Wesley R. McClellan
Wesley R. McClellan
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Wesley McClellan Obituary
He was an educator to the core. He taught or was a principal in Colchester, Burlington, St. Albans City, and in Milton. He enjoyed all aspects of teaching from Elementary to High School, but always had a special place in his heart for Middle School students. After his retirement from public schools he taught at Mater Christi School and then went on to volunteer for Guardian ad Litem program as an advocate for children involved in court cases.
He leaves his wife Cecilia Valliere McClellan after 57 years of marriage, his daughter Miranda McClellan Dunn (Michael) and his son Mitchell McClellan (Jessica), precious grandchildren Isabella and Jocelyn Dunn and Whitley and Tennison McClellan, sisters Margaret McClellan and Barbara Sheppard. He was predeceased by his brother Raymond Anctil.
Wes' family wishes to thank the staff at The Arbors at Shelburne for the wonderful care he received during his short stay.
As per Wes' wishes there will be no public services. His family will celebrate his life as our "Bright Light" privately.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wesley, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Janet Smith
February 3, 2025
I have always admired Wes and thought highly if him. He hired me as a middle school teacher, believed in my potential, and enabled me to apply my science background in industry and research toward educating students in Milton by encouraging me to gain licensure through peer review in the process. His wit, down-to-earth attitude, and healthy level of student expectations, I believe, made him an effective principal and an exceptional mentor.
Tony Debono
January 25, 2025
Mr. McClellan will always have a special place in my heart as an educator and a man of gentleness and integrity. He was an inspirational educator who contributed so much to his community. When he was my principal I spent more time in his office than I'd like to recall, but he always made me feel safe and treated me with dignity and respect. A true role model, gentleman, and educator through-and-through. Thank you, Sir.
Mary Nemitz
January 25, 2025
Dear Cissy, Mandy and Mitch, I was so sorry to read about the lost of Wes. What a special man he was. He'd talk to anyone, just the friendly person around. It was a privilege to know him. Big HUGS and love to you ALL.
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Stacey Endres
January 21, 2025
Wes was a great principal to work for, a wonderful friend, mentor, colleague and supporter through tough times. Although we hadn´t talked in a long time, there was comfort in knowing he was there. Wes will truly be missed.
Melanie Savio
January 21, 2025
It has been said that having one adult who champions, believes in, and cares for a child will make a difference in that child's life. Mr. McClellan was just that for me. I met him as a 7th grade student, new to Colchester Middle School and public school in general. Mr. McClellan showed care and concern, held me to standards he knew I was capable of, and watched me grow. Throughout the years, when we had chance encounters, he was always genuinely interested in my life. In 2003 I had the honor of working with him as a teacher in Milton Middle School. Later, he became the Principal at Milton Elementary School, where I taught 2nd grade. I watched him work his magic with students and teachers alike. He didn't always say what you wanted to hear; but his words were gentle, kind and honest. It's a testament to the respect he earned, that to this day, despite his encouragement to call him Wes, he is still "Mr. McClellan" to me. Thanks for all the lessons, Mr. McClellan.
Karen Conte
January 21, 2025
So very sorry for your loss McClellan family. Wes was a teacher, administrator, mentor, colleague and friend during my time at MTSD. His warm smile, easy laugh and love of education enriched all that had the pleasure of knowing him. RIP Wes, thank you for making such a positive difference to the world through your life journey.
Jada (Burbo) Payea
January 20, 2025
Mr. McClellan was first my teacher and, later, and administrator. He left a lasting impact on me through his steadiness, his patience and his kindness. While not a pushover and one that had everyone´s respect, he approached his work with empathy and a desire to hear from those he served. Now an administrator myself, his approach so many years ago helped shape who I aim to be as a educator, an administrator and a human being.
Ann Dewyea
January 20, 2025
To the McClellan Family . . . I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I was a supervisory aide at Milton Elementary School while Wes was Principal. I have wonderful memories of working with Wes. He was a kind and caring person.
Marilyn Gillis
January 20, 2025
I have many fond memories of Wes as a fellow teacher and as a Principal. He was a very caring teacher and colleague. For him, students always came first. When I think of words to describe him I think of always respectful and always honorable. After he and I retired I was lucky to reconnect with Wes as a Guardian Ad Litem and we enjoyed consulting on our cases. Being a GAL was just another example of the care and dedication Wes had for children.
Brenda Steady
January 20, 2025
I am so saddened to read that Wes passed away. I met Wes when he was a teacher in Milton. He was a teacher in the day when you would call your substitute (that was me) and go over the lesson plans for his classroom. It was always a pleasure to substitute for him. I am sure their are many students that would say he had a positive impact on their life. He had a dedication as a teacher and had the ability to inspire young minds. In closing, I would like to acknowledge the sadness of his passing and offer my sympathy to his loved ones.
Lyall smith
January 20, 2025
When Wes would hear you say something clever he would quickly take out his little notebook and write it down. I didn´t make it into his notebook often but always thought it would be fun to read.
His journalism background makes more sense to me now.
What a wonderful person he was.
Katie Reen Sandidge
January 20, 2025
Mr. McClellan gave me my first D in 8th grade. I´ll never forget my animus toward him until he sat me down and said I needed to channel my intelligence and pay attention to the world around me. He dared me to watch the news every morning....something I do to this day because of his inspiration. I went on to become a teacher - a middle school social studies teacher - in large part due to his influence. He brought me back to my beloved Milton following my college graduation. He then became my colleague and later principal. Words can´t express what this man meant to me. I´m the person - and professional - I am today because of he and other amazingly underrated teachers at Milton. The world lost a great one. Next time I watch the news, I´ll salute him. All my best wishes to his family.
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261 Shelburne Rd, Burlington, VT 05401
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