva (Connell); sons, Colonel Mike (Marilyn); LCol Jim (Lynn); daughters, Shell (Randy) Tully; Jo (Peter) Symmonds; A proud and devoted grandfather, Frank will be dearly missed by grand children, Amy, Jason, Bryce, Lindsey, Brendon and Nick; sisters, Kay MacLean and Helen (Bill) Towers. He was predeceased by grandson Tom McLean. Cremation has taken place, and visitation and funeral to be held at a later date. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Pictou United Church. Arrangements are the direction of McLaren Funeral Service, Pictou.