Obituary for Dr. A Joseph McLean
DR. ALEXANDER JOSEPH MCLEAN
February 3 1928-March 26 2023
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, “Dr. Joe” McLean.
Joe is survived by his beloved and loving wife of 62 years, Gwelda (Raymond).
Joe was born in Greenfield, ON to Angela (McDonald) and Angus (MacLean) and was always fiercely proud of his Scottish heritage, life at the Greenfield farm, and his family and friends surrounding the Sixth of Kenyon. A man of deep faith, he was the youngest of 8 children and is survived by his closest confidant brother Gerard. He is predeceased by siblings Margaret, Johnnie, David, Hugh, Lloyd, and Ambrose.
After walking many a day “a mile in the snow” to his one room elementary schoolhouse, he attended Maxville High School where he thrived in his studies and created many long lasting friendships. He attended medical school at Queen’s University, Kingston, graduating in 1952, which began his more than 45 year career as a dedicated, respected, humble and skillful General Surgeon.
After Internship in Ottawa and a General Surgery Residency in Ohio, Joe returned to Cornwall to establish his surgical practice in both Cornwall and Alexandria. Dr. Joe loved his career in medicine and worked tirelessly as a surgeon until he retired at the age of 70. He held significant leadership roles at both the local and provincial levels and worked to guide healthcare in a positive direction. He was always concerned for the health of his patients–caring deeply and showing immense professionalism and a true sense of calling.
It was in the recovery room at the hospital where he met a wonderful nurse and his future wife of 62 years, Gwelda (Raymond). Married in 1961, together he and Gwelda shared much love, a wonderful family, a plethora of pets and many memories and adventures. They complemented each other well and found joy in so many things including family get-togethers, celebrating with good friends, the forest, birds, animals, shared sports of golf and curling, contributing to the community and travelling the world.
Joe was a devoted father to Scott (Elizabeth Dryden), Glen (Randy Pedersen), Ian (Melissa Dupuis) and Laurie (Tom Kelley) and found great joy and happiness in his grandchildren, Alyssa, Shelby, Carter, Jack, Erin, Torin, Abby and Miguel. Through the many decades of his life, his love for his children and grandchildren and his commitment to family was immense. Joe had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and was a voracious reader. A true lifelong learner, many an hour was spent in his favorite reading spot, tapping his toe while immersing himself in three daily newspapers, biographies, journals and non-fiction writings. He loved to debate politics and current events and was keen to learn about the history of our world. Although not verbose, he was sure to share his words of wisdom and was always truly interested in and engaged in his conversations with family and their comings and goings. His kindness, goodness and concern was always felt and he was a wonderful role model. He created many smiles whether it was through a rousing game of ping pong, endless tractor rides, a game of cards, a swim in the pool, a trip in the station wagon, a round of golf or just sitting and telling a few jokes or stories.
Joe was a good, kind and loving man. He was loved deeply. He will be extremely missed.
Family and friends are welcome to attend the Visitation which will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 822 Pitt St., Cornwall (613-938-3888) on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, Cornwall on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11 am. Interment will follow in the St. Catherine of Sienna Parish Cemetery, Greenfield.
Memorial Donations may be made to Carefor Hospice Cornwall or a Charity of choice.
February 3 1928-March 26 2023
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, “Dr. Joe” McLean.
Joe is survived by his beloved and loving wife of 62 years, Gwelda (Raymond).
Joe was born in Greenfield, ON to Angela (McDonald) and Angus (MacLean) and was always fiercely proud of his Scottish heritage, life at the Greenfield farm, and his family and friends surrounding the Sixth of Kenyon. A man of deep faith, he was the youngest of 8 children and is survived by his closest confidant brother Gerard. He is predeceased by siblings Margaret, Johnnie, David, Hugh, Lloyd, and Ambrose.
After walking many a day “a mile in the snow” to his one room elementary schoolhouse, he attended Maxville High School where he thrived in his studies and created many long lasting friendships. He attended medical school at Queen’s University, Kingston, graduating in 1952, which began his more than 45 year career as a dedicated, respected, humble and skillful General Surgeon.
After Internship in Ottawa and a General Surgery Residency in Ohio, Joe returned to Cornwall to establish his surgical practice in both Cornwall and Alexandria. Dr. Joe loved his career in medicine and worked tirelessly as a surgeon until he retired at the age of 70. He held significant leadership roles at both the local and provincial levels and worked to guide healthcare in a positive direction. He was always concerned for the health of his patients–caring deeply and showing immense professionalism and a true sense of calling.
It was in the recovery room at the hospital where he met a wonderful nurse and his future wife of 62 years, Gwelda (Raymond). Married in 1961, together he and Gwelda shared much love, a wonderful family, a plethora of pets and many memories and adventures. They complemented each other well and found joy in so many things including family get-togethers, celebrating with good friends, the forest, birds, animals, shared sports of golf and curling, contributing to the community and travelling the world.
Joe was a devoted father to Scott (Elizabeth Dryden), Glen (Randy Pedersen), Ian (Melissa Dupuis) and Laurie (Tom Kelley) and found great joy and happiness in his grandchildren, Alyssa, Shelby, Carter, Jack, Erin, Torin, Abby and Miguel. Through the many decades of his life, his love for his children and grandchildren and his commitment to family was immense. Joe had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and was a voracious reader. A true lifelong learner, many an hour was spent in his favorite reading spot, tapping his toe while immersing himself in three daily newspapers, biographies, journals and non-fiction writings. He loved to debate politics and current events and was keen to learn about the history of our world. Although not verbose, he was sure to share his words of wisdom and was always truly interested in and engaged in his conversations with family and their comings and goings. His kindness, goodness and concern was always felt and he was a wonderful role model. He created many smiles whether it was through a rousing game of ping pong, endless tractor rides, a game of cards, a swim in the pool, a trip in the station wagon, a round of golf or just sitting and telling a few jokes or stories.
Joe was a good, kind and loving man. He was loved deeply. He will be extremely missed.
Family and friends are welcome to attend the Visitation which will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 822 Pitt St., Cornwall (613-938-3888) on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, Cornwall on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11 am. Interment will follow in the St. Catherine of Sienna Parish Cemetery, Greenfield.
Memorial Donations may be made to Carefor Hospice Cornwall or a Charity of choice.