Lord William "Bill" Forrest MacLean

Lord William Forrest MacLean, Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at age 91. Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on October 14, 1932, in Long Island City, New York to William F. MacLean, Sr. and Lillian Bernice (Collins) MacLean. 

Bill’s childhood was mainly spent in Norwood, MA.   Bill graduated in June of 1950 from Dedham High School, where he competed as a runner on the track team. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a Radarman Third Class aboard the USS Coolbaugh, based out of San Diego, CA.   He was honorably discharged from the Navy in October of 1953. He was extremely proud of his service to his country.

Bill and his first wife, Patricia Ann Magnell, also of Norwood, MA, raised a family of four children consisting of three sons and a daughter.  The young family made their home in the Mattapoisett, MA area for many years. While his children were young, Bill worked days and at night attended Northeastern University on the GI Bill finally receiving his BSEE degree. Bill was a loving father who enjoyed family camping trips, sailing, and attending his children’s many sporting and music events.

Over the course of his career Bill worked as a sales engineer, a human resource manager, and ended his career as a director of quality.   After he retired, he relocated to Lady Lake, Florida with his second wife Diana Linsey MacLean.

Bill had many hobbies throughout his life, but chief among them was researching and documenting his family’s genealogy.  He was particularly proud of his Scottish family roots, which culminated in several visits to Duart Castle, the Clan MacLean stronghold on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

He was also very active in the American Legion Veteran’s Memorial Post 347 of Lady Lake, Florida, where he socialized and spent many hours as a volunteer and financial officer.

Bill is survived by his children, Steven, David, Donna Gordon (Max), and Scott (Tina), his grandchildren, Kasey, Matthew, Madison, Taylor, Daniel, Jennifer, William, and Debra, as well as twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Richard D. MacLean of New Mexico, and Brook L. MacLean of North Attleboro, MA. He is also survived by his special companion Sue Vance and his first wife Patricia Melanson.  He was pre-deceased by his second wife Diana MacLean.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.