MCLEAN, James Aubrey
James Aubrey McLean, Halifax, passed away Friday, July 22, 2016 in Camp Hill Veteran’s Memorial Building, QEII. Aubrey was born Sept 4, 1920, in New Waterford, C.B., the son of the late James Murdoch and Ethel (Dolly) (Crockett) McLean of 802 George St., Sydney. He resided in Halifax since 1947.
Aubrey graduated from Sydney Academy in 1938 and continued his studies at Mount Allison University. While attending university, Aubrey was fortunate to survive a serious fire which broke out in the Men’s Residence, resulting in several students losing their lives, including three men from Sydney, and the building completely destroyed.
In 1942, Aubrey attended Brockville Officers Training Course, then went overseas where he joined the 18th Field Engineers Company in France. While in Holland, one month before the end of WWII, Aubrey was very seriously wounded when he stepped on a German land mine resulting in the loss of his leg and other injuries. After returning home from hospital in England, Aubrey attended Nova Scotia Tech in Halifax and received his degree in Engineering. He was employed with Riley Engineer Sales and Nova Scotia Construction Association until his retirement.
Aubrey was a member of the War Amps of Nova Scotia and an executive of War Amps of Canada and was actively involved in many seminars, youth camps and conventions, assisting the “Champs” in adjusting to their new prostheses (legs and arms). He was devoted to helping many of the youth get a better start in life. Each year he made arrangements to have the War Amp float up and ready for participation in parades including the Apple Blossom Festival in Kentville, Natal Day in Halifax and Sydney’s Action Week as the “Champs” looked forward to riding on their float.
Along with his brother, Aubrey returned to France and Holland several times to celebrate the Liberation Anniversaries of France and Holland and to visit wartime friends.
Aubrey was predeceased by his parents, J.M. and Ethel McLean; wife, Marion (Williams) and two brothers, Earl and Floyd. Aubrey is survived by his sister, Pearl (late Lloyd) MacAulay; brother, Doug; son, Billy (Jackie) and several grand and great-grandchildren. Aubrey was an active member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax.
Our family would like to say thank you for the special care given to Aubrey by J. Smith and the doctors, nurses and staff at Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Hospital.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Rd.
Cremation has taken place. No visitation.
Memorial service at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 28, 2016 in the funeral home chapel, Dr. Russ Daye officiating, reception to follow.
Family flowers only. Internment in Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Donations in memory may be made to the War Amps of Canada.