Obit: Jack MacLean (1930-2014)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jack MacLean (1930-2014)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 03 Feb 14 - 11:41 AM

Thanks Joe!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jack MacLean (1930-2014)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Feb 14 - 10:36 PM

I'm going to post the obituary. They have a habit of disappearing quite quickly:

John Franklin 'Jack' MacLean
1930-2014
John Franklin 'Jack' MacLean
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of John "Jack" MacLean, of L'Ardoise, on Thursday, January 30, 2014, in the Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston.

Born on April 14, 1930, he was a son of the late Archie and Johnena (nee MacInnis) MacLean.

Predeceased by wife, Laura Jean (nee Hendrican), daughter, Helen Elizabeth, brothers, Lawrence, Harold, and sister Dolena.

Survived by sons, Sandy (Maribeth Allen), Halifax; Daniel (Charlene), St. Peters; John (Charlene Newell), Yarmouth; daughters, Valerie Pottie (Nicholas), St. Peters; Cecilia (Eric Middleton), L'Ardoise; brothers, Don (Marjorie), Toronto; Carson (Wanda), Toronto; George, Tilbury; sisters, Cecilia, Toronto; Anna, Toronto.

Grandchildren, Errin Johnson (George) L'Ardoise, Matthew, Brandon, Eoin, James, great- grandchildren, Bailey and Devin Johnson; many nieces and nephews in Canada and Portugal.

Jack worked in the forest industry with his father, which is where he got his great work ethic. He was the consummate provider for his family, and he always put his family first. In the early 1950's he moved to Toronto where he met and married the love of his life Laura and began his family. He worked at Ford Motor Company and pursued a music career that took him across Ontario and the Maritimes. He performed with such country greats as Wilf Carter, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Dick Nolan, Tommy Hunter and his idol, Hank Snow and The Grand 'Ole Opry. He was first and foremost a Cape Bretoner and returned home in 1967.

He played an integral role in the Friends of Hank Snow Society. He was a champion of the downtrodden, and those with addictions. Although he had little formal education, his intelligence was obvious to any that knew him. He had a quick wit and a sharp tongue. Anywhere he travelled in Nova Scotia he always knew someone. He played an active role in preventing the L'Ardoise school closure in the 1970's and was a constant supporter of the food bank and the Strait Richmond Palliative Care.

He was very clannish and knew the family history back many generations and proudly shared his knowledge with all his family.

He instilled honesty, integrity, and strong morals in his children. He leaves a legacy to be proud of and he will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Strait Richmond Palliative Care.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Guardian Angels Church, L'Ardoise on February 6, 2014 at 2:00 pm. with Father Mariadoss Lourdusany officiating. Interment at a later date.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com

Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

Subject: Obit: Jack MacLean
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 02 Feb 14 - 09:24 PM

Jack's love of country music knew no bounds especially anything ever done by Hank Snow! Jack was a well known country performer in the Toronto area for many years before comming back to his Cape Breton home. For a couple of decades he shied away from performing in public but a few of us finally convinced him to once more grace the stage and join in our local jams, concerts and fundraisers, which he has done in his later years. As a Hank Snow wannabe I have followed Jack around the Hank Snow Festival with people such as Trainor Donovan and Joe Waye and was introduced by him to two of the Rainbow Ranch Boys band, Kayton Roberts and Roger Carroll RIP my friend!
Jack MacLean