Obituary of John McLean

JOHN (JACK) MCLEAN Jack passed peacefully from this good earth on December 12th, with his family and friends by his side at Trios Health in Kennewick, Wa. He was born in Tekoa, Wa., November 4th, 1937 to John and Marie Mclean. He was very active in sports and other school activities. He was known as “Happy Jack” because he always displayed a good attitude. After graduation from Tekoa high school, he went to work for Jensen Byrd wholesale hardware in Spokane, Wa. In 1960 he met his wife Delores (Dee) through mutual friends, and they were married for 53 blissful years. They lived in Spokane until 1968. An opportunity to purchase a retail hardware and appliance store in Othello, Wa., presented itself, and Jack jumped at the chance. They moved, with their son Jeff, to unknown territory. They grew to love the town and its friendly people. They operated the business for 20 years. In 1988 Jack went to work for Olympics Produce and managed the onion packing facility and marketed the product in the United States and abroad. Dee worked with him until she retired in 2002, Jack followed in 2006. He was a member of the Othello Jaycees and served on the Othello school board before becoming a Port commissioner for 24 years. Jack also served as a volunteer fire fighter, and was a member of the Air National Guard at Geiger Field. He was always very active. His famous quote was “an idle mind, is the devils workshop.” His hobbies included golf, gardening and fishing. He loved sports and always attended Jeff’s sporting events, and went to many Mariners and Seahawks games. Jack and Dee loved to travel in their motor home with travel partners his brother Don and wife Joyce. They affectionately called it the “Play Pen.” He was an all around handy man and was always eager to help anyone who needed his assistance. Jack was a very kind-hearted and loving man. We will miss him so much! Survivors include his wife Dee and son Jeff (Sandpoint, Id.) Brother, Don and his wife Joyce (Spokane, Wa.) Sister, Marge Brine (Oak Harbor, Wa.) Nieces, Marcy Wilcox, Laurel Nill, Kelly Aronson, Stacey Reiter, and Terry Ryan. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bill and Max and sisters Mae and Patricia. No services will held at Jack’s request. “Happy Jack” didn’t want anyone to weep for him. He was a religious man of the Catholic faith. Please say a prayer for him. A family memorial is planned for a later date. If you wish to donate in his memory, his favorite charity was “Candle Lighters for Children with cancer.” 4kidswithcancer.org. P.O. Box 2277, Portland, Or. 97208. Arrangements are under the direction of Steven Funeral Home, Othello, Wa.