DAVID MCLEAN

June 25, 1938 - January 23, 2025 David George Alexander McLean, OBC, LL.D, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 25, 1938, in Calgary, Alberta, David was a visionary business leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, devoted father and cherished friend. While widely recognized for his business acumen and tenacity, those closest to him knew that family was his greatest priority. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda (née McCuaig); his sons, Jason and Sacha, their wives, AJ and Melanie; and his adored grandchildren, Hazel, Liam, Kate, Lucy and Frances. The youngest of six children born to Agnes Campbell and Franklin Carl McLean, David's early years were spent in Beiseker, Alberta, where his father worked as a Station Agent. It was perhaps this upbringing near the railways that sparked his lifelong passion for railroading. With Brenda as his steadfast partner in both life and business, David built a legacy of integrity and perseverance. Together, they nurtured a thriving family enterprise, balancing entrepreneurial instincts with prudent decision-making. David's contributions to Canadian business were profound. A recipient of the Order of British Columbia and an inductee into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame, he was also named an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors. His leadership was defined by strength of character, sincerity and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, David was an accomplished and meticulous real estate and corporate lawyer for over two decades, and his deep respect for the legal system became the foundation of his later success in business. Serving as Chairman of CN Rail for nearly 20 years, David played a pivotal role in shaping the company's future. Under his leadership, CN navigated historic transformations, including what was then the largest IPO in Canadian history. His dedication was honoured with the title of Chairman Emeritus. In 1972, David founded The McLean Group, a family-owned and operated business that evolved from a successful real estate investment and development firm into a diversified enterprise spanning film and television production, aviation, construction and communications. Today, it stands as a proud second-generation family business. David believed deeply in community building and was a generous supporter of numerous philanthropic causes, particularly in healthcare, education and conservation. He gave his time and expertise to many organizations, serving as Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of British Columbia, Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Vancouver Board of Trade. He also played a crucial role in the University of Alberta's capital campaign, served as the Prime Minister's senior federal representative on the successful Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games bid, and held leadership positions with the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and Ducks Unlimited, among others. An avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast, David's adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. Active in Scouting, he became a Queen's Scout (later known as Chief Scout) and later a Scoutmaster, organizing renowned camping trips with obstacle courses that tested even the bravest of participants. He worked as a lifeguard in his youth and excelled in football and basketball, including at his alma mater, the University of Alberta. David earned both his B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Alberta and was later honoured with four Honorary Doctor of Law Degrees from the University of British Columbia (1994), the University of Alberta (1994), Simon Fraser University (2004), and Royal Roads University (2009). A passionate bird hunter and fisherman, David was a dedicated advocate for wetlands preservation across North America. He was also an enthusiastic basketball supporter (particularly UBC) and took up golf later in life. Few knew of his love for sweets and chocolate, always stashed in key locations, or his interest in writing and reciting poetry at family and company gatherings. David's warmth, wisdom, and generosity will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of leadership, philanthropy and devotion to family will live on for generations to come. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 11th, at 1:00 p.m. at UBC's Chan Centre, 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, UBC Men's Basketball, Ducks Unlimited Canada, or the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Foundation.