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Paul McLain Obituary
AGE: 88 • Toms River
Paul D. "Pete" McLain, 88, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on June 6, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bellevue, PA, and was a lifelong resident of Toms River, NJ. He attended West Nottingham Academy in Maryland and was a proud WW II veteran of the US Army Air Corp. Pete was a 1950 graduate of Cornell University with a BS in Wildlife Biology & Wildlife Management. He was employed by the State of NJ Division of Fish & Game from 1950 until his retirement in 1987 as Deputy Director. Throughout his career, he was a photographer, an outdoor writer, and hosted a local radio broadcast on wildlife. He received numerous awards during his career. After his retirement, he continued his lifelong work preserving Barnegat Bay and the surrounding wildlife.
Mr. McLain was predeceased by his beloved wife Anne H. McLain in 2012. He is survived by his son Samuel McLain and his wife Lynda of Seaside Park; his three daughters: Wendy Berg of Toms River, NJ, Nancy Valentino of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth McLain and her husband William Hipple of Bayville, NJ; his sister-in-law Katherine Smith and her husband Gerald of Williamsville, NY; and his five grandchildren: Joshua, Evan, Noelle, Lauren and Shelby; along with his niece Leslie and nephew Jeff and John.
There will be a Memorial Gathering on Tuesday, June 10th, from 3-7 PM with a 6:30 PM service, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pete McLain Scholarship, through the Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program and Save Barnegat Bay.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul McLain
ROBERT Edward LICK
June 3, 2024
I remember Pete often and miss him in my life.
Very fond memories however.
Bob Lick
Robert Lick
June 7, 2019
I remember Pete often and miss him greatly.
Pete will never leave my mind or heart.
R.I.P. my friend.
June 10, 2014
Jennifer Hendricks , U.S. Coast Guard
June 10, 2014
R.I.P. Pete McClain. Thanks for the childhood memories at the Clam Ranch banding baby Osprey!
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June 10, 2014
I worked with Pete at the Division of Fish & Wildlife for nine years; the last two
as his secretary. He was quite a colorful guy; always had a good joke to tell &
really cared about the environment & wildlife, not only in New Jersey, but
worldwide. His work with the endangered & nongame species has left a lasting legacy. Whenever I see an osprey, I think of him, soaring high above the clouds.
My sympathies to Sam, Wendy, Nancy & Beth & their entire family.
Jenny Novak & Family
Mullica River Conservation Initiative - Pete and Lisa
Lisa A
June 10, 2014
Mullica River Conservation Initiative - Pete and Lisa
Lisa A
June 10, 2014
Lisa A
June 10, 2014
Pete, You are a forever friend and mentor. I have a story from everyday we spent together. Enjoy your time to rest now - you have taught us all how to carry on your important legacy. Monty is glad to have is companion with him again!
Anne Akerley
June 10, 2014
Pete..May the bright light of your love continue
to live within each of your children and all of your family/friends. RIP
Trish Schuster
June 10, 2014
I had the opportunity to work with Pete at Island Beach in the '90's. We had some amazing 'adventure's-if you know Pete that statement needs no explanation! He was such an inspiration and an outstanding teacher. The entire state owes him a debt that cannot be repaid. He was one of a kind. It was my pleasure to call him my friend. God Bless, Petie.
janet campbell
June 10, 2014
Wendy, Nancy, Sam and Elizabeth, I am so sorry for your loss. The world lost a great man and he will be sorely missed. May he RIP.
June 9, 2014
Pete was an early contibutor to radio station WOBM-FM. I remember recording Pete over the phone each evening. His program aired the following morning. Always a positive attitude and an all-around nice guy. RIP, Pete. My deepest condelences to his family and friends.
Connie Pilling
June 9, 2014
Thank you for sharing Pete. He was a knowlegable inspiration to all of us.
Pete and I at IBSP in 2012
Ben Wurst
June 9, 2014
Pete is a true legend in my books. I'll continue to watch over the ospreys for you, Pete. Rest in Peace, Ben
Carol Narducci
June 9, 2014
Elizabeth, our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the passing of your Father.....
Bob McDowell
June 9, 2014
Pete had more energy for land, water and wildlife conservation in New Jersey than anyone I knew in my career with the Division of Fish and Wildlife - he will be missed.
Joe Garris
June 9, 2014
All of us who knew Pete and were fortunate to spend time with him in his job, or especially in the woods or on the water know what a special man he was. He will be be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
I pray that Pete is where there are turkeys gobbling on every ridge, fish at every cast, a beautiful sunrise at every dawn, and where he can walk behind a good dog forever without tiring.
Liz Jackson
June 9, 2014
Inspiring and faithful to a place. Life on bay -and those you've moved to care about it- will miss you.
Toms River Medical Group
June 9, 2014
We are very sorry to hear of Paul's passing.
Allan/Liz McCallum
June 8, 2014
What a huge lost this is. You left some big shoes to fill!! We will miss you Petey. Rest in peace
Robert Lick
June 8, 2014
My life has been blessed to be able to call Pete my friend for over forty years. Whether fishing in Costa Rica or sitting in my beach buggy over coffee on Island Beach Pete was a joy to be with. He was a friend to all sportsmen.
May he have endless fish to catch, a great dog and birds to flush forever.
God Bless this very fine man.
June 7, 2014
Candace Lillie
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