PARK FALLS – James “Keith” MacLean, 48, lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 27, 2010, at home, surrounded by family.
Born in Antigonish and raised in Sutherland’s River, Keith was the son of the late Hughie and Christine (Dewar) MacLean. Keith lived his entire adult life in Park Falls with his family.
Keith’s wife and daughters were the light of his life. He lived for his friends and family and put their needs above his own. At the end, despite his struggle, the welfare of his family and friends remained his primary concern.
He will be remembered for his generosity, his laugh, his love and determination. He never let any obstacle take these things away from him and this is something that we should all aspire to–courage and perseverance, despite the odds.
Prior to his illness, Keith proudly worked in the forestry industry for many years and that is where he met a good number of his closest friends. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and was an assistant coach for his youngest daughter, Abby’s hockey team.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Park); daughters, Megan, Mallory, and Abby; brother, Kevin (Joanne), Elmsdale; sisters, Karen (John) Chisholm, Sutherland’s River; Marilyn (Derrick) Sandluck, MacPherson’s Mills; mother-in-law and father-in law, Alex and Shirley Park, Park Falls; sisters-in-law, Arden (Ricky) Ehler, MacPherson’s Mills; Sherri (Herbie) MacLeod, Park Falls; brothers-in-law, Kirby (Karen) Park, Park Falls; Blair (Dawn) Park, Park Falls; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Keith was predeceased by his parents and a sister-in-law, Anita McLean.
Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2010, in St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Thorburn, with Father Colin MacKinnon officiating. Burial will be in MacPherson’s Mills Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Keith may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca