Robert Burton McLean

Whether you'll do it or toss it aside.

You are the fellow who makes up your mind

Whether you'll lead or linger behind

Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar

Or just be content to stay where you are.

Take it or leave it, here's something to do,

Just think it over. It's all up to you!

What do you wish? To be known as a shirk,

Or known as a good man who's willing to work,

Scorned for a loafer, or praised by your chief,

Rich man or poor man or begger or thief?

Eager or earnest or dull through the day,

Honest or crooked? It's you who must say!

You must decide in the face of the test.

Whether you'll shirk or give it your best.

-Author Unknown

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On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Robert Burton McLean, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at home in Clearwater, FL at the age of 92.

Robert (Bob) was born on May 24, 1928 in Anaconda, MT to Charles William and Marie (Davidson) McLean. He was the youngest of 12.

He graduated from Anaconda High School in 1946. He went in the Navy immediately after graduating high school.

He left the Navy to attend Purdue University. It was in Lafayette, IN where he met and married Frances Imogene Carlson on February 5, 1950. They were married for just short of 71 years.

After graduating from Purdue as an Aeronautical Engineer he went to work for Honeywell in Minneapolis. He signed up for overseas assignments and he, his wife, and first daughter lived in Okinawa, Italy and Montreal. When their first daughter became school age he transferred to St. Petersburg, FL. Later when he heard rumors of being transferred back to Minneapolis he changed careers and became a stock broker, retiring as a Manager in Clearwater.

He was an avid runner and a member of the Clearwater Runners Club. He ran in numerous Turkey Trots. His top two running accomplishments were completing both the Marine Corp. Marathon in 1981 at the age of 53, with a time of 3:51:52 and the New York Marathon in 1982 at the age of 54, with a time of 3:52. He was proud to complete his objective of finishing in less than 4 hours.

He enjoyed bowling, traveling, and being with his family. He was also known for his story telling, singing his home state song Montana, Route 66 and cheering on his Purdue Boilermakers. He is known for his favorite saying “Hail Mary full of Grace, Notre Dame is in last place! He was the best fudge maker, which family and friends always enjoyed!

Bob was preceded in death by his father, William, mother, Marie, brothers, Charles, Rodney, James, and William, sisters, Olive, Frances, Gail, Jean, Harriet, Virginia, and Kathleen. He is survived by his wife, Frances Imogene, his two daughters, Katherine Love and Roberta Reids (Stephen), his grandson, Matthew Love (Maria) and great-granddaughter, Kylie Rae Love, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John’s Episcopal Church 1676 S. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, FL 33764 or Hospice.