Don passed away after a short illness April 24, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at North York General Hospital.
Born in Glace Bay, N.S., March 30, 1922, he was the son of the late Donald John (Danny) MacLean and Edith Grant MacLean.
He is survived by his much loved and devoted wife of 57 years, Suzanne (Somerville) and three adored daughters, Heather (Jim Appleton), Marg (Brian Carlson) and Allison (Stewart Morrison). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren that he loved dearly, Ian (Katie), Sarah and Rebecca Appleton, Connor and Emily Smith, Cameron and Spencer Morrison. He was patiently awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild in June. He is survived by his brothers and sisters in-law, Drs Glasier and Jo Somerville, Jan and Rod Ainsworth, and four nieces and ten nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers Grant and Roy MacLean, and sister Jean MacDonald.
After completing his high school education in June of 1940, he joined the Canadian Army and for the next five and a half years served in Canada, the United Kingdom and Northwest Europe. He attended Mount Allison University where he was an honour student and an outstanding athlete, excelling in hockey, football and track and field. In 1949, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Upon graduation he joined the Prudential Assurance Company of England in Montreal and moved to Toronto shortly after. In 1954, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter. Don was awarded the John A. Tory Gold Medal for having secured the highest marks in all of Canada. He was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and held many offices including the National President of the Life Underwriters of Canada. In 1976, Don was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Lottery Corporation and also served as the Chairman. His other interests led him to serve in such positions as a Trustee at the Art Gallery of Ontario and St. John’s United Church. His passion for politics led him to join the Albany Club in his first year in Toronto and he served on the Board for many years and was the club’s President for two years. He was actively involved with the Conservative party since his university days, where he served as Prime Minister of mock parliament.
He was elected a member of the Board of Directors of Mount Allison Federated Alumni and served as its President. Don was very active member of the Mount Allison Board of Regents and became chairman of the board in 1982. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Mt. Allison in May 1986.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. John’s United Church or the Palliative Care Unit of the North York General Hospital.

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