Colin MacLean

1927 - 2018

March 28, 1927 – October 24, 2018

Mr. Colin MacLean, a Lightkeeper's Son, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 at Southbridge Lakehead Manor, with his loving son Jim by his side, Wednesday, October 24, 2018.  Just shy of three months since the heartbreaking loss of the love of his life, Doreen, after 65 years married last March.  They raised five children together.

Dad was born and raised in Cloud Bay, Ontario to Sarah and James MacLean, into a large and loving family.  There were ten children and the life they all shared together in their small country home, was a life Dad was extremely proud of.  We were always a captive audience when Dad shared his many memories with us.  And his love of the scenery was shared with many in his oil paintings throughout the years.  A man of many accomplishments. Dad retired as Captain, with the City of Thunder Bay Fire Department.  Held the title of Grand Master with the local 415 Masonic Lodge at the time of it's 100th Anniversary.  He was a Shriner.  Early in his life, Dad was a movie theatre Projectionist in Fort William and Marathon.  He was a proud member of the Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay, as a piper, most of his life.  Which took him to many destinations from Scotland to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California and the Calgary Stampede to name a few.  He loved music.  He was also a member of the local Barbershop Men's Chorus and loved Clog Dancing.  Mom and Dad loved to Dance. Dad loved to cook and was never afraid to try anything new.  He was our steadfast “Foodie”.  His “Dinners with Donna” at Lakehead Manor gave him great pleasure to be included.  He loved company and sharing a good meal with any visitors gave him great joy.  He treasured his friendships with a passion and he had many.  Throughout his four year stay at Lakehead Manor, he made many more, which we will always be profoundly grateful for.  Together Mom and Dad were both the most creative and loving parents and our best friends, anyone could ever hope for.

Dad loved every aspect of life and taught us all to be open to new experiences and to always be grateful. He taught us to always look for the spectrum of colours in a beautiful blue sky and to always be kind and to look at life with the glass half full and never give up.  Your glass has runneth over Dad, to fill all ours until we meet again.

Colin will be lovingly missed every second of every day by his daughter Alma (Bruce) Watts, his son Jim (Nancy), son Murray and daughter Leeta.  Granddaughters Cara and Erika (Rob) Melnyk and Great Grandson Colin Jr. Melnyk, all of whom he adored with all of his being, as well as many nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the U.S.

Colin was predeceased by his loving wife Doreen, his youngest son Cameron, his Mom and Dad and siblings, Bill, Charlie, Edmund, Norman, James, Sadie, Leona, Dorothy and Alma.

As per Dad's wishes there will be no service, with a private family interment in the spring, at the Cloud Bay Cemetery, to be with family he missed dearly.  In lieu of flowers, friends or family who desire, in memory of our Dad's love of dogs, may make donations to a local Dog Rescue Charity of their choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 332 North May Street, Thunder Bay.

Your pain is finally gone Dad and knowing you are with
Mom and Cam once again, will help us all carry on without you.
We love you and will miss you.

“Keep the light shining”

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