Daniel James McLean

1940 - 2011

Daniel James McLean, 71, passed away May 6, 2011, after a long illness. Dan was a proud resident of Alaska for the past 53 years and will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, his loyalty to friends and family and his decades of outstanding work as an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers electrician and business agent.
Dan was born Jan. 26, 1940, in Highland Park, Mich., to Eldren and Vera McLean and grew up in Onaway and Warren, Mich. At age 16, his father Eldren, who was an electrical superintendent at the new Chrysler/MOPAR factory, hired Dan as an apprentice in Detroit, where he began to learn the trade he would have and love the rest of his life.
He graduated from St. Clements High School in 1958 in Centerline, Mich. and shortly thereafter relocated to Alaska, where he was promoted from an apprentice to a journeyman. He solidified his skills by graduating from electrical apprenticeship school in June 1962. Dan worked on many important jobs all around the state, including five missile sites at Point Spencer (now known as Fort Clarence), numerous DEW line stations and oil rigs in Kenai and Cook Inlet. In 1972, Dan was supposed to go to Amchitka to work on the bomb test but instead went to California to wire his sister and brother-in-law's new home. This was a fortunate decision, as all the electricians who worked on that project died of cancer.
He was a devoted Catholic all of his life and gave generously to the local Catholic school and church. He loved visiting with his friends and especially enjoyed the companionship of his best friend, Nero, his dog. Dan was a kind man who loved everyone he came in contact with and was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. After his passing, dozens of people called to express how thankful they were for Dan McLean, as their personal lives and careers had been enriched by his friendship. He had an amazing memory and was one of the best storytellers in town. He loved reading, spinning wild Alaska tales and shopping for hours with his niece Jen Jen.
He is survived by his sisters and brothers: Richard McLean, Linda Eddy (Alan) of Yreka, Calif., Jone Johnson of Whitehall, N.Y., Douglas McLean (Mary Lou) of Fairbanks, Dennis McLean (Linda) of Yucca Valley, Calif., and Sheila Cary (Charlie) of Anchorage; his sister-in-law Mary McLean, and Linda Smith, both of whom visited him regularly and extended him many kindnesses; numerous nieces and nephews; and dozens of close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eldren and Vera, nephew Steven Eddy and niece Stacy McLean.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 16 at Holy Family Chapel.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Monroe Foundation.
Arrangements were entrusted to Fairbanks Funeral Home.