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BORN
1945
DIED
2017
John McGean Obituary
Beloved John Hugh McGean departed for his next adventure May 22, 2017. He lived a life filled with joy and passion, cherishing his family, friends, photography, literature and music.
John was born December 20, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He loved to remember a childhood of family gatherings and good friends. John attended Judge Memorial High School and the University of Utah, where many life-long friendships were formed. After graduating with a degree in English in 1968, he began his teaching career at his alma mater Judge Memorial. There he discovered a special talent for teaching English literature, and inspired and influenced students for over two decades. He loved to hear from his old students, many of whom stayed in contact with him over the years.
Later he moved into educational administration, first as principal of Judge Memorial, and later in the Vashon Island and Everett, Washington school districts. Before retiring in Seattle in 2010, John was associated with the Small Schools Project, traveling to school districts to advise and encourage them in high school reform efforts. Throughout his career he remained a passionate advocate for education, and left a legacy of many students, teachers and administrators whom he guided and mentored.
John's enthusiasm for life was infectious, as the many friends he drew toward him know well. He had a special gift for livening up any occasion, and a sense of humor that was by turns witty and silly. We will all miss his fun personality and optimistic, loving, generous spirit.
John valiantly held off cancer for nearly four years, continuing to travel and to amass an impressive photography portfolio that he shared on his blog. He leaves behind his beloved wife and travel partner of 48 years, Melinda Black McGean. He is also survived by his two children, Michael (Lisa) McGean and Molly McGean, grandchildren Olivia and Grady, and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Edward and Patricia Best McGean, and his sister Patricia McGean Shaw. A reception in his honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Rainier Scholars program, https://www.rainierscholars.org/. His family wishes to thank Dr. Philip Gold, Alice and Peggy at the Swedish Cancer Institute for their care and guidance over the last 46 months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McGean
Sponsored by The Family.
Cordell Brown
May 22, 2024
In 2018, I thought I had come to an understanding of Frederich Nietsche's work. It was a eureka moment for me intellectually and it spurred me to find John and exclaim my discovery some 50 years since John introduced me to the mystery. But alas I was too late to share this insight as modest as it was. John, I cured myself of run on sentences. But I must say your life was a magnificent run on sentence full of color, inspiration and meaning. Thank you for permitting me to read a very early passage of it. Cordell Brown, Senior Class President of Judge Memorial's school for young men...1969.
Cordell Brown
February 9, 2024
I did not realize that Mr. McGean was only five years older that I was...a student of his in English Literature in 1969 at Judge Memorial Catholic Boys School. He posed questions for me that I mulled over much of my life and some of which I actually found answers to. He was "that teacher" for me and even his young wife who taught mr French for a semester, spurred me on to higher learning. Cordell Brown
Beverly Brown
May 22, 2019
Rest In Peace.
Dennis P. Clark, Ph. D
May 22, 2019
Gone but always in our memories and hearts. Until
We meet again John, Rest in Peace
Norman Allred
August 19, 2017
John was an early mentor in the appreciation of English literature for both my late wife Joanne Mooney and for me. We both followed him into being English majors, and I followed him into teaching and administration in Catholic education. God give him peace and grace.
Dennis Clark
August 7, 2017
Rest in Peace John and may perpetual light shine upon you!
July 31, 2017
Dear Melinda and family,
The Hernon family has many fond memories of John as friend and teacher. We extend our respect, love and our deepest sympathy.
Nancy Hernon Tessman
Robyn Hernon Caperton
Kathy Hernon Raffaelli
July 31, 2017
Melinda and Family,
What an incredible life you and John had. His contributions and passion for education will live on in all the lives that were touched by him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Zupo, Mesquite Nevada
Margaret Varra
May 29, 2017
Mr. McGean taught me at Judge in the early-mid 70's. He was so elegant I thought, surely he was originally from England or Canada. (Ah.. I've just exposed my negative projection of being from SLC.) His understated and keen teaching style allowed me to delve into literature without fear of the "teacher knows best" limitation. He asked excellent questions freeing our hormone-addled minds and letting literature sink into us for exploration and self-exploration.
Imagine my surprise when 15 years later he should turn up in the Thriftway on Vashon Island, where I, too, was living. Oh, how I wish I had spent time with him then, but, as he was coming, I was going.
And now I live in Seattle and he has passed from there. He, along with Peter Mareneck and Larry Roupe, both of whom have died, Larry in February, were enormous and delightful influences in my life as a young-one and I feel a great warmth - let's face it love for these men, who gave so thoroughly of themselves. We were so blessed at Judge to have these darling men as teachers.
May 29, 2017
Dear Melinda,
So sorry to read about John. You are such a great couple. I cherish our friendship. Please let me know when you're in salt lake and if you have gathering here. I will be thinking of you and your family in this hard time and praying for you. Love, Patti Raymond Kelly
Dennis Murray
May 28, 2017
Our memories and love goes out to the Mcgean family. John was a fine gentleman and friend, he will always be in our hearts.
David Hardy
May 28, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends. I have the fondest of memories of him as my teacher.
May 28, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family and friends in this time of great loss. May the God of loyal love comfort you all during your time of sorrow. Hosea 13:14
Cindy and Ned Helzer
May 28, 2017
Dear Mindy- Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. You and John shared many amazing adventures; you will have so many memories to cherish and hold dear in your heart. Look for the brightest star in the sky. In friendship and sympathy,
Charlotte Mates
May 28, 2017
Dear Mindy , Michael, Molly
Mary (McConnell) Dumas
May 28, 2017
This man instilled in me a love of language, literature and daily reading and writing that continues to make my life incredible. This man will be forever remembered in the hearts, souls and minds of all the students he touched in the classroom and outside of it. This man will be missed on this earth, and welcomed with warm loving arms in the next life.
Tawni Anderson
May 28, 2017
My deepest condolences to the McGean family. I have many happy memories of time spent with Mr. McGean at Judge and at the lovely parties he hosted at home, as well as my friendship with Mike at Reed. I've often said over the years that Mr. McGean's high school literature class was far more interesting and advanced than all but one of my graduate lit courses at the U. He was brilliant, inspiring, and kind, and this world is a better place for having had him in it.
Everett Amador
May 28, 2017
A person with a Highly Infectious Elligence.... "Bill is a Toad" still sticks in my mind as one of his Class thoughts about Metaphors...Bob Dylan,Simon
Beverly Brown
May 28, 2017
My Dear Mr. McGean,
I know your journey to your next adventure will be even more fulfilling and passionate as your adventures here. I will always remember you as the spirited teacher whose passion for English and education shined bright on the entire Judge family. My condolences to your family. Rest In Peace. Rest in Love.
Tessa Roco- Lanham
May 27, 2017
Sending our condolences and praying for all of you at this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace. Our love and prayers always!
Sue & Dick Willardson
May 27, 2017
John's energy, joie de vivre and wit will be missed.
George Raine
May 27, 2017
I was blessed to be one of those life-long friends. Much love to you, Mindy, and to Michael and Molly and all the family.
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