Alford "Al" McClellan

1928 - 2025

Alford "Al" Eugene McClellan, age 97, a 35-year resident of Colville, WA, passed away on July 16, 2025 in Colville. Al was born on May 29, 1928 in Monroe, WA the son of Paul Leybourne and Mae (Fitzgerald) McClellan.

Al was raised in the Snohomish, WA area where he began school at the Marshland grade school and graduated with the class of 1946 from Snohomish High School. Following high school, Al began working for Weyerhaeuser at the local lumber mill. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 20, 1950 and served the entirety of his service time in overseas where he earned 2 purple hearts, an occupation medal (Japan) and the Korean Service Medal with 2 BSS UN Service Medals. Upon his return to the U.S. and honorable discharge, Al came home to the Snohomish area. He returned to the lumber industry and began a career in sales for Weyerhaeuser. He was introduced to Sharon Lee Scott which led to lunch dates, family introductions and a box of chocolates with a ring hidden within. They exchanged vows on May 25, 1957 at the Hitchen Post in Coeur d'Alene, ID. They began a family and resided in Everett, WA with a 2-year stint in Billings, MT from 1963 to 1965. Al and Sharon would share in the birth and love of eight children. They laid to rest five children from Cystic Fibrosis. Al worked in outside sales and most of his career and was on the road with Weyerhaeuser. He retired in 1983 from the main sales office in Kent, WA. They moved to Colville, WA in 1990 to be near family. Sharon preceded Al in passing on March 20, 2017. They enjoyed family gathering, watching their grandchildren and spend retirement nestled into their mountain home retreat.

Al enjoyed gardening and with a large family, he grew a large garden. He was the consummate salesman with a natural born charm. He enjoyed telling stories, sharing in conversation and was known for his 10-minute stories that took an hour to tell. Al had a great memory, a great sense of humor which played well in to recollection of jokes and countless pranks that generated smiles. He could stretch a dollar and make every cent go to work. Al embraced his holidays and gatherings with family. He also brought Christmas to local businesses with donuts and his Christmas cheer. Their family enjoyed many family trips over the years to the ocean, Yellowstone, Disneyland, camping in Ponderosa and family visits to Billings, MT.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW, 77-year member of the Eagles Lodge and President from 1968-69, and past member of the Hoo Hoo Club and the HUB Senior Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon and 5 children; Michael, Kerry, Lori, Leslie and Kristy; a grandson, Alex McClellan.

Al is survived by his daughters, Sue and Sandy McClellan; son, James McClellan (Shelly Gagnon) all of Colville, WA; grandchildren, Michael, Ami, Nicole, Cody, Kelsey, Kari, Kyle, Connor, Hazely and Huxley; great grandchildren, MacKenzie, John, Melanie, Briaunna, Amelia, Thomas, Ada Mae, Bryce and Ava Mae; brother, Ernest McClellan of Snohomish, WA; sister, Carol Jones of Snohomish; nieces and nephews, Ray, Linda, Laura and Ron; a host of family and friends.

The funeral service for Alford "Al" E. McClellan will begin at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, WA. The graveside service will begin at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Everett, WA. Memorial contributions may be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.