Dr. Arden Heath McLaren

November 19, 1945 - September 1, 2020

Funeral Details: A Private Family Farewell will take place.

McLaren, Arden Heath:  It is with great sadness the family of Dr. Arden McLaren announce his passing on the evening of September 1, 2020 at the Milton District Hospital.  Dr. Arden McLaren of Milton and formerly of Newmarket and Unionville at the age of 74 years.  Dr. McLaren practiced dentistry in Richmond Hill, Ontario until the recent loss of his beloved wife and work partner Rhonda Lynn McLaren (November 2019).  Incredibly loving father of John (Laurie) McLaren of Milton, Ontario and Michael (Sarah) McLaren of Victoria, British Columbia. Special and loving grandfather of Elle and Katie.  Brother to Beverly (Peter) Mitchell and David (Mary) McLaren.  Uncle to Cathy Mitchell, Lynsey (Ed) Sober, Sandy Mitchell (Tanya Draker), Laurie Mitchell (Matt Crossley) and Emily (Anton) Damiani. Predeceased by his parents Donald and Lola (nee Heath) McLaren and his nephew Andrew McLaren.

Dr. McLaren will be fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends, colleagues and countless loyal patients.  We love you with all our heart dad. Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition York (2-15236 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario) and condolences may be forwarded to the family through peacefultransition.ca

CONDOLENCES

31 Condolences
  • Michael McLaren
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    I love and miss you more than I could possibly ever had imagined, Dad.

  • Robert & Karen Gillan
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    Mike, John and all of the McLaren family, we send our deepest sympathy. Arden was a wonderful friend who would do anything for anyone. We loved him dearly and we share in your grief

  • Beverley Marshall
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    To Beverley, David, Michael, John and all your families I send my deepest condolences.
    Arden was a wonderful combination of smart, handsome, kind, caring, loving and loyal.
    He sure will be missed by everyone who knew him.
    Love to all of you.

  • Garry and Rosa Guy
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending you our love

  • David Blumenfeld
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    Sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you strength and peace in his memory and love.

  • Lynne McLaren
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    Dear Michael & John
    Your Dad and his love is alive in your heart forever.
    Katie & Elle
    Grampa is your special angel in heaven watching over you forever.
    With all my love
    Mom

    • David and Char Elliott
      Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2020 Reply

      Lynne
      David and I have been trying to find you.
      David would really like to talk to you.
      If you could call him we would greatly appreciate it.
      Our number is 905-425-2948 or my cell 905-431-7658.
      Thanks Lynne, hope we hear from you.
      Dave land Char

  • Charles Chung
    Posted on: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Reply

    To the McLaren family, our deepest condolences go out to you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of our childhood where your father would welcome us into your home and take us up to your boat to enjoy the summer months on the water. He was caring, loving, and accepting. He also made an incredible caesar salad. His legacy will live on, as well as all the enjoyable memories we shared over the years. May he Rest in Peace.

    Chuck Chung

  • Sarah McLaren
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    You made me feel loved and special from the first day we met. I love you and miss you more than I ever imagined. I feel so incredibly lucky to have you in my life and will never forget your kindness and quick comebacks which I forever tried to beat, unsuccessfully. Thank you for all the love you gave me, the diverse things you taught me and for giving me the greatest gift of your son who was one of your biggest fans and best friends in life. I know you are watching over all of us. I love you.

  • Mary St Cyr
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    Our deepest condolences to Michael, John, Katie, Elle and the McLaren family. Please know our thoughts and prays are with you all.

    Mary & Rene’….xo

  • Donna Aziz
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    Arden became my dentist in 1981 And became my friend for the next almost 40 years. He and Rhonda are a whole again. My most sincere sympathies to the family

  • Emily Damiani
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    To my uncle,
    Thank you for these memories I get to hold onto: of sparkling holiday parties listening to you and the rest of our family laugh and cajole and debate, of relaxing cottage days learning where this McLaren wry wit comes from, and of sweet moments talking with you one on one and seeing how earnestly and kindly you listen even when I was small.
    Goodbye, Uncle Arden, we will miss you.

  • Andrew Franklin
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    I am deeply saddened by the news of Dr. McLaren’s passing. Having known Mike for nearly 40 years, the McLaren family has always been important to me. Dr. McLaren welcomed me into his home and to the boat where I spent a significant amount of time during my high school years. When I was at the McLaren home, he made me feel like the ‘third son’ as opposed to a visitor. He was a kind man who enjoyed a good laugh. He loved Mike and John; this was evident to me any time I was in his presence. Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Dr. McLaren. Rest in peace.

