John Mclean

John James McLean, DDS, age 68 of Fort Collins died Sunday at his home. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M. in the Canyon West Room at the Lincoln Center. Tributes will be coordinated by Leonard Urban at 6:30. John James McLean, Jr. was born August 23, 1939 in New York City to John and Patricia McLean. He grew up in Yonkers, New York and was a graduate of Manhattan Prep in the Bronx; Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts; and Columbia University Dental School. John served in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Following his discharge, he spent a year with the Catholic Missions in St. Lucia, setting up dental clinics. He returned to New York and practiced general dentistry in Bronxville, NY. He then returned to Columbia and received a graduate degree in Orthodontics. John was active, generous, mischievous, had an irresistible smile and a deep concern for those who were not as fortunate as he. He loved magic, children, good books and movies and he especially enjoyed surprising his many friends with gifts left unwrapped at their door. He was the past president of the Larimer County Dental Society; was a member of the Colorado Mountain Club and was working on climbing all of Colorado's 14'ers. He was active with the Fort Collins Sertoma Club and presently sat on the Board of The Homeless Prevention Initiative. For several years, John headed the St. Patrick's Fundraiser for the Mission (a shelter for the homeless). If he could see how doing something could make the world a better place, John would enthusiastically support it. He loved to hike and he participated in five outward bounds excursions. What was most important to him, as he reflected on his life, was that those near and dear to him make sure they treat themselves to a good laugh as often as possible. John is survived by his sister Marianne McLean Doran of Pleasantville, NY; his brothers, Edward Peter McLean of Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Paul Joseph McLean of Fresno, CA; nine nieces and nephews; 24 grand nieces and grand nephews; and countless friends. John requested that any memorial donations please be made to The Homeless Prevention Initiative in care of Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Drive, Suite E, Fort Collins, CO 80524