Reverend Father Donald MacLean
elevated kGlDp July 25, 1932 – March 17, 2021
elevated kGlDp (Member of the Flying Fathers)
elevated kGlDp Peacefully on the Memorial of St. Patrick, March 17, 2021 at Mackenzie Health Long Term Care Richmond Hill. Father Don, beloved son of the late Daniel and Katherine (nee MacEachern). Much loved brother of Charlotte Mulhern (Paul), the late Kathleen Campbell (the late Joseph) and John (JJ) (the late Carol). Cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews and their families. Ordained to the Holy Order of the Priesthood on May 28, 1960 at St. Michael’s Cathedral by Most Reverend Bishop F. Allen. Father was an Associate Pastor at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, Toronto, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Scarborough, St. Edward the Confessor Parish, Toronto, and Holy Name Parish, Toronto. Father was the Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish, Woodbridge, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Toronto, and Our Lady of Grace Parish, Aurora. After decades of faithful service, Father retired in 2007 and became Chaplain to the Carmelite Sisters in Mississauga.
elevated kGlDp Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Avenue, Toronto on Tuesday March 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. Cardinal Thomas Collins to preside. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill. Due to Covid restrictions visitation, Funeral Mass and interment is by invitation only. You are invited to join via livestream on Tuesday beginning at 9:00 a.m.
elevated kGlDp TO VIEW FUNERAL MASS CLICK HERE
elevated kGlDp Go on at least 15 minutes before the start time.
elevated kGlDp When the video launches hover your mouse over the lower left hand part of the screen… there you will see a small speaker with an X beside it. Click on the speaker to enable the sound (the X will disappear)
elevated kGlDp * Click on the box on the far-right hand side of the video (“full screen”) and the picture will fill your entire screen
elevated kGlDp
elevated kGlDp At Father Don’s request flowers are gratefully declined, donations in his memory may be made to The Shepherds’ Trust in care of the Archdiocese of Toronto.
elevated kGlDp
Fr. Don. Thank you for being such a big part of my life. You have left an indelible mark on me that I will cherish for the rest of my days. You gave many much joy and happiness that will live in all the hearts you have touched. God bless you now as you go to the One who loves you the most.
He was such a beloved priest, I missed him after he started his well deserved retirement.
Very special man, the angels will love him singing.
May he rest in enteral peace😍😍🍀🍀
Thank you for all the time you took to speak with me. I will always remember the visits before moving to Ottawa. Then coming here to marry Cindy and I. You always knew what to say. We will always love you
I remember Fr. Maclean when I was a child at Holy Name Church. He had such a cheerful disposition, magnetic personality and incredible singing voice. May God bless himfor his priestly ministry.
Thank you Irene. I remember you from the Holy Name Choir
There are so many stories, it is hard to know where to start. He was pure gift to our parish of St. Margaret Mary, he brought his love of music, his gift of humour and compassion and his sermons were always based on Love.
And yes he did love the ponies.
He will be singing with the angels.
Served a full measure of service to the greater glory of GOD and the salvation of needy souls.
Rest now good and faithful servant.
Dear Family and friends of Fr. Don, I left the following on the O’Connor College School Alumni page. He was a very special priest to my family and I and we express our deepest sympathies but also joy that he is not suffering anymore and his bountiful legacy left behind with the living.
“Father Don was a legendary priest at Annunciation and then out Our Lady of Grace Parish in Aurora in 1990-2007 . If you went to OCS in the 80s he was our Parish priest. Growing up in my house my mother got to know all the Annunciation parish priests well and had them over for dinner many times so I got to know them as well. Fr. Don was special though. If you like me you tended to doze off a bit during sermons but you wouldn’t doze off during one of Don’s sermons. He had a blooming baritone voice and huge physical presence he kept your attention even if the subject wasn’t that interesting. A little-known fact about father Donald was that he was an incredible horse handicapper and used to take bets for some of the staff and my mother as well when he would go to the horse races. And he won a lot therefore so did my mother and I believe he paid for a car one year with his winnings from horse race speculation. Father Don also help me attend OCS and grade 11 through 13 the school wasn’t taking any new students but father Don as a favor to my mother had a word with principal Gravelle and that was that I was in . So I will always be grateful to him for that so much so that I had him officiate my marriage and a few my cousins did as well as he was close life long friends with my Uncle Joe McKenna. Keep him and his family in your prayers if you knew him. Unfortunately with the virus his family will not get the massive funeral that no doubt Fr. Don would have inspired and I have no info on that front. Pass the word to your OCS classmates and teachers who knew Fr. Don. “
Father MacLean arrived at St Margaret Mary to join Monsenior Omara. My brother Tony and I were altar boys back then. He was an important part of my parents and family’s Catholic life in Woodbridge and he was often at our house. He was an important part of my fathers, Des Andrews, entering the church as a lay deacon in his latter years.
