Ralph W McLellan

Portland- Ralph William McLellan, 58, passed away on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. He fought a long and courageous battle against cancer.

Ralph was born in Portland on May 25, 1952, the youngest child of Barbara L. (Burns) and Robert A. McLellan, Sr. He attended Portland schools and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School. He received a B.A. in History from the University of Southern Maine in 1974. He worked for Shaw’s Supermarkets in various capacities for over 35 years.

Ralph married Cynthia Louise Wood on May 31, 1975, the beginning of a life-long loving union. Together they raised a beautiful daughter Jennifer and found great joy in welcoming their grandson Ethan William in March of this year.

Ralph’s greatest love was his family, including many nieces and nephews for whom he created great adventures. A favorite activity was spending time with his mother on their Thursday car rides discovering the stories, people, and geography of Maine. Ralph could always be counted on to initiate fun times, especially if it involved the lake or the ocean. His family fondly remembers the many lively rounds of Trivial Pursuit, and Ralph’s love of M&M’s, lemonade, and brownies. You could always rely on him for a good laugh.

Ralph was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church, serving as Financial Secretary for over 20 years, Vestryman, Head Usher, and willingly volunteering as needed.

Ralph was predeceased by his father, Robert A., Sr. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Cynthia L., his daughter Jennifer L. Farrar and her husband Steven E., and his beloved grandson, Ethan William Farrar of Gray. He is also survived by his mother Barbara L. McLellan of Portland, his sister Nancy L. McLellan of Melrose, MA, his brother Robert A. McLellan, Jr. and his wife Judy of Windham. In addition, Ralph leaves five nieces, five nephews, two great-nieces, and many extended family members and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caring staff members of the Maine Center for Cancer Medicine and Hospice of Southern Maine.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Avenue, Portland.

Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland.

Arrangements are being handled by the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Rt. 1, #1, Scarborough, ME 04074, or the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite #300, Topsham, ME 04086.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Ralph’s guestbook.