Charles James MacLean
1924-2009
Charlie MacLean, 84, just a few days short of his 85th Birthday, of Hopewell Hill passed away peacefully on May 14th, 2009 after a courageous seven-month battle with cancer at the Moncton Hospital with his loving family by his side.
Charlie was born in Riverside on May 19th, 1924 the son of the late Duncan Joseph and Mary Teresa (Fraser) MacLean. He was a lifetime beef farmer and also worked at carpentry, forestry and generally working the land. He loved farming and that was his passion, having had several cattle right up until he took sick, that is what kept Charlie so young, working on his farm and tending his gardens. If anyone asked him if he had travelled far, he would always answer that he had moved from one side of the hill to the other when he was seven.
He was an active member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Riverside-Albert, He was the man that if you needed anything you could count on Charlie to be there. He was caretaker of the Holy Ghost Catholic Cemetery where he dug graves and mowed the lawns for over 20 years, he was very dedicated to making sure the cemetery was kept up and took great pride in the maintenance of the grounds. He was a very community minded person having served on the Board of Directors of the Albert County Exhibition, the Harvey Grassland Community Pasture and the Shepody Soil & Crop Assn. He was a member of the Albert County Liberal Association and went to the many suppers and events they put on. He was a very special man who will be remembered for his kindness and for his eagerness to help others in need, you could not find a better person than Charlie. He not only was a great friend and neighbor to all but he was a beloved husband, father and brother who loved his family very much, he was very proud of his three children and would bring them up in every conversation. He will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and the community forever.
"Your gentle smile and generous heart will never be forgotten."
He will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Jean (Morrissey), daughter Catherine of Riverview, sons Douglas of Riverview and Jeffrey of Salisbury, one sister Teresa Wilbur (Trueman) of Riverview, one brother, Angus (Aileen) of Fredericton, sisters-in-law Mary MacLean of Ottawa, ON and Beulah Morrissey of Riverside-Albert and by several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by four brothers, Donald (Bertha Teahan), Allister, Duncan, infant brother Angus, infant sister Daisy and brother-in-law Fred Morrissey.
He will be resting at the Albert County Funeral Home with visitation on Sunday, May 17th, 2-4 and 7-9pm. There will be Parish Prayers and a time to share stories of Charlie on Sunday evening at 8:30pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Riverside-Albert on Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 10:00am with Father Phil Mulligan officiating. Interment will be held in the Holy Ghost Catholic Cemetery, Hopewell Hill. Following the Funeral Mass and Burial the family will be meeting with relatives and friends for further sharing of memories and for refreshments at the Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre.
In lieu of flowers for those who wish donations to the Holy Ghost Catholic Cemetery would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Due to allergies please refrain from wearing perfumes or scents.
Arrangements are in the care of the Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 route 114, Hopewell Cape, N.B. 734-2780
www.albertcountyfh.com