Obituary of James Alman McLean

The family of James Alman “Mack” McLean sadly announces that he passed away on January 6, 2026, at Frederick Hall, Shannex, Fredericton, NB. He was born on May 7, 1937, to William and Theresa (Walsh) McLean in Upper Nelson, NB.

Mack will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Rita of 67 years; son, Tony McLean (Karen), Fredericton, NB; daughters, Lana McLean, Fredericton, NB, and Virginia Chapman (Mark), Dieppe, NB; grandchildren, Joel, Colin, Tyler, Mallory, Andrew, Adam, and Jeremy; siblings, Loran McLean (Jessie), Fairvale, NB, Jeanne Hamilton, Bedford, NS; sister-in-law, Shirley McLean; brother-in-law, Kenny Gallie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Theresa; sisters, Eleanor, Paula and Joanne; as well as brothers, Richard and Joseph.

Mack left school to pursue a career in the military after Grade 10. However, while raising a young family, and managing a busy full-time career, he attended night school at Oromocto High School and subsequently received his High School Diploma.

Mack enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces on December 3, 1954, at the Fredericton NB Recruiting Center. He did his basic training at Camp Utopia, NB. One of his drill instructors being Sgt. Ray MacDonald, who unbeknownst to him at the time, became his future brother-in-law.

He began his career as a Bombardier with the Royal Canadian Artillery. His first posting was to Germany in 1955. After Germany, he took postings in CFB Petawawa, ON, CFB Shilo, MB, CFB Gagetown, NB, and CFB Lahr, Germany. His final posting was at CFB Gagetown, NB, where after coming up through the ranks, he retired as a Captain on February 23, 1993. His 38 years of distinguished service were affirmed in his last Personnel Evaluation Report with comments by various superior officers such as; “Captain McLean’s enthusiastic participation in his last years of service humbles many of his peers; I cannot speak highly enough of him”, “He is a fine officer who will be sorely missed by the Artillery and the Army”, “This excellent showing in his last year of service truly typifies his 38 years of service to our Country”.

Mack was a dedicated member and volunteer of St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of the Oromocto Knights of Columbus serving in roles of Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator among others. He was also a member of the Oromocto Legion Branch and the Atlantic Gunners Association.

Mack enjoyed camping with his family, golfing, working in the garden, and winter travels to Florida. However, his life is best described by his devotion to his family. His love for his parents, siblings, wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family was his heartfelt joy and will be his greatest legacy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Frederick Hall, Shannex, for their dedicated care, compassion and professionalism during Mack’s time with them.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oromocto Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home, 108 Winnebago Street, Oromocto, NB, on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 25 Loisville Street, Oromocto, NB, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am. Reception will follow at the Church Hall.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Building Fund, Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick or a charity of the donor’s choice.