Obituary of William Gerard MacLean

It is with immense sadness that our family announces the passing of William (Willie) Gerard MacLean on April 23, 2023, at the age of 69, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home as was his final wish. Willie was born in Glace Bay, N.S. and was raised in New Waterford. He worked at the Department of Transportation and Highways for 30 years before retiring in 2019. He loved spending time with his grandkids who adoringly called him “Popa” and “Papa Wheely”. He also loved listening to Newfie music, classic country music and going for drives and a Tim Horton’s coffee with his loving wife, Muriel, whom he enjoyed 42 years with, including 37 years of marriage. He was a quiet, sweet man who lit up around his family. He celebrated his last birthday surrounded by loved ones, including his brothers and sisters. Willie is survived by his wife, Muriel (Hannem) MacLean of Westmount; his five children, Vickie (Jerome) McKesey, Amherstburg, Ont., Adam (Karen) MacLean, Membertou, William (Justina) MacLean, Leduc, Alberta, Charles (Crystal) MacLean, Sydney and James MacLean, Leduc, Alberta. Willie is also survived by his siblings Pete (Marie) MacLean, Jimmy (Margie) MacLean, Ellen (George) Gottwald, Danny (Doreen) MacLean, Patsy (Frank) MacLean and Emily (Donald) MacDonald. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. Willie was predeceased by his parents, Peter MacLean, Reserve Mines and Margaret McIsaac-MacLean, Inverness, as well as his sister Carrol Gission, Brampton, Ont. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, April 28, from 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, April 29 at 11:00am. With Reverend Sheldon Chant officiating. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery, MacLeod's Rd., Glace Bay. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.