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Remembering a man dedicated to his city

Burnaby’s George McLean passes away at 89
George H.F. McLean
Lest we forget: George H.F. McLean is the last living of five Burnaby Freeman of the Municipality, part of the Freeman Legacy project. He witnessed D-Day and is a veteran of the Battle of Normandy.

George H.F. McLean, a dedicated family man who spent a lifetime serving his country and community, passed away peacefully on May 7 at age 89.

McLean is one of 16 people who’ve earned the title of “Freeman of Burnaby” – the highest honour given by the municipality. He was awarded Freeman status in 1989 for his 30 years of dedicated community service.

McLean served as a City of Burnaby alderman for 18 years and a Burnaby parks commissioner for 14.

Prior to that, McLean served his country. At 16, he signed up to join the Royal Canadian Navy and was called to active duty in 1942. When he returned home from the D-Day raid at Omaha Beach, he married his sweetheart Edna and the young couple moved to Burnaby where they would raise five kids:  Sharon, George, Garry, Brad, and Teresa; he later became a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather.

“It was a true love story,” said Sharon Ginetz, the couple’s eldest daughter, about her parents’ 60-year marriage. 

When he wasn`t at the family cabin or on cross-Canada camping trips with his family, McLean was busy coaching community softball and hockey. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 83, the Burnaby Kingsway Rotary Club and Burnaby Hospital Society, among others.

“That goes without saying,” said Sharon about her father’s commitment to the community. “That was one of his passions.”

Along with his Freeman honour, McLean was also awarded the Golden Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth medal in 2003.  In 2010, the city of Burnaby renamed Inman Green Park to George McLean Park in Burnaby.

In 2006, the Minister of Veterans Affairs awarded him a commendation for his dedication to “bringing the message of remembrance to Canadian youth, especially students.”

“George was loved, and will be deeply missed, by his family. He was a good man. He was a very caring person with a great sense of humour,” said Sharon.