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William McLean Obituary
William "Bill" McLean, 86, passed away March 10, 2014. He was the son of "Mac" and Ruth McLean, original owners of the Buckaroo Tavern in Fremont. Bill is survived by Betty, his wife of nearly 64 years. They were long-time residents of Somerset in Bellevue, WA. Bill was a talented artist, making his career as Art Director for Milmanco Trojan Lithograph. Graduate of Lincoln High in Seattle, and the UW School of Art.
Betty and Bill met at a University of Washington Chi Psi - Chi Omega Exchange, where Bill arrived via chariot, clad in a toga. The next date Bill donned an ape costume, and so it went for the next many decades. If you measure a man by the company he keeps, Bill stands tall. Betty and Bill enjoyed a wealth of lifelong friends who shared in their love of the arts, travel, and football. They were Husky and Seahawks season ticket holders and expert tailgaters, as well. Bill was dubbed "Funny Man" for the joy he brought to the party.
Bill will be sadly missed by his wife, Betty, son Martin McLean (Julie), daughter Marilee Collins (Rick), grandchildren Cody McLean (Chelsey), David Collins, Kendall Collins, great-grandsons Declan McLean, Sol Honu Silver, sister Martha McLean (Jim Freier), and faithful feline, Rex.
Deep gratitude to the loving staff at Clare Bridge Silver Lake, Providence Hospital, and Evergreen In-Home Health Services for the dignity and care brought to Bill's life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Seattle Humane Society.
Sign Bill's on line Guest Book at
www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William McLean
Sponsored by The Family.
M Hart
April 11, 2020
I worked for Ruth at the Buckaroo when I was going to the UW in the early 70's. She was such a lovely person and would come pick me at times in the Winter after the storms and take me home as I only had a motorcycle back in those days. I met Bill a number of time and he struck me to be much as his mum. Say hi to your mum Bill and give her all my love!!!
April 15, 2014
What wonderful memories we have of Bill and you, Betty, from Chi O house activities, watching the 2 of you and then the parties as we were married. His painting that he so graciously painted to match our decor in our first house. We'll remember the smile, laugh and the fun he had making us all laugh with joy.
Hugs to you all. Ruthie and Don Kallander
April 4, 2014
Dear Betty...
You and your family were the luckiest of all. I had the privilege of just three years of fraternity living with a clown who loved what he could touch and touch him back with the same love and good-will and nutty humor that made Bill McLean such a wonderful friend and brother.
Lucky you, you got him for a few more years than anyone else in the world.
May he rest in well-humored peace...
With all my love,
Bill Zarkades
Mike & Vici Collins
March 30, 2014
ML, Rick, David and Ken:
Know we love you and are always here for you!
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March 30, 2014
Dear Marilee, Rick and Grands…
Our hearts are truly with all of you…but hopeful knowing your dad is peaceful. This has certainly been a year of loss, but with that comes beautiful memories for the future.
Sharing these next days with you in spirit,
Sally and Mike
Bill about 8 months ago.
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill and Betty, just this year
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill with his mom and his sister, Martha
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill with son, Marty
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill with daughter, Marilee
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill and Betty, just before they married
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill entered the service in 1946
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill at around 18 years old
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Bill as a young boy
Martha McLean
March 30, 2014
Barb & Darrell Scattergood
March 30, 2014
Bill and his family were our close neighbors for many years. We were sorry to see them leave us and hoped that we would run into Bill and Betty in downtown Bellevue now and again. Alas, that possibillity has now passed and we share the sorrow of many with Bill's passing. We wish That the understandable sorrow of today will pass for Betty nad the kids to the happy memories of a great and loving man.
March 30, 2014
I hope Bill and Marty are sharing a joke up there. Much love Polly Weishaar.
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