We were sad to learn that Graham “Cheeser” McLean passed away on October 16 at the age of 59 after a brief battle with cancer.
McLean was an outgoing and friendly guy. Whenever he met someone new, he always wanted to know where they were from, who they were related to and if somehow he had a connection to them. He was so proud of his beautiful girls, always talking about what they were up to in school, sports, jobs and life.
McLean was born a farmer and throughout his life he was happiest while working on the farm. His biggest passion was his Angus cows. He was absolutely giddy while watching calves grow, each with their own unique personalities.
Read Also
Growing Canada’s beef herd: CCA’s priorities working with new federal government
This is my first column since the federal election. The Canadian Cattle Association works with all elected officials and parliamentarians, regardless…
McLean graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in animal science in 1988. He began his career as a feed sales rep with Camlachie Grain and Feed selling Purina feeds and eventually he became a part owner of the business. More recently, he was a dedicated and hard-working crop sales specialist with Agris Co-op in Glencoe for the past 15 years. He was always up for a laugh and a chat with his many customers about the latest sports scores, cattle sales and the happenings in the neighbourhood.
McLean operated the purebred Angus cow herd, Melmac Angus Farms near Melbourne, Ont. with his brother Murray. Their father, Ron, started the herd in 1974 and last year Melmac Angus Farms received a 50-year long-term recognition award. In addition to serving as Canadian Angus Association president, McLean also served as president of the Western Ontario Angus Association, Ontario Angus Association, Melbourne Fair Board, Lambton County 4-H Association, and Watford Optimist Club.
An avid sports enthusiast, McLean loved to cheer on the boys in blue: the Leafs, the Jays and the Cowboys, always hoping that this would be the year his team would bring home the championship. He was a talented athlete in his youth, excelling both as a goalie and a catcher winning many championships and awards. He was still playing hockey one week before becoming ill.
McLean was very committed to his community and gave freely of his time volunteering for numerous organizations involved in everything from 4-H to sports to housing. While his time on earth was cut short, he was an amazing man who lived a full life and will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are respectfully asked to consider a donation to the Canadian Angus Foundation, with funds earmarked for Junior Angus pro- grams, cdnangus.ca/foundation or Campfire Circle at campfirecircle.org.
McLean is survived by his wife and best friend Karen (nee VanRooijen), as well as his daughters Shauna (Jacob Farquharson) and Jenna. He will be deeply missed by his siblings Murray McLean (Sara Manahan), Nancy (Robert) Woods, Peggy (Kevin) White, Wendy (Rob) Windis and Launie (Brenda) Fletcher. He will be lovingly remembered by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
