William "Bill" John McLean

William John McLean died peacefully on Thursday, October 7, 2021, after a Herculean battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side, including his wife Diane and their two sons, Bryan and Colin.

Bill was born on March 19, 1944 in Seattle, Washington to Michael & Geneva McLean. He grew up in the sleepy, bedroom community of Lake Oswego, and attended Our Lady of the Lake School before going on to study at Jesuit High School and Gonzaga University. He made lifelong friends at all three schools, and would still get together with those friends regularly.

The nuns that taught Bill believed that people who know better, do better. His education emphasized the importance of community, kindness, and caring for your fellow man. Bill embodied these values throughout his life. One of his close friends remembers his “passion for justice and hatred of injustice.” Another noted, “In a time of disengagement, Bill was always engaged. Critical thinking was his gift to students. Activism was his gift to us all. But most of all, it was his sweetness and goodness.”

It was this sweetness that convinced Bill’s wife, then Diane Hall, to marry him. Diane says she first knew she would marry him when she was just beginning her nursing career, and he would bring her “Nutty Buddies” from his job at Arden Ice Cream. Over time, Diane came to see that they shared the same values, kind-hearted nature, and adventurous spirit.

Bill loved to prepare great food, and he taught Diane the joys of perfectly-roasted fresh vegetables and how to savor fine wine. His biggest gifts to her, though, were their two sons, Bryan William, born in 1975, and Colin Andrew, born in 1979. “Our masterpieces,” as Bill and Diane called them. No dad was ever prouder.

After his family, Bill’s two great loves were teaching and soccer. He taught at Beaverton High School for over 30 years, and coached the boys’ soccer team for 25 of them. He was also co-director of a successful business club, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), which won numerous state and national competitions.

Bill was energized by working with high-school students, and he loved being part of the collaborative, team-centered culture of BHS. He focused on improving educational opportunities for all and finding ways for kids to thrive both inside and outside of school.

He and Johan Zimmer were the first coaches to throw a soccer ball onto the pitch with an organized high school team and the first to be sanctioned by the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS). His teams won four state championship trophies and was the first soccer team from the United States invited to compete in China. Bill always felt fortunate to work with the amazing kids and parents at Beaverton High, many of whom shared his goals and love of the game.

Bill had an amazing ability to attract friends wherever he went. He even made new friends during his time in treatment. In recent years, when he felt strong enough, Bill could be found riding his bike to the local bookstore to pick up his next book, hiking or boating with his family, and spending time with old friends.

One friend remarked, “It's hard to express how much our walks during these last couple of years have meant to me. [Bill] waged the most courageous battle I've ever seen. I find it hard to imagine how he was able to go on and on and yet keep up his spirits and his love of life.” Another said, “I’ve never known a better, wiser, kinder man. Just seeing his smile brightened my day, not to mention one of the most infectious laughs God ever created! He made us feel all good things are possible.”

Bill is survived by his wife Diane; brothers James & Patrick; children Bryan (Ginna) and Colin; and grandchildren, Mason, Quinn and Carter. His dry wit, bright smile, and incredible kindness will be missed by more friends and family members than could ever be named. He truly was the best man we’ve ever known.

A celebration of life will be held in the future, when COVID restrictions permit.

In honor of Bill’s commitment to public education and belief in the healing power of nature, the family requests any remembrances be directed to: the Beaverton High School Success Fund—Bill McLean Marketing and Arts Fund, PO Box 892, Beaverton, OR 97075 or bhssuccessfund.com, click Donate Today, and the Forest Park Conservancy, 833 SW 11th Ave Suite 800, Portland, OR 97205, or forestparkconservancy.org and click Donate.