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Robert MACLEAN Obituary
November 21, 1941- September 21, 2015
Iain died Monday morning at RUH surrounded by family, after being in hospital since July 2nd. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Iain was an avid reader and sportsman and took pride in being a lifelong advocate and employee of the University of Saskatchewan. Iain was born in Bramshott, England with his twin brother Alaistair in a military hospital in 1941 to Major Iain and Christina MacLean. He graduated from Nutana Collegiate in 1959. He completed his B.A. in English (1962) and Diploma in Education (1963) at the U of S, where he played on the Huskies basketball team. He spent a year traveling in Europe and taught at Bedford Road Collegiate. By successfully petitioning the provincial Department of Education, he became the first to teach Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird in Saskatchewan schools. Iain married the love of his life, Joyce, and they had three children in three years. In 1970, he began work at the U of S, in the College of Arts and Science. He was the founding president of ASPA and was active in community education being president of the Albert Home and School. His athletic passion was old-timers hockey and he was president of the old-timers division of the Central Men's Hockey Association. In 1984, he was appointed University Secretary, a position he held until his retirement in 2000. He was active professionally and served nationally. For several years he served on the board of 25th St. Theatre. He was active in retirement and served on the boards of the U of S Faculty Club, the Saskatchewan Literacy Foundation, the board of the Riverside Country Club and the U of S Alumni Association. Iain is lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Joyce (Iwanicha); children Allison (Rob) Eichorst (William, Adam, Jay), Megan (Travis) Serke (Andrew, Jocelyn, Carly), Michael (Jo-Lynn) (Krystin, Kathleen, Ava, Cole, Drew, Ariana, Gabrielle); brother Alaistair (Judy); sister Mairi (Gary); mother-in-law Anne Iwanicha; brother-in-law Ron Iwanicha; as well as nephews and nieces. He was pre-deceased by his parents; and father-in-law Mike Iwanicha. The Vigil of Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015 and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2015. Both services will be held at St. Joseph's Parish (535 - 8th Street East, Saskatoon). Memorial donations may be made to the RUH Foundation (Room 1626 - 103 Hospital Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8). Arrangements in care of David Polzen - MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca
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40 Entries
Gail Kondra
December 11, 2015
Just found out that Ian passed away. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beryl Tell
September 30, 2015
So very sorry Al for the loss of your brother. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Ed & Judy Marchtaler
September 29, 2015
Joyce, We were so very sorry to hear of your loss of Iain. Our deepest condolences to you & your family.
Ed & Judy Marchtaler
September 27, 2015
Dear Joyce, we will miss Iain greatly. We were on the road last week, so missed the celebration of his life. Take care,
Bob and Liz
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Emily Farnham
September 26, 2015
Dear Joyce and family. I am deeply saddened to learn of Iain's passing. During our years working together at the University of Saskatchewan he was a wonderful colleague, as well as a dear friend. The memories are many on both professional and personal levels. Iain was indeed a gentle man. My thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Old Time Hockey ...
Iain Grier
September 26, 2015
September 25, 2015
I was a student of Mr. MacLean at Bedford Road Collegiate in the late 1960s. I remember fondly how, on a day when I happened to be somewhat of a brat in his English class that he moved my desk to the front of the class, asked that I re-seat myself and proceeded to put his size 14 (I think) shoes across part of his desk and onto mine. He was a wonderful man and teacher and I have continued to think of him all my life. He made a huge impression on me. We also listened to the Beatles Hey Jude for the entire song which is about seven minutes in length. We had a great time with him that particular day. What a wonderful human being. Sincerely, Brenda Clark (formerly Doell). I was a student at BRCI from 1967-1971. Saskatoon.
Leon Thiessen
September 25, 2015
Mr. MACLEAN will be
remembered as the best Educator/Teacher ever. I was so fortunate to have had Mr. Maclean as my friend and teacher while at Bedford Road. I am sorry for your loss, Iain was a great guy.
Denise Nowoselski
September 25, 2015
Dear Joyce and Family: We are saddened to hear of Iain's passing I remember Iain at the University. I recently married Maynard Erickson who is in the Oldtimers' Hockey Group. He has nothing but praise for Iain. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Denise Nowoselski and Maynard Erickson
Ernie Hartz
September 25, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ernie, Diane Hartz and family
Iain Grier
September 25, 2015
Not sure if I'm getting the whole anecdote correctly, but Iain was doing chaperone duty at a high school dance in the 60s.
DJ played a Beatles song.
He said to the Teacher next to him "You know, these guys sound kind of good."
Other Teacher responds "What? Those bunch of long-hairs?"
The conversation pretty much ended at that point.
Dick Wiest
September 24, 2015
Always a friend and great competitor
Tom Caldwell
September 24, 2015
On behalf of Bobs and Bev and our family we send our condolences. Our two families have been connected in so many ways over the years at Nutana, and at the University. We hope you all can be strong in this time of sorrow.
