John Allen "Bud" MacLean – 78, Beaver Bank, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 15, 2017, at VG Site, QEII, Halifax. Born in Commercial Cross, Prince Edward Island, he was a son of the late John MacLean and Annie (MacLeod) (Donald) Fancy.
John was a workaholic and was unable to sit idle for very long. He and his friend, Frank Davis, co-owned "Do-All Jobbers"; John went on his own to establish MacLean’s Maintenance and then went on to work at Barrett’s Lumber where he was head sawyer and from where he retired. Many were astounded at John’s sharp eye and knowledge; he could look at any tree and tell you how to cut it to maximize wood cuts and if he couldn’t find a part to fix something, he would simply make it!
Even though he worked long hours, family was still most important in his life and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. John built the house where he and Shirley raised their family and many of the family were recipients of his fine craftsmanship in cedar chests, head boards and other things. An avid animal lover, he always had a dog and/or cats.
John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Shirley (McNair); daughters, Sonja MacLean, Toronto; Sherry (MacLean) Best, Beaver Bank; grandchildren, John Best and Anastasia "Anna" Best; sisters, Blanche Howlett, Annandale, Prince Edward Island; Sandra (Ross) Dillman, Enfield; brother, Donald "Ducky" Fancy, Lockeport; many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, Thomas Best; brother, Robert Brown; brother-in-law, Arthur Howlett.
John’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Knox United Church, 567 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, from where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2017, Reverend Dr. Ross Bartlett officiating. Interment in Church of the Good Shepherd Cemetery, 28 Trinity Lane, Beaver Bank. Reception will follow in Lions Club, 101 Old Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville. (Across from Super Store) Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in John’s memory to Diabetes Canada or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing John’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
