1929 – 2021
Mr. Gerald Stanley McLean of Eckville passed away, following a brief illness, at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on December 17, 2021 at the age of 92 years.
Gerald, also known as Jerry, was born March 2, 1929 in Calgary and was raised in the Bergthal district attending Davenport school and later Didsbury High School. Gerald met Ruthie, the love of his life, at a dance in Cremona and later, they were married on August 3, 1955. She will miss him deeply for the rest of her days.
Jerry drove milk truck for Reimer’s Transport and they purchased 30 acres in Didsbury. For many years, Jerry worked as bookkeeper and partsman for Kuelker’s Farm Supply where he was well known. Later he drove truck for Feeg’s. In 1975 they were able to purchase a half section mixed/dairy farm in the Dovercourt area near Rocky Mountain House. They felt blessed to be able to work side-by-side for many years. Jerry and Ruthie had many friends and family they spent time with playing cards, camping, fishing, and travelling throughout Alberta, BC and Alaska. Playing cards with Jerry was an experience; he never stopped talking during the game and rehashing after.
Theirs was a home anyone could drop in to anytime. Jerry’s first words would be, “Can I build ya a coffee?” Then, “Ma, get them a coffee! Jerry took up curling at 50 years old and never stopped until Covid. He loved the game, and like cards, he loved to thoroughly analyze how each end was played. He and Ruthie also took up golf and enjoyed a number of different courses, but made the best use of Eckville Meadows, playing several times per week. They retired to Eckville in 2005, making more friends and enjoying activities at the Friendship Centre.
Jerry had strong family values and would go out of his way to help others, not wanting others to know. He modeled respect and loyalty, the value of hard work, the evil of debt and the value of spending wisely. He left a beautiful legacy. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Stan and Maude McLean, his brothers Stewart and Robert, his granddaughter Charlene.
He leaves to mourn, Ruthie his wife of 66 years, children Linda (Les) Herron, Laurie McLean, Glen McLean, Geraldine (Kelly) Klein Grandchildren, Chris (Julie) Kroetsch, Marianne Kroetsch, Tiffany (Derek) Smith, Micheal Kroetsch, Jeff (Stephanie)Herron, Michelle (Trevor) Rygus, Matt Herron, Josh McLean, Cody (Luiza) McLean, Riley McLean, Great grandchildren Mackenzie, Emma and Hailey Kroetsch, Harley, Wade and Steve Smith, Lily Cryderman, Kaitlin, Kris and Isaac Cullen, Kelsey, Travis and Zoe Tudor, Elizabeth and Lily Herron, Cooper, Nora and Theo Rygus and Logan McLean.
A Celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