Rest in peace Father MacLean
Thank you Fr. Donnie(aka uncle Swede) for always being there for us in good times and in (very) bad. Words cannot express how much you meant to us.
First time that I met Fr. Don/ Swede was just after my return from studies in France. I thought he looked like John Wayne walking down the aisle. Well he certainly was a wonderful, prayerful, joyous man. He always had us laughing whether he was teaching us not to lead when dancing, singing us a tune or telling a joke. He came to every dance at the Church and he enjoyed going from table to table to speak to everyone. Thankfully, Dr. McKenna kept him healthy all those years. He met people where they were in life. He would open the door at the residence to strangers and offer them help. He listened well and he told great stories. He nudged you to become involved in the parish and that is why I started to be a lector. He introduced us to his family and shared family losses, such as when his young nephew died from injuries in a car accident, He spoke common sense which is often hard to find today. We have kept in touch over the years after Annunciation and it is always wonderful to meet him at many events. He never fails to have a word of wisdom to offer or to make you feel better than you did before you arrived. No matter what, he was a sweet, gentle and strong man and a wonderful pastor. Thank you Fr. Don for being at our weddings and sharing your worldly wisdom. Glad you are no longer in pain. Happy that you can celebrate St.
Paddy’s Day with the real saint and enjoy the best Scotch in the world! Thank you for all that you have done for us and blessings to you forever.
A good and faithful servant off God…. Rest In Peace Fr Donald, such good memories off the visits to River Denys, I remember being at your ordination and the joke about the hole in your sock…. God Bless
Father “Donnie”, or “Swede” as we called him, was always like my big brother. I am grateful to have such an uncle in my life. His spiritual leadership has been a gift without price. I dread to think how I might of turned out had it not been for his presence and leadership in mentoring me in the Catholic faith.
When he was free from obligations we loved seeing his large be-speckled head peering though the glass opening in our front door. We never wanted for joy, love, fun and music.
Aside from his spiritual leadership, he loved music, singing and entertaining anyone that would listen. He entertained at weddings old folks homes, and in the private homes of his friends and parishioners. His band of musicians were real crowd pleasers. Always good clean fun.
I trust he is with the Lord and may his soul always reside in the perpetual light. We weep at his departure and we rejoice as he proceeds to God.
You will always be in our hearts and prayers. Until we meet again. Love you
Our deepest sympathy to all the members of Father’s beloved family.
Father Don was a real priest, he loved the priesthood and was a very good shepherd to all of us in Carmel Heights Seniors Residence for 9 years. Everyone could relate to God’s infinite love when he preached at Mass. I quote his words “My Jesus I am alive. You are alive. You are my Lord and my God. I give myself to You – Right Now! I will do anything You want because YOU want it! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and Help me to help others – Today!”
Your Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus from Carmel Heights, Mississauga.
Fr. Don,
Thank you so much for all you have done throughout my (and everyone’s) life. You were such a big influence in my life and you were always so caring, generous, and fun! It was always great to visit with you and, of course, enjoy the many “routine” gatherings that we had. You were larger than life, such a positive role model, and had personality plus. Thanks for the faith and RIP Fr. Don and God bless you. 💙🙏
Love,
Kathy and Martin xx
Fr Don was a wonderful priest and special cousin to our family. He was always there for us serving at many family funerals and functions. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Fr.
Father Donnie
There’s a big hole in the lives of so many of us today. Even as you move on to the fullness of your life in Jesus Christ. How wonderful it must be! You were there for me at some critical times in my life. With your kindness, encouragement and understanding. I’ll miss the stories and that booming voice.
Gale (Lamey) Thompson
Father Maclean embodied everything that was good with the Catholic Church. A wonderful priest with a terrific sense of humour and an amazing voice. Our family was lucky to have known him.
