In Celebration of
Hugh Grant McLean
January 28, 1943 - February 5, 2026
The song has ended, though the melody remains.
Our loving father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and true gentleman passed away peacefully on the evening of February 5th at St. Catharines Hospital, in his 83rd year.
Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Edna, and by his first wife, Diane (née Dowdell), in 2005. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Valerie (née Waterfield).
Hugh leaves to celebrate his life his sisters, Barbara and Carol; his children, Jacqueline (Geoffrey) and Tyler (Jayne); and the true twinkles of his eye, his grandchildren, Hugh and Holly.
He will also be fondly remembered by Valerie’s children, Elizabeth, Greg (Carolyn), and Geoff (Syreeta), and by her eight grandchildren: Jessica, Jason, Charlotte, Sydney, Peyton, Cassidy, Ainslee, and Bridget.
Born in Toronto on January 28, 1943, Hugh spent the majority of his life in Toronto and Mississauga, and at his beloved cottage on Gull Lake, before later moving to Niagara to join Valerie.
A scholar and an athlete, it was sport that captured Hugh’s heart in his formative years at Royal York Collegiate and Ryerson. Hockey and football were his passions, and he received training camp invitations from both the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and the Edmonton Eskimos (CFL). His love of sport remained a constant throughout his life, and he shared the same generously with his children and grandchildren.
Hugh began his professional career after graduating from Ryerson, working as a Health Inspector with the Toronto Health Department. Following his marriage and the birth of his first child, he returned to school and graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 1976. His legal career spanned more than 40 years, during which many clients became lifelong friends.
Hugh loved to build. He built the family cottage, renovated several homes, and crafted furniture with care and pride. On weeknights in the city, he built all the furniture for the cottage — a testament to his skill, patience, and quiet determination.
When you think of Hugh, smile in the memory that you knew such a gentleman. Laugh as you remember his quick wit, and, as he would have hoped, always remain humble, as he so naturally was.
A private family burial has taken place. A Celebration of Hugh’s Life will follow. For details, please email HGMcelebration@proton.me. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Our loving father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and true gentleman passed away peacefully on the evening of February 5th at St. Catharines Hospital, in his 83rd year.
Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Edna, and by his first wife, Diane (née Dowdell), in 2005. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Valerie (née Waterfield).
Hugh leaves to celebrate his life his sisters, Barbara and Carol; his children, Jacqueline (Geoffrey) and Tyler (Jayne); and the true twinkles of his eye, his grandchildren, Hugh and Holly.
He will also be fondly remembered by Valerie’s children, Elizabeth, Greg (Carolyn), and Geoff (Syreeta), and by her eight grandchildren: Jessica, Jason, Charlotte, Sydney, Peyton, Cassidy, Ainslee, and Bridget.
Born in Toronto on January 28, 1943, Hugh spent the majority of his life in Toronto and Mississauga, and at his beloved cottage on Gull Lake, before later moving to Niagara to join Valerie.
A scholar and an athlete, it was sport that captured Hugh’s heart in his formative years at Royal York Collegiate and Ryerson. Hockey and football were his passions, and he received training camp invitations from both the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and the Edmonton Eskimos (CFL). His love of sport remained a constant throughout his life, and he shared the same generously with his children and grandchildren.
Hugh began his professional career after graduating from Ryerson, working as a Health Inspector with the Toronto Health Department. Following his marriage and the birth of his first child, he returned to school and graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 1976. His legal career spanned more than 40 years, during which many clients became lifelong friends.
Hugh loved to build. He built the family cottage, renovated several homes, and crafted furniture with care and pride. On weeknights in the city, he built all the furniture for the cottage — a testament to his skill, patience, and quiet determination.
When you think of Hugh, smile in the memory that you knew such a gentleman. Laugh as you remember his quick wit, and, as he would have hoped, always remain humble, as he so naturally was.
A private family burial has taken place. A Celebration of Hugh’s Life will follow. For details, please email HGMcelebration@proton.me. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.