In Loving Memory of

Donald Robert McLean

of St. Albert
Jan 19, 2024

The family of Don McLean of St. Albert, Alberta is saddened to announce his sudden passing at the age of 80 years, while doing something he enjoyed, attending a hockey game with a friend.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Yvonne; children, Kimberly (Kevin); and Jodi (Aaron); grandchildren, Laurren, Zoe, Anderson, and Cameron; sisters, Jean Wolter and Sharon Hawgood (Ron); and his grand fur babies, Nova, Vision, and Willow; as well as numerous relatives and friends. He will also be dearly missed by his long-time friends in the classic car, hockey, football, and music communities.

Don was predeceased by his parents; Robert and Freda McLean; his stepfather, Guy Cullen; and his brother-in-law, Rueben Wolter.

From birth, Don's interests were cars and music. He transformed these interests into hobbies to a career and a life-long passion. As the bass player of the 1960s band, The King Beezz, Don played a role in the birth of a new musical genre; garage punk, which began in Edmonton, Alberta and spread across Canada. Don made a career out of fixing cars and autobody work, both repair and restoration. Don was an avid member of the custom classic car communities within Edmonton and Saskatoon. He was a regular at any Edmonton car shows or rallies, the annual Red Deer car show, rarely missing an event. He was also an honorary member of the Draggins Car Club in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In the 1980s and 90s, it was difficult to find a classic car the Don had not worked or consulted on. Don was known for his excellent body work, painting skills, and his master of flame detailing. In 2001, he built his dream garage to continue his passion for restorations. Even after his retirement, Don continued to restore classic cars from his workshop until his passing.

Don shared his life with his wife, Yvonne in their St. Albert home for 49 years, raising two daughters and four grandchildren. He loved spending time in the backyard, swimming with the family. Don enjoyed attending games of the Oil Kings, the Edmonton Elks, and musical concerts of bands from the 60s and 70s, with his family, sisters, and friends. Even though, Don was a man of few words, he always showed his family and friends how much he loved them in specials ways. He was willing to lend a hand to assist his family, friends, and anyone in the neighborhood. He was the person to go to when one needed help with car advice, boosting a dead battery or the use of his truck. Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends, the St. Albert community he lived in and the classic car community.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will take place in late spring or summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don's memory to Diabetes Canada.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the bystanders and first responders for their efforts and compassion in Don's final moments.

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey St. Albert Funeral Home.