DONALD WILLIAM MCLEAN

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DONALD WILLIAM MCLEAN

April 1, 1941 - March 18, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald “Don” William McLean announces his passing on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Calgary, AB, just a few weeks before his 84th birthday. Born on April 1, 1941, in Winnipeg, MB, Don lived a life full of love, laughter, unwavering dedication, and service to his faith, family and community.

Don was a devoted husband to his beloved wife and partner, Shirley Penner, and his love for Shirley was evident in every aspect of his life. Don and Shirley shared a remarkable bond as soul mates and partners in both family and career. Their marriage of 40 years was a testament to the power of love, respect, and admiration. Don was extremely proud of Shirley's accomplishments and worked with her in creating and building the Youth Singers of Calgary, which, after 40 years, continues to develop young people into great citizens for our communities. He took great pride in Shirley's recognition of her contributions to the community, including the nine awards she received for her efforts. Their love for travel through work, Youth Singers and family, took them on many adventures, where they developed meaningful relationships along the way.

Don leaves behind his children, Kelly McLean (Scott Kerbis), Tricia Penner (Doug Thiessen), and Patrick Penner (Karin Harper-Penner); grandchildren, Brett and Julie Thiessen (Gideon), Alexa Rae Thiessen, Brynn Penner, and Cole Penner.

Don was predeceased by his beloved son, Curtis, in 2017, his sister Mona McDonald and her husband Bob, his sister-in-law Faith Reimer and husband Art, and his parents, William James McLean and Elsie McLean, and Rev. Henry and Amanda Rempel.

Don was a devoted father, whose kindness and generosity were the cornerstones of his relationship with his children. He listened with an open heart, accepted them unconditionally, and cherished every moment spent together. He was a coach and encourager, always seeing the best in his kids and inspiring them to reach their full potential. His love was steadfast, his forgiveness boundless, and his reflective nature allowed him to appreciate the unique qualities of each child. He had an impeccable taste in music, which he shared with his family, creating lasting memories.

Don had a distinguished career marked by his integrity, mentorship, and leadership. As the Canadian General Manager for Maple Leaf Foods Beef Division, he was responsible for all of Canada and over 900 employees. His role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Tirol, an agricultural company with clients in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and Europe, required numerous visits to these countries, showcasing his dedication and global impact. Later in his career, Don served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Negotiating Officer with Long View Systems. He particularly enjoyed his 13 years with Long View Systems, working closely with Don Bialik, Brent Allison, and many others. Don's passion for mentoring young people throughout his career was evident, and he took great pride in helping shape their futures.

Don was also a passionate and resilient athlete. He played a variety of sports, including baseball, volleyball, tennis, squash, soccer, and racquetball, but his primary love was basketball, which he played for 67 years. Don competed in five National Basketball Canadian Championships, including the first Canadian Winter Games in Québec City. He played in both the Winnipeg Junior and Senior Men’s leagues, earning all-star status, winning the scoring championship, and being named league MVP. He set a record in the Men’s Junior League with a 55-point game, an impressive feat achieved without the benefit of a three-point line. In 1994, Don was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the sport. Of the thousands of male basketball players in Manitoba, only about 75 have been inducted, and Don had the honour of playing with or against approximately a third of them. After moving to Calgary, he continued his basketball journey, playing in the Master’s Division of the Calgary Senior League for 20 years and later with a group of younger players until he was 79. Don always believed that athletics taught him valuable life lessons, such as the importance of hard work, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to bring out the best in others.

Don's love for his family extended to his grandchildren, who brought him immense fulfilment and joy. He was a constant presence at their hockey games, graduations, and weddings, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. Some of the most special memories were made during their annual family time together in Winnipeg at the hotel and in the woods behind his house, where adventures and stories were shared. He stayed connected with his grandchildren, always eager to hear about their lives and offer his wisdom. He believed in his grandchildren wholeheartedly, encouraging and accepting them for who they were. His grandchildren often called him for advice on all kinds of matters, knowing they could always count on his thoughtful and caring guidance. His mentorship was a guiding light, helping them navigate life's ups and downs. In the last few years, the relationship was beautifully reciprocated, as his grandchildren lovingly supported him, just as he had always supported them. The arrival of his great-grandson, Gideon, added another layer of love to his already full heart.

Throughout his life, Don touched the hearts of many with his conversations about stocks and sports, his infectious, hearty laugh, his bear hugs, his generosity, and caring spirit. His memory will be cherished, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

A special thank you to Doug and Chris Paddock, Daniel and Darlene Dusevic, Barry Bickford and Lorraine Robinson, and many other close friends and colleagues for their support during this time and throughout the years. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Cardiac Unit 72 at the Foothills Medical Centre for the kindness, care and support during this time.

Don’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The family invites those who knew Don to a Celebration of Life at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. McLean’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Donations in honour of Don can be made to the Youth Singers of Calgary, ATCO Performing Arts Centre, 1371 Hastings Cres. SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 4C8, Telephone: (403) 234-9549, www.youthsingers.org, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119-14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6, Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Don’s family at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Don McLean, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2025