Neil A. McLean

Neil A. McLean Okemos On warm spring day the kind of day he loved the most, our wonderful, adored, charming, delightful Neil Arthur McLean told us a final farewell. Those twinkling blue eyes that crinkled at their corners closed for the last time on Sunday, June 20, 2010 as he finally was able to exchange his sick days for a new sweet world. Neil had struggled with courage and fortitude against the ravages of a series of strokes over the past three years. Never did his spirit or his sparkle leave him and he persevered in remarking on events in his world and continuing his friendships so dear with those he loved. Neil was born in Detroit on March 11, 1929 to Eleanor Robertson McLean and Austin Jersey McLean. At the time, his father was finishing law school and Neil always conjectured that he might not have come into the world at the most convenient time for his parents! His mother, a feisty, friendly red-head was a Lansing native and his dad, a fun-loving Insurance Company attorney was from Boyne City. Neil grew up in Toledo, Ohio. Neil and his younger brother Austin survived many youthful antics. Neil's special gift in knowing how to have fun attracted many friends and led to countless adventures. Neil graduated from Michigan State University in three years and attended the University of Michigan Law School. He displayed both a fine legal mind and a mischievous nature. After his graduation in 1953, he served as a Lieutenant in the Air Force JAG. When he left the service he received a special commendation for having the most successful legal record in base history. When Neil was only 23, his father died of colon cancer. Neil's experience caring for his father during the months he lay dying and assisting his mother may have contributed to his remarkable empathy and affection for others. His caring wisdom was the cornerstone of his legal practice, and his many clients often leaned on him for assistance with problems far outside of legal affairs. He loved the rich network of relationships that characterized his work life, and he looked forward to going to work each day. His clients loved him, and the ability to help others through his practice gave him tremendous satisfaction. Neil met Barbara Ennis on a trip to the Caribbean in 1963, and love blossomed. Barb worked in Chicago but the drive to and fro soon became part of most weekends. Barb said that she knew in 10 minutes that he was THE special person for her ("how could anyone resist those beautiful smiling eyes and marvelous sense of humor"), but careful Neil, then an old 33, was more cautious. They married in 1965, and had two boys, Austin John and Samuel Allen. Their romance of 45 years was the enduring and all-consuming passion of their lives, and their devotion to each other has never failed. Neil worked many evenings and always Saturday morning, but when not working he was always at home with his wife and boys. He believed in community service, and worked tirelessly in the Lansing Lions Club, where he focused on services for the blind, and was chairman of the Board of Trustees of his church. In later years, he directed millions of dollars in donations as director of the Glassen Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports environmental causes. Neil and Barb traveled when they could especially to London where the theatre became their delight. They found wonder and joy in seeing their sons marry delightful, accomplished, loving wives. Best of all, 4 GRANDCHILDREN, Neil, Grant, Ben and Sydney! How Neil adored each one, loving the time he played with, listened to, and watched each one grow. The warmth and friendliness of Neil's smile was a signal to anyone of his approachability and sweet nature. He used to joke that he was never alone anywhere because strangers always seemed to seek him out to talk, wherever he went. Neil was a friend to anyone who needed one, never failed to help out when he could, and always seemed to know how to do what was "right". Neil saw the world as a friendly place. He was never jealous of the success of others, never craved the limelight, and was never spiteful. He was a happy, wholesome person who did his best for his family, friends, and clients and always had time to take care of others. He knew that life is both short and precious. Neil thanked people, and called people, and visited people - whenever he thought they needed it. He was exceptional. Neil was a lucky man and he knew it. As one of his sons wrote, "Your energy, your love for people, your steady hand, your doing and caring for people, your incredible sense of humor, your ability to laugh at yourself, your mercy and quiet confidence, your delight in a worthy 'scrape', I will always try to follow, I am so lucky that you are my dad." We are all blessed to have had Neil in our lives. We do not need to wonder where Neil has gone: he found Heaven while he was here on earth. His spirit and soul are now loose in the universe for us all to love and enjoy for eternity, just as we have loved him on earth. Goodbye sweet Prince, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester Hills, MI. A private graveside service will be held. Neil's family invites friends to a reception on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the University Club of MSU from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.