Black Watch and RCR friends:
Regret to report the passing of “Hooch” McLean on Sunday past.
Hooch was one of the originals! In 1953, he joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders company of the 1st Canadian Highland Battalion when it was formed for service in Germany. Because the North Novies has a surplus, and the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada company had a shortage of soldiers, Hooch became a Seaforth. The Seaforth Company arrived in Europe on the day after his 19th birthday in December.
Hooch remained a Seaforth until the Highland Battalion returned to Canada/Camp Aldershot in 1953 and became 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada. He married in 1957 and returned to Germany with 1RHC in 1959 as a member of the Anti-Tank Platoon. The Battalion and Hooch returned to Canada – this time to Cagetown – in 1962 and he was employed in the Reconnaissance Platoon. He went to Cyprus with the unit in 1967/68. In 1970, like many of us, Hooch became a “Royal” in 2RCR and went back to Cyprus for a peacekeeping tour with his new battalion in 1973/74. In June 1974 he volunteered for a six month tour with UNEF-II in Ismailia, Egypt as a driver.
In 1981, Hooch was awarded the MMM (Member of the Order of Military Merit). He retired in June 1984 after 33 years’ service in what was essentially the same battalion – although it had morphed from 1CHB to 1RHC to 2RCR.
Both regiments have lost a distinguished soldier and character. He will be missed.
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Robert Henry "Harry" McLean
1931-2020
It is with sadness that the family of Robert "Harry" McLean announce his passing on September 13, 2020 at Orchard View Long Term Care Home. Born on December 14, 1931, in Glace Bay, NS, he was the son of the late Fergus and Hannah McLean.
Harry had a long and dedicated career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Many of his friends from the military knew him by the nickname "Hooch". Hooch retired from his military career in DND around 1985. He was a proud member of the Black Watch, Oromocto and Gagetown Legion. After retirement, Harry enjoyed spending a lot of his time hunting, fishing and with family.
He will be greatly missed by his sons Angus McLean (Linda Cooper), Randy McLean (Darlene), Keith McLean (Shelley) and Shawn McLean (Penny); grandchildren, Ashley (Andrew), Jeff (Sarah), Deigan (Misty) and Taylor; great grandchildren Telissa, Aili, Jade, Sterling Rose, Adeline, Annabelle and Benjamin; sisters Anna Finnamore (Cyril) and Margaret Boutlier, as well as many extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Harry was predeceased by his wife Chrisola McLean; son Robert Henry McLean Jr; and partner Diane Carmichael.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Snell, all the nurses and staff at Orchard View Long Term Care Home.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Oromocto Funeral Home from 12 – 2 pm. A Royal Canadian Legion and Black Watch Tribute will take place at the Oromocto Funeral Home Chapel at 2 pm. A memorial service will be held in the Oromocto Funeral Home Chapel following the tribute, with Rev. Bob Jones officiating.
Due to COVID-19, there will be limited seating for the service. In person access to the service will be by reservation only, you can do so either via email at
oromocto@mcadamsfh.com or by phone at (506)357-5100. In your RSVP, please include names, phone numbers, and the number of people in your group to ensure that social distancing is maintained.
The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend at the following link:
vimeo.com/457906213
A burial will follow the service at the Grace United Cemetery in Gagetown. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Orchard View Long Term Care Home, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.
www.oromoctofh.com
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With thanks to Gerry Oberwarth for the foregoing
R. I. P.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit Pro Patria
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