Norman Murdoch MacLean

July 30, 1927 - January 7, 2016

Norman Murdoch MacLean died in the wee hours of January 7, 2016 after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Peggy, to whom he devoted his life and cared for lovingly in recent years following her onset of Alzheimer's disease. He also leaves his son Ross, daughter-in-law Lorna, daughter Susan, son-in-law Vic Johnston and daughter Mary. Norm leaves his grandchildren Jamie (Kara), Andrew, Emma and Ben and great-grand children Porter and Elora to whom he was known as 'Great Norm'.

Norm was predeceased by his parents Murdoch MacLean, Elizabeth MacLean (nee MacLeod), and brothers Alexander and Iain.

Norm was born July 30, 1927 in North Battleford, Saskachewan and lived his memorable early years in Lac du Brochet, affectionately known as 'Brushy', where his father was a Hudson's Bay fur trader. In 1936, the family moved to Comox, British Columbia where Norm lived until graduating from Comox High School in 1947. He attended the University of British Columbia over the years from 1947 - 1953, with a hiatus to work in the gold mine in Bralorne. It was there Norm met his future bride, Nurse Peggy, who attended Norm after he broke his ankle skiing. Norm embarked on his military career during his years at UBC joining the COTC in 1950. Upon graduation in 1953, Lt. Norm MacLean and new wife, Peggy, were posted to Winnipeg and shortly thereafter to Germany, where their son Ross was born. They returned to Winnipeg in 1956, where their daughter Susan was born, and as an officer in the Royal Canadian Artillery, Norm became one of Canada's elite Flying Gunners serving as an Air OP(Observation Post) pilot in Manitoba and at CFB Petawawa, until 1964, where daughter Mary was born. Subsequent postings took the family to Kingston, Oakville, Halifax and finally Ottawa. On the forefront of the computer systems security efforts within the Government of Canada, he continued this work as a civilian member of the RCMP until his retirement in 1982.

Norm and Peggy retired to British Columbia in 1982 and settled into their dream cottage on the beach in Gillies Bay on Texada Island. Norm loved his life in retirement, and became an important and much respected member of the Texada Island community serving over the years as Deputy Fire Chief, Head of the Boat Club, member of the Gillies Bay choristers, member of the Texada Heritage Society and creator of Museum Musings, amongst many other contributions to island life. His retirement years were also filled with his pursuit of interests, like sailing, fishing, hiking, gardening and renovating their little cottage into a lovely home for Peggy.

Upon Peggy's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease, Norm and Peggy left their island paradise and returned to Norm's childhood home of Comox, moving into the Comox Valley Seniors Village. Norm began the last phase of his life as devoted and patient caregiver to Peggy, while finding joy in his love of music as a chorister, band member, musical director, and relishing time with his family.

Norm braved his diagnosis of brain cancer with his usual stoicism and little fuss. Norm was a gentle, kind and gracious man, generous with his love and wisdom. He loved his life and family beyond measure and will be remembered for his grace, dignity and respect for all. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The MacLean family wishes to thank the nurses, care aids and staff at the Comox Valley Seniors Village who cared so compassionately for Norm during his last months.

A Celebration of Norm's life will take place at the Comox Valley Seniors Village, 4640 Headquarters Road, Courtenay BC, on Saturday February 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

If desired, memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia would be appreciated by the family. Visit www.alzheimerbc.org.