Kelly (Josephson) Saretsky
September 24, 2015
To Joyce and family...I worked with Iain at the U of S for a number of years...and he was also good friends with my Uncle Ron Lambert. I remember Iain to be committed to the U of S, so connected and knowledgeable, and a good advisor - especially to me. I am so sorry for your loss.
Loretta Polischuk
September 24, 2015
Dear Megan, Travis, Andrew, Jocelyn and Carly,
Fathers and grandfathers are such wonderful and important parts of our lives. May all the love, happiness, fun and wisdom that your Dad and Grandpa gave you fill your hearts. You, your Mom and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and hugs,
Loretta and Ernie Polischuk, Meacham, Sk
Eric Neufeld
September 24, 2015
I worked with Iain many years ago. My deepest condolences.
Denis Downey
September 24, 2015
Many fun memories in hockey with cousins Tom and Joe Molloy and Spiro Leakos'Commodores basketball with brother Gale - Gus could have played in NHL had he wanted. I know that if my brother were alive he would have wanted to send his condolences to Joyce.
Roman Todos
September 24, 2015
Joyce and Family so sorry to hear about Iain . Maybe God Bless you all. My Prayers go out to you all.
Jack Manns
September 23, 2015
Joyce, so sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't get to see Gus much after I moved to Calgary but that dinner last winter over at Lois and Bill's in Mesa is the way I will remember him. Memories last.
September 23, 2015
Dear Joyce, I was saddened to hear of Iain's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Susan Konlup (Schmidt)
Gord & Joan Gress and family
September 23, 2015
To Megan, Travis and your families. Our thoughts and prayers to you all. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Jan, Keith & boys Berger
September 23, 2015
Allison and families, so sorry to hear of your loss . Thoughts and prayers to you all!
September 23, 2015
To Jake
In 1981 we discussed the merits of Tom Wolfes principle in his book, Electric Cool-aid acid test, re whether we were on the bus or off. At the time you were sure you were half way off. Now you are
finally all the way off. I miss you so much already.
Your other brother
Elwood
Linda & Dalton Van Cleave
September 23, 2015
We were saddened to hear of Iain's passing. Our deepest sympathies to Joyce and the family. Iain and Dalton had many good times times together during their albeit brief but fun UNTD Naval career. A life well lived but taken too soon!
Jason Vogelgesang
September 23, 2015
To The Serke Family: May the memories of your father & grandfather bring you comfort during this difficult time. Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
September 23, 2015
Dear Joyce, My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Iain was a favorite of mine as a colleague and golfing partner. Michael Swan
The Dubyk's
September 23, 2015
Joyce,
We are deeply saddened by Iain's passing. We hold dear the memories of him and family times spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anne and your children.
With deepest sympathy,
The Dubyk Family
September 23, 2015
Joyce - We were saddened to read in today's Star-Phoenix the news of Ian's death. Our condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. May God bless all of you.
---
Dennis and Joyce Dibski
Al and Marion Moffat
September 23, 2015
Joyce. We are so saddened to hear of Iain's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
September 23, 2015
Dear Joyce. Our hearts go out to and your entire family at this time of great sadness. Iain was a great man, kind, gentle, intelligent and a scholar. We will miss him dearly Our prayers are with you. Love David and Germaine
September 23, 2015
Dear Miss Allison & families
It is with my deepest Sympathy, to hear of the loss of your Father, Grandfather, etc. May god grant you all the strength you need during this time of sorrow, Praying that god will comfort you and give you the strength for tomorrow. Big ((((HUGS))))
September 23, 2015
Joyce What a wonderful man Iain was. Sending you blessings for the whole family. I truly love all of you-your journey now well be loneliness for Iain but I know Jesus well comfort you all as He does for me. Phyllis Bourassa
Laurel and Brian Rossnagel
September 23, 2015
Our thoughts and sympathy are with you at this time.
September 23, 2015
So sorry Joyce for your loss.our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad .May he rest in peace.
Don and Virgi Punga
Leo Snye
September 22, 2015
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of Iain's passing. The memories that he has left, to all who had met him, will be that he was a true "gentleman" in every sense of the word. It was a priviledge to have known him. So sorry for your and your family's loss.
Iain Grier
September 22, 2015
I was named after this guy. Good friend of my Father. Such a great man. I don't really know what else to say.
Sharon Gach
September 22, 2015
Joyce,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have many fond memories of visits with you and Iain. Iain always had a great sense of humour and could give and take practical jokes. Dad will always remember his buddy Ernie! This earth has lost a true gentleman.
Peter MacKinnon
September 22, 2015
Iain MacLean was a wise and wonderful presence throughout his career at the University of Saskatchewan. He was an expert in university governance; a counsellor to board members, presidents, deans and other members of the university community; and a deliberate, effective administrator. His warm smile, quick wit and disdain for inflated egos endeared him to all who knew him. Deepest sympathy to his dear wife Joyce and to the entire family.
September 22, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Iain. I am remembering you in my thoughts and prayers. Bernice Fry Karstensen
Ray. / Darlene Aikman
September 22, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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1201 8th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S5
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