Millard Hardy "Mac" McLain M.D.

McLAIN, M.D., Millard Hardy "Mac" Nov. 21, 1921-Sept. 28, 2008 Pasadena physician Millard Hardy McLain passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Sept. 28th at 86 years. Mac was born at the Huntington Hospital and raised in the Pasadena area where his aptitude as a student and passion for the outdoors were encouraged by his parents, Fred and Faith McLain. He attended Eagle Rock High School, then Occidental College, where he was a class officer and a competitive diver coached by Olympic diver Sammy Lee. Upon graduation, he was immediately drafted but allowed to pursue his medical studies at Stanford University in an accelerated three year program. He graduated from Stanford Medical School in 1946 and also completed his internship there. From 1947-1949 he served as a captain and medical officer in the US army and traveled on troop ships bringing servicemen back from the Pacific theater. He then returned to complete his residency at Stanford University Hospital from 1949-1952. Upon completion of his training, he was selected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, which is awarded to the top medical students in the country. He then became boarded in Internal Medicine. While at Stanford, he met the love of his life, Eleanor Lamb. They were married in June, 1945 and returned to southern California in 1953 to raise their family. Once in Pasadena, he joined the practice of Webb and Evans. Over the next 35 years, grateful patients described him as an "uncommonly wonderful doctor and friend." His astute clinical expertise, compassionate care and warm personal connection were deeply appreciated. He also served on the faculty of the USC Medical School as an Associate Clinical Professor from 1957-1982, and on the Physician's Board at the Huntington Hospital. Mac's enthusiasm for life was reflected in his lifelong commitment to learning, his love of the beach and his passion for travel. His family has many happy memories of times spent together sailing, fishing and swimming in "Paradise" (Balboa). He lived the adage: "Take advantage of every opportunity," by traveling the world, visiting over 75 countries and memorializing the journeys in scrapbooks of photos and postcards. A lifelong learner, he loved sharing and comparing his vast knowledge with others. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Eleanor; his three children, Ann, Gale and Bruce Hardy; as well as ten adoring grandchildren, all of whom will miss him greatly. Each carries his unconditional love, contagious enthusiasm and positive spirit as an example and an inspiration. A memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 1st at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Lake Avenue Church, followed by a luncheon reception. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Huntington Medical Research Institutes (734 Fairmont Ave., Pasadena, 91105) or the Occidental College McLain Scholarship Fund (Office of Annual giving, 1600 Campus Rd., Los Angeles, 90041).