Obituary of Mr. Hugh McLean

Hughie was Marylin’s (his wife of 60 years) best pal thru’ thick and thin and everything in between.  Hugh grew up in Glasgow Scotland to Brigid and Hugh with three siblings.

Hugh had the wanderlust from a young age and persuaded Marylin, after tying the knot in London, England to immigrate to Canada. There was never a dull moment with Hughie and he could persuade her to travel to unknown destinations at the drop of the hat, with kids in tow, and she would think “what the hell have I let myself in for”.  They travelled to nearly every US State and many places in Europe

Hughie worked in Ontario Hydro as an electrician and it was not unknown to blame any blackouts on wee Shuggie.  As an electrician he spent a few years working in Saudi Arabia where against all laws delighted his coworkers by making his own whiskey still.  Hugh and Marylin would always live it up on his return .  A passionate soccer Dad he spent countless hours driving Ali and David to their soccer matches.  The joy of his life was when Grandkids came along and his new name was “Pappa”.  It was not unusual to find Pappa decked out in tiaras, jewelly and nails painted a lovely shade of Passion Pink.  Taking Ciara to feed the ducks or visiting Riverdale Farm to pet “Big Red”.  A few years later came new grandchild Cayleigh who enjoyed his patient nature to build ginger bread houses, make up games with her animals and teddy bears (he had to memorize everyone one of their names).  They would just lallygag for hours and spend endless hours watching “Dora” on TV.  They shared that special bond only Grandparents can have.  He was dragged to Chucky Cheese on many occasions, even foregoing a special soccer match.  He loved kids, even teenagers, and could get down to their level relishing in their innocence and honesty. 

As he got older he did not travel so much but was content to do his travelling via computer.  He filled his days with crosswords, puzzles and getting on Nannas nerves. He never lost his love of Celtic FC and was thrilled when he could get the games on his computer. If contentment is the meaning of happiness he conquered it and squeezed it to his last breath.  Shuggie could regale you with outlandish stories of his work life and personal escapades.

A character in the truest sense of the word.  Always a champion of the underdog.  Hughie hung in for as long as he could so Marylin would not be alone.  He died in his sleep the way he would want.  As he passed thru’ this crazy world he left his mark.  Shuggie is now having dinner with Jock Stein, Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, Che Guvera and his palTommy Stevenson.  He was truly loved and will be so missed.