McLean, Donald Edward

Donald Edward McLean “Don”, 85, a lifelong resident of Sudbury, passed away on June 28, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gloria (Fasan), his children Shawn (Samantha), Shannon (Martin), and Neil (Tracey) and his grandchildren Patrick (Randi), Emma, Jackson, Nathan (Valerie), and Andrew. 

He was born to Joseph and Evelyn (Gaudette) (both predeceased) on May 29th 1940. He will be greatly missed by his siblings Doreen Chicquen (Melvin “Bud” - predeceased), Raymond (predeceased) (Jean), Cecil (Corenne), Kenneth (Colette), mother-in-law Louisa Fasan (predeceased), brother-in-law Albert (Shirley) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a devoted husband, father, and community leader who dedicated his life to public service and youth sports. You could always find him at various hockey arenas or in front of his BBQ every Sunday.

Don served 33 years with the Sudbury Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become Fire Chief of the City of Sudbury in 1990. During his tenure, Chief McLean championed fire prevention and education. He helped promote community safety programs such as the “Learn Not to Burn” initiative in local schools, reflecting his belief that educating children about fire safety could save lives. He was also active beyond Sudbury, serving on the board of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, where he contributed to improving fire services province-wide.

Outside of his firefighting career, Don was a pillar of the Sudbury sports community, especially in minor hockey. He spent more than 50 years involved in youth hockey programs becoming a beloved coach and mentor to generations of young players. In the early 80’s Don founded a hockey organization called Sudbury Sports North (SSN) which was dedicated to giving children their first opportunity to play hockey. Even after SSN amalgamated with Sudbury Minor Hockey Association he remained involved for years to come.

Following Don’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. Raise a glass in his memory the next time you fire up your BBQ.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the charity of your choice. The McLean family extends their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Extendicare Countryside Blueberry Hill for their compassion and exceptional care.

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9 Condolences

  1. Our sincere condolences Gloria, to you and your Family. Don is missed at Colonial Gate.

    By: Peter and Vikki Jowsey
    July 5, 2025
  2. A great loss to the Sudbury area for sure. Don and I go back to the age of three. Grade and high school together, double dating during our teens, hockey, broomball and many other activities. Both worked at Inco together and then both at the Sudbury Fire Department. I left the Sudbury area in ’74 and he obviously stayed put and did many great things. Best man at each other’s wedding Though living in distant parts of Ontario we always maintained contact with each other. My longest term friend to be sure. A man with un-exhaustible energies, great creativity and an obsessive will to extend himself to others. My condolences Gloria to you and your family. Don will surely be missed though he will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

    By: Tony Fellbaum
    July 4, 2025
  3. Our sincerest condolences 🙏. Don was one of the good ones. Always enjoyed our interactions and our long hockey connection.
    R.I.P.

    By: Julio Navarro
    July 1, 2025
  4. Condolences to the family on your loss.

    By: Claude Depatie
    July 1, 2025
  5. We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all and wishing you peace at this very difficult time.

    Love the Innis Family

    By: Innis Family
    July 1, 2025
  6. I’m very sorry to hear of Don’s passing, I know he’ll be missed.

    By: Lori Rutherford
    July 1, 2025
  7. Sincerest condolences to Gloria and all of the McLean Family at this most difficult time. May all of your wonderful cherished Memories of Don help you through your time of grief. Rest in peace Don.

    Clayton Stevenson and Family

    By: Clayton Stevenson
    July 1, 2025
  8. Very sorry to hear the passing of Don McLean. My condolences to his family.

    By: Dayle Whalen
    June 30, 2025
  9. So sorry to hear of your loss. Don will be missed by so many who knew him. You will all be in my thoughts and in my prayers at this difficult time.

    By: Leonette Therrien
    June 30, 2025

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