Stellarton - Joseph A. McLean. It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joseph A. McLean at the Aberdeen Hospital on September 11, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Born August 1, 1929 in Halifax, he was the only son of the late Rod and Mary McLean.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Isabel (MacLeod); his sons: Eugene (Chris); Greg (Mary); Gerald (Dawn); Paul (Rhonda); and his daughter, Doris.
He was predeceased by his son, Bruce Frederick and his daughter-in-law, Vivian McLean (Eugene).
He loved, adored and was so proud of his grandchildren, Christopher (Brenda), Alicia (Matt), Jared (Caity), Blake, Kara (Bryan), Nicole, Lauren, Taylor and Skyler (Michael); step grandson, Jeff Davis.
He was also overjoyed to have and loved dearly his 2 great grandchildren, Aulay MacDonald (Alicia and Matt) and Claire McLean (Chris and Brenda).
His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the glow of his life.
Joe started and founded McLeans Flooring Ltd. in 1959 out of the front porch of his New Glasgow Maple Ave. home and grew the business with the help of his 4 sons into one of the largest and most respected flooring stores in Atlantic Canada.
In December of 2013, he was recognized and congratulated by the Nova Scotia House of Assembly where a reading was put in place and he was so proud to have received a diploma for his business excellence and for exhibiting good family business values.
Joe was so proud to have his 4 sons get into the family business alongside him. As the years went on...he stood back more and more, and gave the boys longer reigns to fully carry on the business. He was also well aware that his sons could not do it alone...that a business is only as good as all the people within it, and he truly appreciated and valued the hard work and dedication that all the non family employees have given over the years to make the family business what it is today.
Joe was a very down to earth and simple man. He never flaunted or wanted for fancy things. He was never pretentious or tried to impress anyone. Joe was a child of the Great Depression so he lived through hard times and understood the value of a dollar and the importance of saving.
Anyone that knew Joe, knew his word was his bond, not only in business but in life. He instilled this virtue in all his children and he truly valued and appreciated the firm grip and sincerity of a handshake. Joe was a man adored and respected by all who knew him, especially in the flooring industry.
Joe loved all sports and in his youth he excelled in baseball. Ask him a question about baseball and he knew it. He loved watching sports year round whether it was in person or on tv. Joe loved travelling whether it was for business or pleasure, and in earlier years, he travelled to many countries and enjoyed learning about their customs and cultures. He was an avid reader, especially enjoying history, sports, finance and current events. He was also a past member of the N.G. Gyro Club.
Although Joe had advanced Parkinson’s and diabetes, these little speed bumps never stopped him from wanting to enjoy his family and life to the fullest. His will and determination to always be with his family was quite evident. Proof of this was in the last 2 weeks alone where he put up such a courageous battle against all the odds that confronted him. Until his dying breath, it was his huge, strong and loving heart that kept him with us.
In compliance with Joe’s wishes, funeral arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow, with visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Wednesday, September 14. Funeral service 11 am Thursday, September 15 at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father Barrett Clare-Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca
“A golden heart has stopped beating, hard working hands are now at rest; God broke our hearts to only prove, he only takes the best.”