February 11, 1943 - January 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.
Don’s interests were always cars and music. He transformed these interests into hobbies, a career, and a life-long passion. As the bass player of the 60’s band, The King Beezz, they brought a new musical genre, garage punk, to Edmonton and Canada. Don made a career out of autobody work, both repair and restoration. Don was an avid member of the Edmonton custom classic car community and honorary member of the Draggins Car Club of Saskatoon. He was a regular at the car shows in Alberta and Saskatoon, rarely missing an event. Don was known for his excellent body work, painting skills, and his mastering of flame detailing. 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, raising two daughters and four grandchildren. He loved spending time in the backyard, attending Oil Kings, the Edmonton Elks, and musical concerts 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. Don will be greatly missed by his family, long- time friends in hockey, football and classic car communities and the St. Albert community he lived in.
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, 1300-522 University Ave. Toronto, ON M5G 2R5.
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.
Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home
St. Albert
(780) 419-6666
