Alfred "Mac" Varney McLane, Jr.

Alfred “Mac” Varney McLane Jr, 92, of Milton died peacefully at home early New Year’s Day 2024 surrounded by loving family. Alfred was born September 21, 1931, in Colchester, VT to Alfred Varney McLane Sr. and Florence Winona (Huntley).

Mac spent his early years in Fairfax, VT, where he attended Bellows Free Academy and graduated in 1949. After high school he attended Norwich University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completion of his degree, Mac was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. On May 29th, 1954, Alfred married the love of his life, Betty Joyce (Manley), of Milton.

Mac and Betty headed south shortly thereafter, where they established their first home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. While there, Mac was stationed at Fort Knox, serving as a small arms instructor at the Armored School for troops deploying to Korea and for which he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. In March 1956, Mac resigned his Military commission and headed to Detroit, Michigan to work as a Mechanical Engineer for the Ford Motor Company. While there, Mac and Betty’s first child was born.

Their time in Michigan, however, was short lived, as the longing to be near family and their enjoyment of outdoor activities offered by their home state drew them back to their roots. Alfred and Betty settled their now growing family in Milton and built their long-term home on a parcel of land on Betty’s parent’s family farm. Mac spent the remainder of his career working as a Project Engineer in the Armament and Electrical Systems Department at General Electric Company in Burlington Vermont.

While growing up, Mac developed a love for outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, and trapping, which he enjoyed doing with his father and beloved younger brother “Win”.  Mac’s passion for hunting and fishing were passed onto his children and grandchildren and he delighted in sharing their success. Mac also enjoyed hobbying as a bee keeper, providing the family the occasional enjoyable treat.

Together Alfred and Betty raised 4 children. Mac really loved his family and proudly shared with others what his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were doing. Alfred loved sports and he and Betty regularly attended and cheered on their family during sporting events.

During most summers Mac took the family to Lake Champlain, where everyone enjoyed swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing at the family “camp”. This love of the water also caused Mac and Betty to haul their kids to Florida most spring breaks to escape the cold Vermont winters. Their love of Florida eventually resulted in them purchasing a 2nd home in Englewood and spending several subsequent winters there.

Mac involved himself in many community activities and served on the Milton school board and as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He was an active member of the American Legion and the Masons.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Florence McLane Sr., by his brother, Winfred “Win” McLane, brothers-in-Law: John Fitzgerald and Frank Bullis, sisters-in-law: Jane Fitzgerald and Nancy Bullis and lifelong friend Armand Martin.

In addition to his wife of nearly 70 years, Betty (Manley), he is survived by his children: Michael McLane (Emma) of Mesa Arizona, Scott McLane (Melodie) of Georgia Vermont, Kelly Paquin (Cal) of Milton Vermont, Matthew McLane (Sharlene) of Albuquerque New Mexico;

Grandchildren: Michael McLane (Amber Courtney), Vanessa Dennis (David), Kayleigh McLane, Joshua McLane (Cathy), Justin McLane (Megan), Caleb McLane (Ryleigh), Collin McLane, Shannon Rivard (Bryan), Lindsey Preston, Christopher Preston (Allie), Amanda McLane (Alek Trae Lucero), Brendan McLane;

Great Grandchildren: Dakota Dennis, Colton Dennis, Lauren, Lucas McLane, John McLane, Sophia McLane, Eleanor McLane, Isla Rivard, Simon Rivard, Maren Rivard, Etta Preston, Parks Preston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brother-in-law: James Manley Jr. and  two sisters-in-law: Lorraine Manley and Joyce McLane.

And Mac’s four-legged companion: Murphy, the cat.

The family appreciates the care provided to our husband and father by our live-in caregiver Jennifer Fletcher and the special care provided by the staff of The Arbors in Shelburne, we would also like to thank UVM Home Health and Hospice for their care.

Mac’s visiting hours for family and friends will be Friday January 5th, 2024 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Minor Funeral Home in Milton, Vermont. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 11 am at the Milton United Church. A Graveside Service to take place on May 18th, 2024 at 10am in the Milton Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity of choice in Mac’s memory.