Father McLean was one of my favourite shepherds and helped kindle the spark in me that has grown over the years. I was in grade school when he came to St. Margaret Marys and will never forget him. He made me smile, laugh, sing and most of all, he made me think and contemplate what faith meant to me. He made it become a personal experience, even if I didn’t fully realize it until years later. Rest in peace father, you have earned your glory and can sing with the angels.
Father MacLean had a big impact on me as a teenager from a music perspective. He brought some amazing talent to St Margaret Mary’s in the form of Kitty Hayes and encouraged us to learn, then take up the torch and form our own folk group. You could see the tremendous effort he put forth in his sermons by the sweat on his brow – his faith was personal and deep. I am struck by all those he touched – as evident in all these comments. I’m hearing “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came a tumbling down” echoing through the passage of time…..
Don, on behalf of the Buccilli family I wish to express our deepest condolences to you and the Clan for your loss. Father Swede’s towering physical stature matched his heart and devotion to God. May you and yours take solace, that Fr. Swede indeed rests in peace, embraced by God.
Remembrances of Father Donald Samuel MacLean, a Pastor and a Member of the Flying Fathers Hockey Team
Father MacLean with his siblings Charlotte, Kathleen, John (JJ), and his mother Katherine, and her sister Kate Jesse MacDonald in Queensville, Cape Breton Island.
Father MacLean’s niece Debbie sitting on the corner stones of his birthplace in the woodlands of Queensville, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Debbie and myself, her second cousin Lawrence (Lornie) MacDonald sitting on the corner stones of Father Donald MacLeans birth place in the woodlands of Queensville,
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Lawrence (Lornie) MacDonald with owner of birthplace property Robert Belyea, and my younger brother Francis Raymond MacDonald in Queensville, Cape Breton Island.
Father Donald Samuel MacLean was a loyal and faithful servant of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. He was a guiding shepherd who served his ever expanding flock with commitment and integrity until his end of life. Much like the sermons of St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of theologians, Father MacLean was able to speak in a way that arouse the intellect and curiosity of the most discerning of listeners and yet he was able to speak to the common person in a way that was both comprehensible, interesting, and entertaining. There was always a spiritual lesson in life to be learned from his sermons. Father MacLean was what the Catholic Church recognized in St. Thomas Aquinas , a model teacher for those studying for the priesthood. He was a holy and giving individual, always willing to share his wisdom, provide social guidance, and spiritual direction. He was a warm and welcoming priest who treasured both his nuclear and extended family. He honoured his parents, Katherine and Daniel, loved unequivocally his siblings Charlotte, Kathleen, John (JJ), relatives, his vast array of friends, and parishioners.
In 1987, my wife, Jean, and I, were honoured when he travelled from Toronto, with his two sisters, Charlotte and Kathleen, to officiate and perform the sacrament of matrimony on our wedding day at Our Lady of Fatima in Sydney River, NS. We were also blessed to have his two musically talented sisters sing the hymn Ava Maria during the communion ceremony. It was a very special and memorable occasion for both of us.
I do have a few other recollections that I would like to share about his family and him.
In 1978, when my older sister Kate, accompanied me on a drive from Cape Breton to McMaster University in Hamilton, we had the pleasure of visiting Father MacLean’s mother, Katherine, (our grand aunt) in Charlotte’s home on Dufferin Street in Toronto. We also visited his sister Kathleen and her husband Joe Campbell. Both visits were most beautiful and welcoming. The weekend get aways for me to the home of the Campbells on Winona Street were always pleasurable and heart warming. Whether or not Father MacLean was physically present, his presence was always felt, and his approval of what we might discuss or do always factored into points of view in the conversation.
In the late 1980s, I remember visiting my grand aunt Margaret MacEachern in Boston. She was formerly a MacIntyre from West Bay Road, and the wife of Big Dan Hughie MacEachern, fiddler and the brother of Father MacLeans mother, Katherine. In 1928 in New York, Big Dan Hughie, accompanied by The Dan Sullivan Band, made the first recording of a Cape Breton fiddling tune. His wife, Margaret, was a graciously lady. She prominently displayed Father MacLeans ordination photo in her home and always spoke so very proudly of her dear nephew.
