In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Ralph Louis (Mick) McClean

 

Commander, RCN / C.A.F.

 

Born: 16 Mar 1928, Sarnia, Ontario

 

Died: 04 May 2021, Ottawa, Ontario

 

McCLEAN, Ralph Louis (Mick) - (16 March 1928 - 04 May 2021) After a brief illness, Commander R.L. "Mick" McClean, RCN retired, crossed the bar and is once again with Sheelagh (nee Hynes), his loving wife of 68 years. She predeceased him just 20 short months ago. Born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, Mick graduated high school in 1945 and enrolled in the Royal Canadian Naval College, HMCS Royal Roads in Victoria, BC. After graduation, he heard the call of both his country and the sea, and started his 34-year adventure with the RCN that would take him across Canada and around the globe. Mick served in the Korean Conflict and had the privilege of commanding HMC Ships, MACKENZIE (1969-1971) and ALGONQUIN (1973-1976), the latter as her commissioning Commanding Officer. After his days at sea were complete, he was posted to Naval Headquarters in Ottawa where he remained until retirement in September 1980. Always connected to the sea, Mick's second career was with the defence industry where he helped deliver Halifax Class frigates and Kingston Class Patrol Vessels. Mick was also predeceased by his father George "Mack" McClean, mother Henrietta, sister Sally and brother-in-law Bruce Clarke. He is survived by three nephews. His family would like to thank the staff at The Court at Barrhaven and his wonderful friend, Danielle Lalonde, whose friendship and help to both Mick and Sheelagh is most sincerely appreciated. Mick is again able to dote over Sheelagh; we know they are happy. When conditions allow, there will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Mick's life, his ashes will be scattered at sea. (Ottawa Citizen 10 Jun 2021)

 

Ships served in:

HMCS ROYAL ROADS as a Naval Cadet 1945-47

HMCS ONTARIO - Served in ONTARIO as a SLt, RCN
HMCS VENTURE - Served in VENTURE for UNTD Cadet Training 1952

HMCS BEACON HILL - Served in BEACON HILL for UNTD Cadet Training 1952

HMCS ATHABASKAN - Served in ATHABASKAN in 1952 during the Korean War

HMCS GASPÉ - Served in GASPÉ in 1956 as Squadron Minesweeping Officer
HMCS RESOLUTE - Served in RESOLUTE in 1957 as XO and and Squadron Minesweeping Officer
HMCS INCH ARRAN - Served in INCH ARRAN in 1962 as XO
HMCS KOOTENAY - Served in KOOTENAY in 1966 as XO
HMCS MACKENZIE - 7th Commanding Officer
HMCS ALGONQUIN - 1st Commanding Officer

 

 


 

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