Dr. Lester Homer McLachlan

He was born on October 8, 1935, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Helen Campbell McLachlan and Lester H. McLachlan.

Dr. McLachlan graduated from LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, Michigan, was a graduate of Central Michigan University before earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1962.

He was board certified in Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, and Plastics, and practiced medicine for 57 years. In 1969, he opened the McLachlan Eye Center in Pinellas Park, where he devotedly served the community. Dr. McLachlan enjoyed caring for and getting to know his patients and was known for always treating them with kindness and sharing a story or two.

He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology.

Dr. McLachlan married Patricia Ann Martin on July 4, 1959, and they remained married until her passing in 1978.

Outside of medicine, he had a deep passion for greyhound dogs and was actively involved in rescue organizations, adopting and raising many greyhounds over the years. He also loved cars and boats, particularly fast ones! He enjoyed traveling, having visited many countries and taken road trips throughout the United States, proudly visiting all 50 states. He loved leading medical mission trips to Haiti where he performed sight-saving surgeries for the people of Haiti during the 1970’s. When he wasn’t working or traveling, he loved spending time with friends and family. Just like his parents, he faithfully watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every evening.

He is survived by his three children: Samantha M. Cotter (Steve), Bryan K. McLachlan (Susan), and Monica M. Pierpan (Henry).

He is also survived by five grandchildren: Reid Pierpan, Landon Pierpan, Kelsey McLachlan, Alana Cotter, and Kaden McLachlan.

Dr. McLachlan is further survived by his loving companion of 21 years, Gail Hesse, and their adored greyhound, Cali, as well as his niece, Danielle Martin Sawyers, and nephew, Sean Reavie.

Funeral services will be held at Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street N, Seminole, FL 33776 on Sunday March 15th, 2026. The family will be welcoming visitors from 2pm-3pm, with a funeral service to follow at 3pm officiated by Rev. Harold Paxton. Lester will be laid to rest at Garden Sanctuary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Greyhound Guardians, an organization near and dear to Lester’s heart.

Donations may be mailed to:

Greythound Guardians

c/o Nancy Eifert

2092 Magnus Lane

Jacksonville, FL 32246