Dr. J. Philip McLaren

He was memorable in so many ways - and it was an honor to have crossed paths with him (and Lynne) on several colorful occasions. His passing leaves a void where once lived a larger-than-life soul ...

I just learn of Doc McLaren's passing. My company made t-shirts for him for his many trips to Hawaii with students from Eastern Nazarene College. He was always a pleasure to work with and very interesting to talk with. My Job has it's ups and downs but the best benefit of the job is the people I meet. He lived a rich and rewarding life and I was blessed to have met him. Please accept my sympathies

Hi Lynne,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. We knew that you had moved to Hawaii but did not know how to get in touch with you these past years. I have very very fond memories of working with Phil through MME - and he was certainly one of my favorite mentors as I entered the field of marine education. Not only his students but his colleagues as well benefited from his knowledge and guidance.

Just heard about Phil's passing. He was such a vital, alive and exploring person it is hard to believe he is no longer here. Phil will be greatly missed. I still remember the New Zealand adventure with one of Phil's classes. Lynne was there as well. What a wonderful time and we went to ends of the earth it seemed to see the last Kiwi's. I will never forget.

I am truly sad to hear of Phil's passing he was such a gentle and sweet soul. One of my best memories and a statement to that was when i was getting ready to have my son, he told me the sweetest story of when he and Lynne were having their first child and he was so moved by the experience that as he was telling it, he started to cry. It was an amazing story any how but the emotion he had while telling it made me cry as well. He was truly in love with his wife and family and it showed. My...

My deepest sympathy goes to you, Lynne and your family. It was such a great pleasure to have known Phil and to have even picked blueberries with him as well as doing a strathsprey or two.

On behalf of the KY cuzzns and decendants of Wm. Alexandria McLaren we send our regrets to family and friends of this amazing man. He sought us out 25 years ago and inspired us to put together our first McLaren family reunion, came to it and even proved his blood with us by knapping on a picnic table just as our fathers used to do. Lynne and Phil opened their hearts and homes to us and always encouraged us to come where they are.
On a personal level he was a teacher and inspiration to our...

It is with deep sadness that I learned of Phil's homegoing. I knew Phil as a creative educator, a spiritual mentor to so many students and a wonderfullly fun Prof to work for as his secretary for about 20 years. Phil and Lynne introduced me to snorkling in Belize, birding in Scotland, and exploring Hawaii and New Zealand - thank you Lynne for sharing him with us - we are hurting with you and cherish the treasured memories we've had together. Marilyn Stark

I had the opportunity to get to know Dr McLaren. It was always interesting to find out where he was or where he had come back from Belize, Germany, Studying Vog at a volcano! I always enjoyed his stories! My thoughts go out to his family at this time.