James Leo McLean
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James Leo McLean, 78, passed away Tuesday morning March 9, 2021. He was born in Boston, MA to Robert and Estelle (Koherska) McLean on September 27, 1942. He was a resident of the Morrison Nursing Home in Whitefield, NH at the time of his death. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Jim spent many happy years at home in Lancaster, NH with his wife Pat before moving to long term care. Jim and Pat were married on July 13, 1985. During their years of marriage they lived predominantly in NH, but also spent 6 years in the western Finger Lakes region of New York.
In addition to his wife, Pat, Jim is survived by his sister, Barbara Mowbray of Claremont, CA; nephew Andrew of Claremont, CA and nephew Justin Mowbray of Pasadena, CA; as well as 2 great nephews and a great niece. He was pre-deceased by his closest friend Sam Mowbray, Barbara's husband.
After graduating from Christopher Columbus High School in Boston, MA Jim attended Northeastern University. The experience of a work study placement selling sporting goods at Lechmere Sales in Cambridge, MA led Jim to a lifelong career as a sales representative of fishing and hunting equipment. Over the next 40 years Jim worked for various agencies with his sales territory primarily spanned New England and New York. In addition to working directly with retail businesses, Jim's responsibilities included annually attending several national sporting goods shows demonstrating new products being produced by the companies he represented. Jim loved his work and was himself an avid fisherman and hunter. His other interests included cooking, photography, and World War II history.
Jim's roots to Boston were deep even though he chose New Hampshire as his home for nearly 50 years. He was strongly connected to family on Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, Canada and for nearly 70 years he made regular trips to visit with these family members. Jim and Pat had many travel highlights that included trips to visit the family in California, 4 Christmas trips to England, and two trips to Scotland. Jim was a proud wearer of the kilt. He and Pat attended the NH Highland Games for over 30 years. In the early years, when the Games small, they were able to park in the middle of the Games and had great memories of tailgating with lobster and champagne.
Dogs have always played a large role the McLean household, with one or two 2 Labrador retrievers always serving as Jim's loyal companions. During the Covid pandemic the family lab joyfully participated during frequent FaceTime visits which enabled Jim to stay directly connected to his dog.
Jim's family is grateful for the superior care that Jim received at the Morrison Nursing Home.
No calling hours will be held. A private burial will be scheduled by the family. Remembrance donations may be made to the Morrison Nursing Home in Whitefield, NH or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, 210 Main Street, Lancaster. For more information or to send an online condolence please go to www.baileyfh.net.