George McLean, 79, formerly of Libby

George Arthur McLean went to eternal rest on May 9, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. surrounded by his wife and children after a yearlong battle with cancer.

He was born March 8, 1935, in Bigfork, Minn., to Basil and Lillian Allen McLean. The McLeans were pioneer settlers in northern Minnesota in 1900.

George graduated from Bigfork High School. He served in the U.S Army 3rd Armored Division from 1958 to 1960 and served in Germany (with Elvis Presley). He married Martha Olson in 1960 and became a father to her daughter, Kathy. The family quickly grew to include two sons, Dale and David.

George attended St. Cloud, Minnesota Vocational School for Carpentry. He became a master carpenter and loved working with wood. After completing his apprenticeship, he moved the family from Minnesota to Libby and worked for Kutz Construction for more than 20 years.

He was a 51-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and a life member of VFW Post #1548 in Libby. He and Martha traveled for work for many years before retiring to Port Angeles, Wash. In 2012 they moved to Mission, Texas, to be nearer to their daughter, Kathy. George loved to fish, hunt, camp, hike and just spend time with family and friends. George had a strong faith in God and volunteered at the First Presbyterian churches of Port Angeles and Mission. He enjoyed helping families in need by doing home repairs.

George was preceded in death by his father, Basil K. McLean; step mother, Irene Hamilton McLean; mother, Lillian Allen Kell; step-father, Theodore J. Kell; special uncle, Fred McLean; brother, Robert M. McLean and step-granddaughter, Lisa Vanderkolk.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha, Mission, Texas; daughter, Kathy (Bill) Dickey, Mission, Texas; sons Dale (Grace Pleasants) McLean (Tacoma, Washington), David (Karen) McLean (Seattle, Washington); special nephew, Ken (Andi) McLean; great-nephew, Blake; granddaughters Michelle Turner, Kennewick, Wash., and Victoria (Brian) Frost, Florence, Ala.; great-granddaughters, Sophie Turner and Hermione Frost as well as his brother’s widow and his other five children and their families.

All who met him liked George. He will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank all the healthcare personnel who cared for George during his illness.

A service to celebrate George’s life was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Mission in Mission, Texas on May 13, 2014 at 2 p.m., with a memorial service and interment of his ashes in Port Angeles, Wash. at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Port Angeles, Wash., Building Fund, 139 West 8th Street, Port Angeles, Wash. 98362-6031, or First Presbyterian Church of Mission, Outreach Program, 1102 Ash Dr., Mission, Texas, 78572 in memory of George McLean.