ORRINGTON – Thomas S. McLean Jr., 82, died Sunday morning, June 27, 2010, at his home on Fields Pond. He was born Jan. 16, 1928, in Bangor, son of Thomas S. and Theressa (Boutilier) McLean. He will be remembered for his independent spirit, his generosity and his heart of gold. In Dad’s own words, “I have lived in Orrington since 1932. I served in the U.S. Navy for two years. On return, I worked at Eastern Fine Paper for 23 years, and later for 20 years at Lane Construction. I was a lifetime member of Brewer Veterans of Foreign Wars and Old Town Cooties. I lovingly leave behind my son, Rod and his wife, Leanne, who nursed me for many years – thanks, Leanne; my daughter, Renee McLean; ex-wife, Jeannine McLean; and sister, Dot Stewart, all of Orrington; and my sister, Jean Harris and her husband, Don, of Merced, Calif. I also leave my dear granddaughter, Kate McLean of Burlington, Vt. – my sweet K.T.; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, Bob Emerson, Don LaBree, Thelma Brunner, Dick St. Louis, Tracey Proulx, and Gene and Wendy Trojano.” Tom was predeceased by his ex-wife, Etta (Snyder); his sister, Marion Commeau; and his best friend since childhood, Frank Shaw. The family thanks the Veterans Affairs doctors and nurses in Bangor and at Togus for their excellent care, and especially Theresa McFarland and family for all their love and support. At his request, there will be no funeral services. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Dad asked that the following be included with his obituary as it summed up his feelings about death: For those I love, for those who love me – When I am gone, release me, let me go … I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I travelled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must; then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while we must part, so bless the memories that lie within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Tho you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near, all of my love around you, soft and clear. And then when you come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.” – Author Unknown
THOMAS S. MCLEAN JR.
