Mike McLean passed away last week. Mike was known by many things: husband, dad, papa, brother, coach, friend, teacher, mentor, uncle, and the list just kept going. The constant was that he was always the best in each of these categories.
Mike spent much of his childhood trying to emulate his brother Ronnie and playing with his sisters Kelly and Judy. The relationships they had shaped Mike throughout his life. From early on, Mike had an insatiable desire to learn, and this took him to Oxford where he obtained his law degree. But his commitment to giving back to his community meant instead of becoming a lawyer he became a teacher.
During his undergrad, Mike met Barbara, his soulmate and wife of 53 years. They had countless things in common but social activism, hiking the highlands in Scotland and a wee dram of single malt after each meal were some of the strongest. They also both loved the desert and so moved to Arizona in 1974 where they raised their two sons, Ben and James. Mike would be a coach, supporter, advocate, and best friend to both of his sons. He was also often ribbed by them about his similarities to Clark W. Griswold.
During the last 20 years of Mike’s life, he welcomed a daughter-in-law, Jenniffer, and his two grandsons, Lochlan and Liam, into his life. Mike would drop anything, anytime to watch his grandsons play soccer or to take them on a trip. Like everything he did, Mike put his heart and soul into being their Papa and his grandchildren keenly felt that.
Mike was everything to everyone. He was a man of great curiosity, intelligence, loyalty, humor, generosity and kindness, whose smile was as wide and open as his heart. We are all trying, unsuccessfully, to imagine life without him.
Michael D Berger
God Bless You Mike. I would always bump into around town and would enjoy our conversations and catching up. I will deeply miss seeing you around. You epitomize what a true “Gentleman” is. My best to the family for your immense loss. You will be sorely missed!
carson and Peggy Greene
Peggy and I want to send our most sincere condolences to Michael’s family. Judy and Kelly we are heartbroken with the loss of your dear and precious Michael. He was a wonderful mentor and kind man. Prayers for comfort for you. Carson and Peggy.
PHYLLIS FARGOTSTEIN
Dear McLean family– I was saddened to read of the passing of a great human being. James initially came to the dental practice I worked at, and then Michael became a long time patient. I always looked forward to our short chats. I loved hearing of the excursions that he and the family embarked on, especially staying in a Tibetan Monastery, hiking in Scotland to name a few. He had a heart of compassion and kindness towards others, and I always felt enriched just by the our association over 25 years. He was so proud of his family and always spoke lovingly about the updates with James, the rest of the family, and his grandchildren. And he never forgot to ask me how I was doing! He was one of a kind! A person of loving kindness and I am glad to have known him. Please accept my deepest condolences for your profound loss.
Linda Lawyer
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mikes passing. We will miss him at the Village. He always spoke to me each time he came in and it was always a welcome conversation. I remember the years he and Jacob would hike and then sit and talk in the cafe.
Yes life will not be the same without him.
Please let me know if I can be of any help
Linda Fulwiler
Dear McLean family,
I am heartbroken to hear this .
As your travel consultant for 20 plus years and house sitter, I was able to get to know Micheal and family . What an honor for me.
Michael was one of the kindest, caring and thoughtful human beings I’ve ever known.
I can’t imagine your sadness in his passing.
I will miss our conversations and his presence here on Earth, but he left such a great legacy, he will never be forgotten. Much love and hugs to all of you.
Kerstin Brown
My condolences to the McLean Family. I know this is an extremely difficult time for your family.
Michael had the best smile, a charming wit, his laugh was one of a kind and unforgettable. I will miss his humorous emails and the occasional pocket dial as he was climbing Camelback mountain or on some other hike. Whenever I would ask how are you? His response was always a cheerful “Very well thank you!”
You will be thought of often and missed by many! Still cannot believe you’re gone.
Yvonne Meehan
I just learned of Mr McCleans passing. I was a student from North high. He was a favorite teacher of mine and our student council sponsor. He was always kind snd funny. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace.
John Reid
Barb: I was so sorry to see that Mike had passed away in May. We have not been in touch since I last saw you after leaving VISTA in 1971, but you and Mike were often in my thoughts. I occasionally tried to connect with both of you, but was unsuccessful in locating any contact information. My most recent attempt led to my finding Mike’s obituary today. You guys were inspirational to me and I really did miss your friendship over the years. My email is below if you wish to reach out, which I hope you will do.
Again, I am so sorry that you lost such a special person and I hope that you are doing well. Love you much!
John