GEORGE ANDREW (DREW) MCLEAN

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GEORGE ANDREW (DREW) McLEAN ALIAS GEE GEE, THE CLOWN After a lengthy and courageous battle with Diabetes and the complications arising from his condition George passed away peacefully on Monday, February 25, 2002, in Kelowna General Hospital. He was predeceased by his mother Irma and father George A. McLean. He will be sadly missed by his sister Linda and husband Alan Moffatt of Kelowna and his many friends and relatives. George was a master balloon artist, Shrine clown, model railroader, entrepreneur and entertainer. He touched many lives and brought joy from his gift to make people laugh. His always ready wit and friendly way made him a part of many peoples lives, in Kelowna and his birthplace of Winnipeg. Born November 8, 1947, George grew up in Winnipeg, graduating from Kelvin High School. He later attended Red River Community College graduating with an Architectural Drafting Diploma. He worked as draftsman for many architectural firms, as well as Eatons, Manitoba Hydro, Generation Projects Division and H. A. Simons. In 1986 he changed directions and became an entrepreneur by opening Balloon Expressions, a balloon, entertainer and party decoration store in Winnipeg. His love of entertaining and his artistic abilities flourished with Balloon Expressions. After the close of the business, he received his AutoCAD Certificate from Okanagan University College in Vernon. George moved to Kelowna permanently shortly afterwards, but due to ill health he was forced into early retirement. George was active in the Masons Ionic Lodge No.25, a member of Scottish Rite and of the Khartum Komedians. For a time he was a member of Gizeh Temple Clowns and Kelownas Shrine Club. He was noted for his ability to twist over 100 balloon animals. He was also a member of the International Shrine Clown Club. George was a gifted photographer, cataloguing and documenting many historic railway sites. Using his AutoCAD and drafting skills, he developed drawings and layouts of the sites to permanently preserve their history. He was also a member of the West Coast Railway Association, Vintage Locomotive Society, Prairie Dog Central, Winnipeg Model Railroaders and a variety of other railroad associations. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Georges life will take place on Friday, May 31 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Honourary pallbearers will be Gayle Sidney, Glen Miller, Doug Hunter, Allan Denton, Don Carl and Larry Lee. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations can be made in Georges memory to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, Respiratory Fund, 2268 Pandosy St., Kelowna BC V1Y 1T2. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2002