I also remember in fall of 1959 when Father MacLean visited our home in Westmount, NS with his parents Katherine and Daniel. My mother Catherine Marie MacDonald (oldest child and daughter of Kate Jesse, the sister of Father MacLean’s mother, Katherine) was pregnant with her daughter, Pauline Mary, the 6th of 10 children. I saw Father MacLean bless my mother and the unborn child. At my mother’s request, he then went on to bless all of her children and every room in our house. It was during this blessing that we as children found out our mother was about to give birth to another child.
I recall at the time being a little star struck with the towering and larger than life figure, the beaming presence of a Flying Father hockey star. I was only a young child, but an enthusiastic NHL hockey fan, and like so many of my age with hopes, dreams, and aspirations that some day my name
would be called out on air during Hockey Night In Canada by Foster Hewitt or Danny Gallivan.
I remember Father MacLean and his entourage entered the house through the sun porch and proceeded to the living room. I was standing off to the side in the hall near the living room, gripping tightly with pride and vigor my 69 cent wooden straight blade Victoriaville hockey stick from David’s Grocery Store in Whitney Pier. I was in awe of his presence, the Big Swede, a towering figure, the Flying Father hockey player that my mother always spoke about so fondly and piously. He was now in our home and in our presence.
Father MacLean had a bigger calling in life. He was a priest first and foremost. Nonetheless, he was also an inspiring hockey figure to a young child and a ardent hockey fan growing up in rural Cape Breton Island. He was to me, in some ways part of a Canadian narrative and memoir, of what esteemed NB novelist and senator, David Adam Richards called Hockey Dreams, the title of his award winning novel.
Notwithstanding, his sickness and declining health, Father MacLean was the personification of faith, conviction, and determination. He served his flock and his savior Jesus Christ until the very end of his life. No matter how overwhelming and challenging a situation, he never faltered in his faith and devotion. He always remained steadfast in his religious zeal. He had the psychic and intestinal fortitude of a gritty, solid, and steady Canadian hockey player. In the prose of the novel Hockey Dreams, Richards states;
“If you think that you are a Canadian, then my boy I will show you I am a Canadian too – if they check me from behind I will get up, if they kick and slash I will get up. If we play three against five for fifteen minutes I will get up. I too am a Canadian. They will not take this away from me. Nor, can I see, will they ever take this away from you. At the moment they think we are defeated we have just begun. I will prove forever my years on the river, on the back rinks, on the buses, on the farm teams. I will prove forever that this is what has shaped me.”
Although Father MacLean was a inspiring Canadian Flying Father hockey player, he was an ordained dioceses Catholic priest. In times of adversity or challenge he always rose to the occasion. He always got up and was a fierce defender of the Catholic faith. He was shaped by his childhood experiences, his family background, religious upbringing, faith, formal and informal education.
Father MacLean never forgot his roots and humble beginnings. Whenever possible he would visit his relatives and friends in the Island of his birth place, Cape Breton. He was born in small Celtic farming community called Queensville. The cornerstones of his modest small home still remain and lie deep within the woods of the countryside. I visited the grounds of his birthplace with his niece Debbie, my brother Francis Raymond, and the current owner of the woodland property, Robert Belyea. What was left of his humble birthplace reminded me of my visits to the Holy Land and the humble birthplace where the blessed Virgin Mary gave birth to the Christ child in what is now similar to a stone cellar in the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. Please see the pictures above.
In posterity, when I revisit these woods and the birth place of Father MacLean, especially during this time of year when blankets of white snow still sprinkle the forest flora of Cape Breton Island, I will reflect upon the words of Robert Frost in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
…
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Unfortunately, after his birth, Father MacLean never got to revisit the cornerstones of his birth place in the woodlands of Queensville. It was not an easy place to find and was somewhat of a difficult trek to get to the location.
Father MacLean lived his life in a meaningful and spiritual way. He kept his vows of priesthood and his promises to God. He touched the hearts and souls of people around the world. With his smile, humour, and generosity of time and care, he lifted spirits, comforted the sick, dying, and others in time of need. We should remember him for his deep faith and devotion to God, his spiritual leadership, his love and kindness. He assiduously served his flock and did what he could to improve the human condition. I take comfort in knowing that his weary body will Rest In Peace and perpetual light will shine upon his soul.