    Andrew Franklin & Family

  • Bill & Lori Hutcheson
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    Michael & John and the rest of the McLaren Family.

    Our thoughts are with you!

    Arden epitomized what we all hope to be: a devoted and loving father, then grandfather; a adoring partner, in both work and play, to Rhonda; the consummate professional who had tremendous skills but also an calming ‘bedside manner’; a craftsman with his hands; a supportive friend and mentor; and, at times, a crusty old fart! And when it came to boating, he should have written a book on anchoring! For Arden, dropping an anchor was an art form!

    For almost 40 years, we shared life’s major experiences. So many stories, some of which will stay ‘in the vault’. In our family, the highest honour a male non-Family member can receive is the title ‘Uncle’. With us, he was Uncle Arden and always will be.

    I/we will miss him terribly! He gave us so much!

    Thank you Arden!

    The Hutchesons

  • Michael Hardie
    Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2020 Reply

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Michael, John and the rest of the McLaren family.

  • Katie Mclaren
    Posted on: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Reply

    I love you and miss you and you are the best “silly grampa” ever. 😘

  • Shanna and Dave Alpert
    Posted on: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Reply

    Sending love and condolences to the McLaren family.
    – Shanna and Dave

  • David and Char Elliott
    Posted on: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Reply

    Michael and John
    We are so very sorry to hear of your fathers passing.
    Together we enjoyed many good times and although
    we lost contact over the years we always will cherish the memories. Your dad was special man.

    Dave and Char Elliott

  • Colleen Kennedy
    Posted on: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Reply

    My sisters and I remember being a little in awe of our big handsome cousin bounding in and out of the house when we stayed at Aunt Lola and Uncle Don’s. Riding up the driveway on his brand spanking new 10-speed bicycle and wearing turned up jeans. It was a scene right out of ‘Leave it to Beaver”. Patricia, Sandra, and Colleen send our heartfelt condolences to Michael, John, and all the McLaren family.
    With love

  • Beverley Mitchell
    Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2020 Reply

    November 19, 1945 changed my life forever when mom and dad brought my precious baby brother, Arden, home from the hospital. I got to hold him in my seven year old arms! I would still love to hold him in my arms. He was adorned by us all; but, he was my very own brother and he will always hold a special place in my heart.

    He was a multi talented, super intelligent guy, athletic, musical, artistic. He had culinary skills that he loved to show off to us at the many family gatherings he and Rhonda hosted. He could build anything, fix anything, his skills were mind boggling.

    What he did exceedingly well was raise two amazing sons, Michael and John. He loved them beyond words. They will have many cherished memories of their dad, stories to tell Katie and Elle that will keep him alive forever.

    The memories that the entire McLaren and Mitchell families share of him are very special to us all. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Arden, loving father, adored grandpa, loyal friend and precious brother.

    • David and Char Elliott
      Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2020 Reply

      What a wonderful tribute to your brother. David and I are truly shaken after hearing of Ardens passing. We also are truly sorry we did not know of Rhonda’s passing last year. We were once so close to Arden for so many wonderful years.
      We have these memories to draw on. Time moved on and we lost touch. We were so happy he found such true love with Rhonda and enjoyed many years with her.
      They are together once again .
      Our thoughts are with you, David and of coarse Michael and John.

      David and Char Elliott

  • Kathy (Maroosis) Green
    Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2020 Reply

    I was deeply saddened to learn of Arden’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of our high school years together: of Highland avenue, his parents, the MG, the cottage, the Flight of the Bumblebee on the piano, Beverley and David…the list could go on and on. I regret our paths never crossed again to share happy stories of children and grandchildren. I send my heartfelt and deepest condolences to the whole family at this very difficult time.

  • Jannice Daws
    Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2020 Reply

    Arden took a chance when he hired me as I knew nothing about dentistry. He taught me everything I know. His office, the second floor in a beautiful older house in Richmond Hill, was being renovated by him so I helped him finish it!
    My daughter, Lauren, was three when I brought her in for her first check up with “Uncle” Arden. Today, in her 30s, she still calls him “Uncle” Arden!
    I will miss this wonderful, warm and funny man so much. He was a great friend for 48 years. Love you my friend!

