Douglas McLaren

Douglas (Doug) McLaren, age 92, of Glen Ellyn passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was a loving husband of Judy (Williams) McLaren. Devoted father of daughter, Kerry McLaren, son, Robert McLaren, daughter-in-law, (Kimberly) McLaren and proud grandfather of Ella McLaren and Matilda McLaren. Son of the late John and the late Louise McLaren. Half-Brother of the late George Tudhope.Uncle of Cheryl Tudhope.

Doug was born in Edmonton, Alberta Canada in 1933 to John and Louise (Parsons) McLaren. Having lost both of his parents by the age of 15, he lived with cousins, June and Roger Ethier until he graduated from Strathcona High School. As a young boy he spent many winters playing neighborhood hockey and was captain of the high school curling team. Upon graduation he joined his cousins, Ron and Wally MacDonald on the road in Toronto, Canada to sell encyclopedia books door to door to earn money. This was his first taste of entrepreneurship.

Both cousins being DePauw University graduates encouraged Doug to also attend the same college. In 1962, Doug graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and the vice president of his chapter. During his freshman year at DePauw he ran both track and cross-country. In his senior year, he met his college sweetheart, Judy. Doug migrated permanently to the United States after graduation and married his wife, Judy (Williams) on October 12, 1963 in Gary, IN.

Doug worked for State Farm Insurance as a claims specialist in Evergreen Park, IL. While living in Hammond, IN, daughter Kerry was born. Good college friends, Jim and Jean Hardy, encouraged Doug and Judy to eventually move to Glen Ellyn, IL.

While living in Glen Ellyn, son Robert was born. Doug was a member of the Glen Ellyn Jaycees, officer of the local homeowner’s association and assistant coach of both of his children’s little league baseball teams. Doug (Mac) as he was affectionally named, was an excellent golfer and card player.

In the late 1970s, Doug started his own specialty advertising company, Suburban Specialties. His art as a conversationalist made him successful with both selling automobiles for Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet as well as shuttling vehicles across Chicagoland with his retiree friends in his later years with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Never taking life too seriously, Doug was a great joke and story teller. When attending family wedding receptions, he was usually seen leading his life-partner, Judy in the jitterbug on the dance floor. He enjoyed traveling with family throughout Canada and the US. He will be remembered for his infectious laughter and love of sport, never more evident than for his 90th birthday, when his family surprised him with a celebration at Wrigley Field.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church, 424 Forest Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. A reception will follow afterwards in the Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the:

Ed Posh Scholarship Fund (https://www.edposhscholarship.com/donate/) online or mail to 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2GY/campaign/C-11TVJ)

Heart Failure Research Foundation (https://givebutter.com/HFRF)

A funeral for Douglas will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 424 Forest Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.