RICHARD DANIEL (DAN) MCCLELLAND R.

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RICHARD DANIEL (DAN) MCCLELLAND R. Daniel McClelland passed away Sunday, November 21, 2010 in the Palliative Care Ward of Vancouver General Hospital. Dan lived his life a Western Canadian, from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island. He was born in Winnipeg June 10, 1943 to Thelma and Harold McClelland. A talented athlete, president of the student council, and valedictorian of Windsor Park Collegiate's first graduating class, Dan went on to the University of Manitoba where he completed Bachelors of Commerce and Law degrees. He articled with Aikins MacAulay then rejoined Great-West Life in its commercial real estate division. In 1981, Dan moved to Calgary with the Cascade Group as in-house counsel. There he met his Aggie, Agnes Sinclair, whom he married November 27, 1993. They made a match in life and in business, jointly owning Merrett Property Management Group from 1991 to 1995. In retirement, Dan and Aggie travelled extensively, particularly enjoying Phoenix and Palm Springs, then relocated to Vancouver Island. A welcoming host and a great addition to a game of cards, Dan was a long time member of Calgary's Pinebrook Golf and Country Club. Latterly, he pursued a lifelong fascination with big rigs', earning his Class 1 license, then driving 18-wheelers for Aquatrans Distributors. In addition to his beloved Aggie, Dan is survived by his daughter Robyn McClelland, of whom he was extremely proud, and his adored granddaughter Rowan. Predeceased by his father in 1987, he leaves his mother Thelma, siblings Karen, Neil (Angela Thiele), and Teri (Gord Gaudet), and their children, and Robyn's mother Bonnie McClelland (Bill Notz). Elizabeth II said that grief is the price we pay for love. Dan was well loved by the many family and friends who stood by him and Aggie, from his first cancer diagnosis in 2007 to the sudden and virulent return of the disease this October. Special thanks to Dr. Spinks and his staff at The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu and, at Vancouver General, Margaret Little on the 7th floor and all the Palliative Care staff on 16 for their kindness during this difficult time. An informal celebration of Dan's life will be held from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27 at the Airport Yacht Club, Richmond. If you would like to make a gesture in Dan's memory, donations to the Salvation Army or your charity of choice would be appreciated. Flowers are very gratefully declined. I have slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2010