|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McLEAN, Allan David - We are heartbroken to announce the sudden, yet peaceful passing of Big Al, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Surrounded by the love of his life, Lorna (Black); his daughters, Alanna (Rob Rysdale), Kelli (Rich Cochrane); his grandchildren, Molly and Benjamin Cochrane; and his beloved niece and nephew, Linda Toll and Kevin Nesbitt. Missed by his sisters, Joan Nesbitt (dec. Brad), Candy Brown (Dave); his brother, Peter; and sister-in-law, Marion (dec Ron). Al was predeceased by his parents, Hedley and Hazel McLean; his brother, Ron McLean; in-laws, Clarence and Jean Black; best friend, Brad Nesbitt; son-in-law, William Hockton; and many, many more relatives and friends. Clearly frustrated by the Blue Jays uneven start, Al just couldn't bear to hang on for the rest of the season. Grandpa Al absolutely adored his grandchildren, Molly, Benjamin and Mathieu (Abruzzese) and was thrilled to have the chance to see them well on their ways to a strong future as loving human beings, Uncle AL also enjoyed hanging with all of his nieces and nephews, participating in their lives and sharing his (very) long stories with them all, (whether they wanted to hear them or not). Born and raised in Dogpatch, St. Kitts, Al went from serving in the Royal Canadian Navy direct to McKinnon's (aka General Motors), meeting and marrying his beautiful Lorna, having two crazy daughters, and retiring after 30 years of service in 1991. It's fair to call Coach Al a pioneer in women's sports in Niagara. He treasured his time teaching the young ladies of the Niagara Ringette and St. Catharines Ladies Softball Associations about winning and losing; strength, belief in themselves and empowering them through teamwork and pushing their limits to launch them forward towards a life of being the fierce women they would all become. Dad, you have made such a mark on us all and we are so blessed to have had you in our lives for so long. You sacrificed your dreams to make us the women we are and while we all wanted to hang onto you forever, it's ok to let go. So, heads up to the Big Guy. If you see a dude decked out in Walmart pajama pants, "indoor shoes" and a bright green Bison's jacket, slipping into that big GT Boutique in the sky for his daily haul of smokes, Ding Dongs, and lottery tix, please let him win for once.....We extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Jeremy Childs, the nurses and doctors of the NHS St. Catharines site ER and the ICU Response Team for the phenomenal care they gave him. Arrangements have been entrusted to Passfield Mortuary Services Inc. St. Catharines. We invite everyone to celebrate this great man's life on Sunday, April 28th from 1-4 at Club LaSalle, 111 Arthur St., St. Catharines, ON., L2M 1H8 (Sunset Beach). Casual dress, but if you could wear your favourite team's swag, Al would love it. In lieu of flowers, we would be honoured if you could donate to Jumpstart at https://donate.jmpst.ca/DIYevent/ALLANMCLEAN, a program that helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers in sport and recreation. (The St Catharines Standard 06 Apr 2024)
|
