Obituary of Grant MacLean

Keith "Grant" MacLean, 82 years young, of New Glasgow, formerly of Rogers Hill, "idled his way out" on Friday March 23, 2018 surrounded by his loving family, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in West Branch on October 19 1935, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Margaret (MacLean) MacLean. Grant spent his working career in the automotive industry as a mechanic. In his early years he would be found in the West Pictou bus garage where he held the position of head mechanic and bus driver. He spent time in Prince George, BC and Windsor, ON where he continued to build his career, and he and his wife, Jean, grew their family. Over 40 years ago he moved his family home and settled in Rogers Hill. He planted his feet firmly in the soil of New Glasgow, for the remainder of his working career, where he owned and operated the Mercedes Benz dealership and service station, located on the West Side of New Glasgow. He took great pride in his work and was well recognized within the industry. He welcomed and served his customers like they were his family and friends. After his retirement he spent his time giving back to his community by volunteering with organizations such as the VON and Blood Services, and was a member of the Pictou Lions Club. He also was the primary care provider for his wife Jean, during her illness and until her death, as she battled Alzheimer's Disease. Grant is survived by his son and best friend, Paul (Lorraine) Riverton; daughters, Gwen (Kevin), Dorchester, ON, and Lori (Ryan), Lyons Brook; his precious grandchildren, Cole, Brooke, Morgan and Piper; loving sisters, Isobel Jones, Dartmouth; Ruth (Fletcher) Baillie, West Branch; Kathleen Sutherland,  La Salle, ON; Sharon (Donnie) Gunn, Scotsburn; brother-in-law, Earl MacLeod, Westville; numerous nieces and nephews and his dear friends, Robbie Forbes, Lyons Brook and Al Pettipas, New Glasgow. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Jean; infant son, Kenneth; twin brother and sister, James and Myrtle, in infancy; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Jones, Carman Sutherland and Blake Stewart; and sister-in-law, Helen MacLeod. Thoughts from his children....."The things that brought him most joy in his life were the times he spent with family and friends.  He looked forward to drop in visitors, or a wave going by, as he sat in his garage doorway enjoying the day at "home". If he could have the perfect day it would be sitting right in that spot, eating coconut cream pie, smoking his beloved pipe surrounded by his family and friends. Although we could not give him that perfect day we did give him a party the Sunday before his passing. His friend and barber "Ducky" MacLean came to the palliative care unit to give him a much needed hair and beard trim. He was surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated him with cake, balloons and lots of love. He smiled, he laughed and he cried......and so did we!!!"  And a quote, unknown, that sums everything up....."Life is a gathering of moments, moments become memories, memories become a life well lived.  Live each moment one by one.." Cremation has taken place.  No visitation by request.  All are welcome to a graveside service in the Seaview Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Friday March 30th, with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow in the West Branch Hall from 2:00 -4:00 PM. Family flowers only. Donations in Grant's memory may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. www.mclarenfuneral.ca