David Kenneth MacLean

September 25, 1922 – May 12, 2014

Predeceased in 2003 by wife Claire Elizabeth after 55 years of marriage. Survived by children Andy (Judy), Bev (Cal) and Colin (Laura) and grandchildren Tara (Steve) and Sean (Megan). Dad was born and grew up in Vancouver. In 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and served on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. When home on leave in December 1942, he had a chance encounter with a young employee who chased him and his buddy out of the basement of The Bay’s downtown store, an area restricted to authorized personnel only. Thus began his relationship with the woman who would become his wife and our mother. They were married in 1948 and settled in Burnaby to make a home and raise a family. They lived in Burnaby for the rest of their lives. After the war ended, Dad left the navy and joined the Post Office where he worked for the next 36 years. He loved walking and had a lifelong interest in trains and railways. He was a quiet, unassuming, generous man, modest about his abilities and accomplishments, with a wonderful sense of humour and a natural curiosity about people, places and things, all of which helped him to make friends easily. He thought of others before himself and always put his family first. We know we meant everything to him. Over time, Dad managed to come to terms with Mum’s loss and was able to enjoy good times with us as a family. In February 2012, Dad moved into George Derby Centre (Main South) and did his best to adjust to life there. He got to know the staff well and endeared himself to them. In recent weeks his health deteriorated rapidly, but his final days were eased by the care given and the kindness shown to him by the George Derby staff. His passing leaves a void in all our lives. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., on Sunday, June 1st, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad’s memory to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, c/o 1690 Matthews Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 2T2.