Obituary

With family by his side, on Monday, September 16, 2024, Stanley “Sonny” Ritchie McLean, set sail into the sunset, for his final voyage to reunite with his beloved wife, ‘Seadog’. Stanley passed peacefully in his 87th year at Gateway Haven Long Term Care Home in Wiarton. Stanley was born and grew up in Fergus, Ontario, on Tuesday, January 4, 1938, to Archie and Marion McLean (nee Davis). He was the middle child of three, born between, and missed by, Jean Minshall, his older sister, and the late Raymond McLean, his younger brother. Proud father of Paul McLean (Myrna) of Owen Sound, Bob McLean of Owen Sound, and Lori Walker (Randy) of Manitoulin Island. Loving grandfather of Alysha McDonald (Blake), Danielle Fisher (Brook) and Carly Stewart. Cherished great-grandfather to Kinley, Everly, Connor, Addison, Blake, Bowen, Willow, and Shelby. Stan will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and many friends. First mate for life of the late Hazel E. McLean for 63 years, Stanley and Hazel spent most of their lives calling Owen Sound home. Rewind to the early years, Stanley’s life was school, working at his parents’ garage and sports. Stanley was a gifted athlete excelling at both hockey and baseball, and life became even busier when he caught the eye of a good-looking girl Hazel Wilkin. Once Stanley and Hazel tied the knot, Stanley continued to work for his parents, played the sports that he loved, and joined the Fergus Military Cadet’s. Stan, being a quick study, soon rose within the ranks and eventually trained army cadets with the 11th Artillery in Guelph. Stanley continued his education and eventually received his teaching degree, specializing in Auto Mechanics. The family then moved to Owen Sound where he accepted a teaching position at West Hill Secondary School. Stanley continued with the military joining the Grey Simcoe Foresters and continued to train cadets in Ipperwash for many summers. While in Ipperwash, he continued his education at the University of Western Ontario. Then holidays shifted to “Grants” cabin in Algonquin Park. Access was by train arriving at the cabin around midnight. And then the work began. Sailing, and being part of the Georgian Yacht Club was a true highlight for Stan and Hazel. He was a Commodore with the club for many years, facilitated and was a trainer for the Power Squadron Course, and was an active member at the club for many years. A sailboat joined the family in 1982 and was appropriately named “Seadog” after his best friend, Hazel. Summers were then spent cruising northern Georgian Bay and the North Channel. Shortly after, when the family got bigger and more grandchildren were added, Stan and Hazel brought on ‘The Beckoning’ and continued their love for fishing and sailing – now just with eager children in tow. A true outdoorsman – hunting, fishing and anything wilderness were a few of Stan’s passions. Stan and Hazel were long time members of the Sydenham Sportsmen Association, volunteering as needed, and were an integral part of the Salmon Spectacular Fishing Derby for many years. In their later years, the Mclean’s became strong supporters of the Owen Sound Attack where they had season tickets in section A. Stanley will be remembered by his students as “Stan the Man” – a teacher, educator and mentor to many, and was known as fair, honest, and patient. However, to the staff he might have been known as a bit of a prankster with his partner in crime Jack Doherty – but these tales remain untold. Stanley will always be known to love Hazel, his family and life, and will be remembered as a true gentleman, respected by all who knew him. A come and go memorial visitation will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Owen Sound on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00pm, with words of remembrance at 2:00pm. Arrangements are entrusted to Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound, 519-376-7492. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Friends of Gateway Haven Long-Term Care Home, or the Owen Sound Animal Shelter would be appreciated. A sincere, special, thanks to Dr. G. Singh and the staff at Brightshores Health System and Gateway Haven. Your compassion, attentiveness, and dedication to Stanley’s care and comfort did not go unnoticed. Online condolences can be sent to his family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca. Until we meet again XOXOX  SWAK