Gary McLean

1940 - 2026

Gary Albert Dale McLean, beloved husband of Maeva McLean (née Peterson), passed away peacefully in Taber on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the age of 86 years.

Besides Maeva, his loving wife of sixty five years, he is survived by their children Shawn McLean of Taber; Diana (George) Friesen of Vauxhall and their family Kealon and Dianna Friesen (their children Arianna and Mila), Coleson and Jennifer Friesen and Mickenzie and Damon Miller (and their daughter Rose); Rhonda (Rick) Jondreau of Red Deer and their family Corlee Torok, Aaron and Dllraj Torok (and their daughter Kaylee) and Myranda Torok; Holly (Rob) Kress of Vauxhall and their family Alysha and Chris Froese (their children Emmett and Everly), Tiffany and Mat Adams (their children Nash, Hawksley and Brayden), Alanna and Raymond Dam (their son Jett), Frankie and Dana Wah (their daughter Elouise) and April and Brett Mercier; Kevin (Loralie) McLean of Calgary and their family Matthew and Aude McLean (their children Parker and Nora), Chandler McLean, Cailey and Patrick Richards (their children Elaina and Casey) and Eleisha McLean; Tara and Bryan Heidebrecht of Edmonton and their family Tayler, Brett, Joel and Teneille Heidebrecht.

He was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth “Fanny” (née Clark) and Albert McLean, infant daughter Wanda McLean and his sister and her husband, Norrie and Jim Melrose.

Gary grew up in Saskatchewan and attended school in Farmingdale, Saskatchewan, riding his horse each day. After completing school, Gary went to work for Lanning Construction, working on various large projects such as the dam in Outlook, Saskatchewan.

Gary met Maeva Peterson on a blind date in 1960 and the rest was history. They wed in Calgary on November 18, 1961, making their home in Kelvington, Saskatchewan. In 1969 Gary and Maeva and they’re growing family moved to Vauxhall to farm until 1982 when they sold their farm in Vauxhall and relocated the farm to Hays until their retirement, most recently residing in Taber since August 2025.

Gary and Maeva were always active in their communities, volunteering countless hours to the Kinsman Club, the fire department and with Gary serving as a director for the Bow River Irrigation District.

Gary and Maeva worked off the farm for many years during winters and many in the community remember them from the Vauxhall Arena, either running the concession or breaking speed records on the zamboni!

Gary loved a good joke and had many close friends to share them with. He never had a cross word to say, he was soft spoken and kind. He loved farming and never complained.

His wife Maeva was the love of his life and he derived great joy through his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gary will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

The Committal Service was held at the Hays Cemetery, corner of Park Drive and Central Avenue, Hays prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.

The Funeral Service was held at the Hays Civic Centre, 100 - 3 Street, Hays on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. 

Barring any technical difficulties, a video recording of the funeral service will be posted to Gary’s obituary page following the service.