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John McLean Obituary
John was a creative problem-solver and visionary. He learned to fly, piloting his own plane between Los Angeles and his cabin in Tehachapi, to escape the city's notorious traffic. His passion for innovation extended to his professional life, where he devoted himself to Arete Associates, serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer. A brilliant scientist and compassionate leader, John had a profound impact on the company, its people, and its clients, many of whom never met him but benefited from his groundbreaking contributions. His deep technical knowledge, strategic foresight, and inspiring leadership helped lay the foundation for many of Arete's technological advancements.
John was a dedicated family man and adventurer. He shared his love for the outdoors with his children, James and Kathryn, embarking on countless adventures, from scuba diving in Mexico and Hawaii, and rafting the Colorado River to rock climbing and hiking in the Sierras.
In retirement, John found new purpose in environmental and animal advocacy. As a devoted volunteer at Pima Animal Care Center, he walked the challenging dogs, focusing his patience on those needing extra care to become adoptable. His love for nature led him to volunteer with Wilderness Volunteers, improving trails and restoring habitats. He served on the board of Native Seeds/SEARCH, supporting the preservation of Sonoran Desert biodiversity. He also became a Master Gardener through the Pima County Master Gardener Program, sharing his passion for sustainable gardening.
John was a talented musician, both a singer and an organist. He particularly loved Bach's baroque masterpieces and performed occasionally at his local church. Music was a lifelong source of joy for him. Running was another of John's passions. Whether on local trails with his beloved dogs, Finn and Abby, or competing in marathons and ultramarathons including the Boston Marathon, the Old Pueblo 50K and the Paatuwaqatsi Water is Life 50K, running was his daily meditation.
Most recently, John's brief but impactful venture into public service as a candidate for state senate reflected his dedication to ethics, integrity, and the common good. Even his political opponents respected his honesty and commitment to public policy.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Katharine McLean, and his sister, Susan McLean McLeod. He is survived by his sister, Ann McLean Celoza (Albert), his loving wife, Barbara, his children, James and Kathryn, and their mother Suzanne Reyes.
To honor John's remarkable life, please consider donating to Pima Animal Care Center, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Native Seeds/SEARCH, Sky Island Alliance or Wilderness Volunteers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McLean
2 Entries
Sherry Jobin
December 26, 2024
John was the CEO, of the company I previously worked for, he was a great man, very kind. When reading this obit, he was involved in so many ventures. My deep condolences to his family and friends.
Jerry Rosen
December 24, 2024
When we lose someone, the pain can feel utterly overwhelming-almost impossible to put into words. And that pain is even sharper when the loss comes out of nowhere, when we aren't prepared to say goodbye. There's no "right" way to move through such heartache, no roadmap for navigating this kind of tragedy.
As I reflect on my seven decades of life, I realize that surviving all this time means having known not only the joy and love that makes life beautiful but also the gut-wrenching sorrow that shakes us to our core. So what do we do in the face of this kind of loss? We remember.
We remember who that person was to us, and we honor their place in our hearts. For each of us, that memory will look different-and it should.
I met John when I started volunteering at PACC. In those first few seconds of meeting him, I knew without a doubt that we were on the same page. Our shared mission-to give homeless dogs a chance at a better life-was something that instantly bonded us. And as we walked those shelter dogs together, I saw more and more of the depth of his character. John wasn't just helping the animals; he was the help. His calm presence, his focused attention, and his fierce compassion left a mark on every animal he encountered. They felt it. And so did we.
But it wasn't just the dogs that were touched by John's kindness. Every volunteer who had the privilege of working alongside him could see it: the way he led with empathy, the way he made everyone feel seen and valued. He was a true class act-one of the good ones, and it's rare to find that.
For me, remembering John will always be easy. He reminded me, in his quiet way, that being a good human matters. That each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small it might seem.
May his memory continue to be a blessing, a guiding light, and a reminder of the goodness in the world.
Jerry Rosen
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Memorial Events
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