There is comfort in mourning his death and in celebrating his life. In Leonard Cohen’s lament about love and loss, the words Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, seem most appropriate. His faith and complete and untiring devotion, to God, the Catholic church, and his flock, is both commendable and saintly. In the words of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting, “we cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love. Father MacLean has demonstrated in both his words and deeds a great love for both his creator and for his fellow man. Let his exemplary example in life lead us to do great things for one another, and improve the spiritual, emotional, and social condition of human kind.
Dr. Lawrence (Lornie) MacDonald
We will miss Father Don at Mackenzie Health Long Term Care.
He participates in most of our Programs everyday. Everybody loves him. He was such a nice person. He prays for all of us,
whichever denomination we belong.
My deepest sympathy to Father Donald’s nieces, nephews and all family and friends. I remember him from his time at Carriage House here in Oshawa. Although he was a resident he gave of his time and great talent to still serve our Lord. He gave the residents the opportunity to attend Sunday mass, a cherished gift. He was an amazing priest and person. God will be glad to have him up there on his team.
Father Don was our priest at St. Edwards when I was a little girl. My own father would wake us up on Sunday mornings, “let’s go see the Singing Priest!”. Father Don gave me my first communion and I was so fortunate to meet him again many years later through my friendship with the Campbell Clan. He was still singing of course and with his great talent, he brought laughter and joy to all of us. Through the years, Father Don was always there for us, every baptism, every wedding, through many hospital visits, through grief, and happiness. A man of God, who celebrated the humanity in all of us, with extreme wit, humour, and the most generous compassion and wisdom. If the measure of a man is the love people feel for him, Father Don is the tallest of men and we are all better people for having known him. In his memory I will be sure to “pass it on.”
Rest In Peace Father Donnie. Fond memories of you and my dad, your uncle John Dan, singing Gaelic songs at the kitchen table in Port Hood, NS. Your Ordination picture was proudly displayed at home and we all loved you dearly. Till we meet again…God Bless
Uncle Swede, you were, and continue to be, a towering presence in our lives. My earliest memories are of you, Mum, JJ, and Charlotte belting out songs at our place, which was “party central” for the greater part of our lives. The jazzy Maclean songs mixed with the Campbell fiddle tunes fostered a love of music in all of us that continues to this day. I already miss singing with you, and I look forward with hope to the day when we can all “do a few numbers” in Heaven. Thank you most of all for your lifelong spiritual guidance and for administering the sacraments to all of us.
Love, your niece Sharon.
Don – The Puppi family greatly appreciated Father Don presiding at Harvey’s funeral mass. I will always remember the words of comfort spoken in his Homily when our family was in a state of shock and grief.
Deepest condolences to the Campbell Clan. I know Father Don was as important source of spiritual guidance and a powerful presence in your lives.
Father Don was a special priest and we were so blessed to know him and have him grace his presence in our lives. He was influential not only through my school years, but also conducted my marriage and baptisms of my children. He was considered family and we had many great talks over the years. I always remember his story of the ships, and today we watch your ship sail and you will be greeted in paradise by many waiting, particularly my husband Alex whom you touched as you reminisced the stories of Fatima together. God Bless you Father Don, until we meet again.
I spent many wonderful times with the Big Swede and Father Les Costello at the race track, in hockey rinks and playing crib for a few bucks. We always had lots of fun together and the wonderful memories are many. Many years ago I skated into the Priesthood on a wing and a prayer as the ‘Ringer’ with the flying Fathers back in 1974 and Fr. Don and Fr. Les were my mentors and true friends and taught me how to treat people with love, dignity and respect for we are all members of the same family, the human family. So, to the Maclean family that the Big Swede leaves behind, enjoy the memories and the music he loved and smile for he is with ‘Costi Bear’ in the Heavenly Kingdom most-likely the two of them are betting on the horses, and God maybe calling them both to just sit down and enjoy eternity. I am sure the Big Swede has everyone in heaven singing and Fr. Less has been making the good Lord laugh.
God’s Blessing on the family and all of those whose lives the big Swede touched. Love from Dan Bagley “The Bagger 6” in your program.
I fondly remember Father Donald as a sincere and loving priest that inspired the lives of many. I remember him through St. Margaret Mary located in Vaughan and he officiated one of my Christmas donation celebrations for Sick Kids Hospital. Thoughts and prayers are with those who knew him at St. Margaret Mary.