Obituary of George Henderson MacLean

Rev. George Henderson MacLean 22 November 1925 – 19 July 2015 With his wife Helen at his side, George H. MacLean passed away at Drumlin Hills, Bridgewater following a brief illness. George was the son of James Duncan MacLean and Faith Dorothea (Henderson), of Saint John, New Brunswick. His greatest joy was his family, who miss him dearly: Catherine and Earl, Andrew and Hannah of Edmonton; David and Terri, Carsten and Myra of Bridgetown; John and Sherry, Josie and Duncan of Truro; George and Laura Lee, Hilary and Abigail of Fredericton; and Susan and Chris of Hamilton. Helen's brother Clifford Moase, Fredericton, and sister Evelyn Combs, Vancouver Island were true family to George, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. George valued life-long learning. He attended Mount Allison University and Pine Hill Divinity Hall, and was ordained into the United Church of Canada in 1948. He ministered in Advocate, New Glasgow, Glenholme, Hampton, Sussex, Truro, and LaHave-New Dublin, before retiring in 1992. He was Chairperson and Secretary of presbyteries, and President of the Maritime Conference of The United Church of Canada 1991-1992. George was a superb pastoral presence, bringing faithful hope and joy. "Be thou my vision, O joy of my heart." A Supplementary Reserve Chaplain in the RCAF, Flight Lieutenant MacLean served Canadian Forces Bases in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and New Brunswick. George was deeply involved in his connection with community groups, where much laughter reflected a relaxed company of friends. Among others, he engaged with Ministerial Associations, Parents Without Partners, Aboriginal Housing Planning, the Canadian Bible Society, the LaHave District Fire Department executive, South Shore Stamp Club, and RCL Legion Branch #24, where he served as Chaplain. A member of King George Lodge in Debert, NS, he this year received his 60-year service medal. He was a Past Master, and Past Chaplain of the Grand Lodges of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Freemasonry. With Helen, George assisted in service for the Ministry of the Deaf, and founded the Fundy Hard of Hearing Association. He was secretary of the Pine Hill Alumni Association for 17 years. Many would comment that his meeting minutes were better than the meetings! A service of George will be held at 1:00 pm, August 17, at West Side United Church, LaHave, Nova Scotia, where, in 2013, a tower with the West Dublin United Church bell was raised in honour of the lifelong ministry of George and Helen. All are welcome to attend. Interment will take place at a later date in Fernhill Cemetery Saint John, New Brunswick. Flowers gratefully refused. Donations to South Shore Public Libraries, SHAID animal shelter, the church of your choice, or a charity dear to you would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or messaging condolences@sweenysfuneralhome.com.