It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Thomas Allison MacLean, age 70, of Sackville, NB which occurred at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont Hospital in Moncton on Friday, October 6, 2023, with his wife and family by his side.
Born in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late Dr. James Gillis MacLean, Glace Bay Nova Scotia and Mary Isabel Clinch, St. George New Brunswick.
Tom graduated from Saint John High School in 1973. He went on to further his education at Saint Thomas University majoring in psychology and also earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Fanshawe College.
Tom retired from the Dorchester Correctional Services of Canada as a CX2 officer after 32 years of service. Tom was a very humble man, many may not be aware of some of his many accomplishments such as receiving the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal. He also worked with young offenders, guiding, counselling and supporting them.
He was also employed as a cartoonist for the Sackville Tribune Post for more than 15 years. Tom’s amazing sense of humor for looking at life was displayed throughout his cartoons and was acknowledged by winning awards. In Tom's spare time he travelled throughout New Brunswick under the Writers in Education program teaching youth ways to use their imaginations through creating cartoons. They enjoyed his illustrations and "cartoon voices".
Throughout his life Tom was very athletic. He enjoyed rugby, biking, swimming, hiking, working out at the gym, running, and camping.
He enjoyed summer family reunions and special times with cousins at Lake Utopia, which he would refer to as his "happy place". There were many camping trips through the Maritimes, time spent at cottages, and travelling throughout Canada, USA, and the Domician Republic. After retirement Tom purchased his cabin in the woods in Elgin where he found peace and tranquility, often saying it was our "piece of paradise". He loved nature and was a past member of the Moncton Outdoor Enthusiasts Club.
Tom’s love of music began in his early years when he joined a band. Tom was an amazing vocalist and guitarist. He loved all genres. He enjoyed singing and jamming with special friends Doyle and Sharon, at family reunions, lullabies to his daughter Mary Kate, and serenades to his wife Darlene.
Tom was kind and thoughtful in every way and a gentleman to the end. He was a loving husband, father and friend who was very much loved by all. He was always available to lend a helping hand or words of wisdom. He often expressed how proud he was of his family and their achievements and encouraged them in their endeavors. Tom was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife and children. It was Tom’s profound love for his daughter Mary Kate that revealed to Darlene his true character as a loving father. Tom’s immense love embraced Darlene and her three daughters. His wife was his soulmate whom he treated like a queen and his four daughters royally. His granddaughter Lily was the apple of his eye, travelling through a severe snowstorm in Alberta just to be present when she was born. Tom had the biggest heart, loved deeply and fiercely. He was a loyal friend who valued his friendships. He enjoyed hanging out on the deck talking to Bill and Robert, visiting to share laughs, stories and music with Sharon and Doyle.
Despite the challenges and obstacles Tom endured, he faced them with courage, determination and hope. He loved life!
He will be dearly missed by his wife Darlene, Sackville; daughters Mary Kate "Rocket" MacLean, Sackville, Sherry Kinnear (Ben Hayward), Fredericton, Kalika (Andrew) Donovan, Fredericton Junction, Holly Benoit, Moncton; granddaughter Lily Donovan; sister Susan Estelle (Robert) Little, Lunenburg, NS, brother James Ian MacLean, Saint John, NB. He will also be missed by his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, special nieces and nephews, extended family and many lifelong friends. Tom loved animals, especially his favorite family pets River, Chief, Chippy and Lady.
Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm with special words shared at 2:30 pm. We invite all to come, visit with his family and share their own memories.
Tom was always most appreciative of everything people did for him. He would never go without saying thank you. The family would like to send a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the Sackville Memorial Hospital, Dr. Leon Richard Oncology Center, Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital, and the Sackville Extra Mural Program.
Those wishing to make a donation in Tom's memory may do so to the charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.