Walter (Wally) MacLean

Wally MacLean passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 1st, 2024 at the age of 65. And what a life he had!  Born on January 15th, 1959 in Peterborough Ontario, he was the first of four children to newcomer Scottish parents. After moving across the country, first to Calgary, then North Vancouver and finally to Victoria, Wally had a childhood rich in love and mischief at Lakehill Elementary and later at Reynolds Secondary. As he grew into his own, he developed a deep love of team sports, dazzling on the soccer field and later on the basketball court. A charismatic and creative presence, he found an alter ego as the bassist in the cult Reynolds band Slider and then as the lead in school plays. In other words, he was a pretty cool dude. As the older brother of three sisters, his siblings obviously tagged along for many of the antics and he had all the patience and love for them that the best older brother would. It was his time at Reynolds when he developed deep friendships that would stay with him throughout his life, even when they passed before him, with Reg King and Danny Brodersen. They’re together again, probably swapping stories and sharing a laugh over some long overdue cocktails.

As an adult, Wally became a passionate and skilled sailor. The time he spent racing his Cal 20 and then with Doug Taylor Lee in the T Bird fleet are among those counted as some of the happiest of his life. He found community with like-minded sailors at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, which would be a home away from home as long as he lived. Soon, he fell in love with Ann-their 35-year marriage was a partnership for the ages. Professionally, he developed a career in retail as the District Manager for Thrifty’s Jeans and Eddie Bauer, both here in BC and in Ontario.  The most important role of his life would come when their beloved daughter Brenna was born, and he was promoted to the role of stay-at-home Dad. He took it all on with pride and so much love- driving Brenna to her 5 am competitive swim practices while singing along to The Eagles, becoming co-president of the West Vancouver Otters and finally cheering her on as she raced for Canada and Indiana University. He was incredibly proud of who she grew up to be.

Wally faced his life with grace, grit, and a dry sense of humor. He learned in his 30s that life becomes fair when you realize it isn’t fair and that is the gift in itself. He displayed true stoicism without seeking any acknowledgement for what he was faced with, a true warrior and inspiration to everyone.

Wally will be deeply missed by so many people, but especially his wife Ann (Ashworth), daughter Brenna (Nash Hourston), sisters Cory (Doug Bond), Kris (Tim Bye), and Janis (Mike Jean), and niece Emma. He was predeceased by and is now reunited with his beloved parents, Walter Menzies, and Helen Rae (Trueman). We will love you forever, Wally.

No service is planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Able Sail Victoria and Broadmead Care/Rest Haven Lodge would be deeply appreciated.

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails”

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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