  • Carol and Brian Moore
    Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2020 Reply

    We were so sorry to hear of Dr. McLaren’s passing. We were patients for over 30 years and were always happy to see him and Rhonda even though Brian suffered from early dental trauma from work done in England. Dr. McLaren was always gentle and patient with him. He was a lovely man who always made us feel safe and comfortable in the dentist’s chair. Not an easy feat. Rest in peace Dr. McLaren.

  • Cathie Lynett-Pichut
    Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2020 Reply

    Arden gave me my start in Dentistry in 1973. I will always be grateful for this opportunity. Together Jann and I helped him build his practice in the early years. We got to see how dedicated he was in his profession, and the pride he took in his work. He would joke after doing a filling that he wanted to carve his initials into his perfect restoration.
    After getting married and moving away our family drove an hour to Richmond Hill to see Arden, Rhonda and Pam for our dental appointments. It was always a reunion getting caught up with our families.
    Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the McLaren family. You will forever be in our hearts.

  • Ken Gill
    Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2020 Reply

    To the McLaren family:
    I offer my condolences and my prayers as you work through this enormous loss.
    I knew Arden from a half step away… he was my brother-in-laws best friend for decades [from back in dental school days]. This is a long time and the vast majority of at least 2 lives]. We may call that faithful and steadfast. Arden was also the dentist for my parents later in their lives [May & Bev Gill] and always found time for 2 aging people with whom the had a very skinny connection -so much so that he and Rhonda would take time to visit my parents to encourage them and to simply befriend them.
    I look back on my little experience with Arden and happily acknowledge what a remarkable man he was. I am grateful for the friendship of Arden, given freely, and with no strings attached to my brother-in-law and sister and to my parents.
    I might dare to suggest that if we wish to honour DR. ARDEN HEATH MCLAREN, we will do well to emulate his generous, selfless giving of himself to and for others! Is there a better way to say ‘thank you Arden’ and to honour a life well lived?

  • Mike and Carol Knight
    Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2020 Reply

    To the McLaren Family our sincere condolences on the passing of Arden. As a classmate, Arden was one of the bright lights in our small group of early graduates from UWO- Dents ‘72. Over the years, we drift as we grow with our own families and practices. However, we have fond memories of our times at Western and will cherish the times we shared with Arden. He was always a fun guy to party with but still focused on dentistry and a credit to our profession. He will be missed.

  • RAE & ALLISON MUNROE
    Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Reply

    Our heartfelt sympathy to the McLaren family on Arden’s passing. We have many fond memories from 1968 until 1972 at UWO. Arden was a wonderful classmate and we shared numerous experiences with him almost all 0f which were positive. A life well lived.

  • Joan & Bruce Stewart
    Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Reply

    Mike, John, and all of the McLaren family, we send our deepest sympathy. We were friends & patients for over 40 plus years and we were always happy to see him and Rhonda and catch up on the news of our busy lives. Your dad and I in our younger days enjoyed many a joke, Martini, talking old & new cars, and Ceasar’s Salads made in the big wooden bowl. It has been 5 years since we moved to Niagara On The Lake and we lost touch being away from Toronto, we were so sorry to read the news that Rhonda had passed away last year, and now Arden. His talents were always on the side of excellent and when a dental problem arose he was always there to relieve the problem. May you take comfort in knowing that his patients appreciated his fine work, friendship and concerns about our health.

  • Dave and Mary
    Posted on: Thursday, September 17, 2020 Reply

    To a generous brother & brother-in-law, and kind Uncle to Emily & Andrew. Arden always welcomed us to his table & dental office as a family. We had fun with Arden & Rhonda; wearing baseball caps on the day one of us needed a tooth capped or sending a chattering teeth toy down the coffee table. Or Arden saying “Dave, I got a new tool, hope I don’t cut your tongue off” as only a brother can tease:) We appreciated Arden & Rhonda attending Emily & Anton’s (Damiani) wedding in 2016 & had a great time around the table, also with Bev & Peter, so the brothers & sister were together.

    We can’t imagine you two gone, a huge loss to our clan.
    Love, Dave & Mary

  • Tanya Jamal
    Posted on: Friday, November 20, 2020 Reply

    Our deepest condolences to the family. Dr. MacLaren was our family dentist from the time I was 8 until my early forties…know that he was highly respected and as much an artist as a dentist. He was practical, full of common sense and above all trustworthy in his opinions given and treatment plans. And, he also had one wicked sense of humour! A really wonderful man and dentist. He will be remembered fondly and will be missed.

Post A Reply to David and Char Elliott Cancel Reply