Norman Parrish McLean

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Norman McLean Obituary

Norman Parrish McLean - ATHENS - Norman Parrish McLean, 86, of Athens, GA passed away Sunday, January 4th, 2009 of natural causes. He was born on February 18th, 1922 in Alamo, TN, the son of Norman Arthur and Cordie Bennett McLean. Preceding him in death was his wife of 45 years, Dolores Hanke McLean. Norman served in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945, honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama in 1949 and a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University in New York. He studied with Madame Regina Neidliner in New York, Anna Kasas of Indiana University and Martial Singher of Chicago. He and his wife Dolores performed with symphony orchestras in New York, Boston, Chicago, and throughout the country. He served on the faculty at Cornell College, Iowa in 1951 and at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA from 1952 until 1985 as Professor of Music. He was known as a demanding professor who expected excellence from his students. Many of his students, still performing in the U.S. and Europe, stayed in touch with "Mr. Mac" through the years. He and his wife owned and operated McLean Antiques in Macon from 1952 until her death in 1996. He moved to Athens in 1998 and most recently resided at Arbor Terrace of Athens, GA. He survived by his two sons and their spouses: N. Avery McLean (April) of Athens and Patrick B. McLean (Mary Catherine) of Springfield, GA and five grandchildren: Andrew, Adam, JP, Mary Bennett, and Catherine. Norman will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who appreciated Art in its many forms. He will be truly missed by friends and family. In honor of Mr. Mac, a Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Avery and April McLean, 1080 Brookview Drive, Athens on Sunday, Jan. 11th from 2 - 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Norman McLean Masters Class at Wesleyan College in Macon: Wesleyan College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA 31210-4462. Lord and Stephens WEST 706-546-1587 Savannah Morning News January 6, 2009 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries .

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Published by Savannah Morning News on Jan. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman McLean

11 Entries

Josephine Tolmie Denmark

November 26, 2009

I'm a Wesleyan graduate of 1966 and "Mr. Mac" was my voice teacher. How lucky I was! As voice students we loved "Mr.& Mrs. Mac" and the whole family. I have kept up with him all these years through Christmas cards and knew something had changed when I didn't receive a note last year. He was a wonderful teacher and I have many fond memories of him. He loved sending photos of his grandchildren. I know you will miss him.

Cynthia McMullen

January 27, 2009

As a Wesleyan College graduate of 1976, I have fond memories of Mr. McLean -- and I wasn't even a music major! He was such a sweet man -- even when righteously indignant about something that mattered to him. I loved listening to him talk. I'm so sorry for the family's loss, but wasn't Wesleyan and her students fortunate to have him all those years?

Joan Cordova Walker

January 10, 2009

I sang in the choir at Vineville Presbyterian Church where Delores was Choir Director and Norman sang with us very often. I loved them both dearly. The family is certainly in my prayers. Just wish I could be at the visitation on Sunday.

chris chandler

January 10, 2009

I met Norman shortly after he moved to Athens when he joined me at my antique mall. After that he and my mother resided at Arbor Terrace so I saw him weekly until I moved from Athens a few months ago. We had a lot of good times together and his piano playing filled the halls of Arbor Terrace with joy. Goodbye to a true gentleman.

Gail Stover

January 8, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting Norman at Arbor Terrace and enjoyed hearing him play the piano on many occasions when visiting my sister there. We loved hearing him play Georgia On My Mind - which is my sister's favorite song that he would play. He was a fine man and will truly be missed at Arbor Terrace.
My sympathy to all of the family.

Susan Kypreos

January 7, 2009

Dear Avery, Patrick and family,

Your dad was such a positive influence on the lives of so many young women. He was a gifted musician and teacher and a truly wonderful person who was loved by us all. He will be greatly missed.

Susan Word Kypreos
Pensacola
Wesleyan '75

Jeanne Luke Longerbeam

January 6, 2009

A man loved and respected by all who really knew him. An amazing teacher of voice and of life. We stayed in touch all these years (since 1980), and I never failed to feel a sense of awe and excitement to sing for Mr. Mac---even after 10 years of vocal training in New York. His letters of encouragement always came at the most critical times in my career and life, and when I decided to leave New York, he was there for me too. THere will be a huge empty spot in my heart where Mr. Mac lived. Jeanne Luke

Janis Black

January 6, 2009

My friendship with Norman was at Arbor Terrace in Athens where he resided. My job as a receptionist was more enjoyable because of him. He would play the piano so beautifully almost everyday and night...always with an audience of residents and employees. He and I, I felt, had a special friendship of talking, joking, and just being ourselves. I miss him and send my prayers and thoughts to his family. His friends at Arbor Terrace will surely miss him.

Dale (Tootsie Barfield) Pinkston

January 6, 2009

I had the pleasure of growing up in the same neighborhood as the McLean family in Macon, GA, and I was lucky enough to study voice with "Mr. Mac" one summer. He was a wonderful teacher and a great man. I always looked forward to hearing him sing "O Holy Night" during the Christmas Eve service at Vineville UMC. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Denise M. Ryles (SunTrust Bank)

January 6, 2009

To the family,

I was saddened to read about the death of Norman. He was truly a fine man who loved his family. May the lord wrap his arms around each of you and guide you through the days to come. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes West Chapel

January 6, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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