John (Bernie) McLean

October 15, 1951 - August 21, 2024

Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date

John Bernard Thomas McLean (Bernie) of Gilford, Ontario, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 with his family by his side on August 21, 2024.

Bernie was born in Toronto, Ontario to John and Evelyn McLean, he grew up near Richmond Hill, Ontario.  He worked for 40 years at Sanofi Pasteur Limited and retired as Group Leader of the General Maintenance department.  He was a proud union member of Unifor Local 1701 and was a team orientated leader.

Bernie is predeceased by his parents, Evelyn McLean and John McLean, and is survived by his loving wife, Dianne McLean, and his children, Jennifer McLean, Sarah McLean and Chelsey McLean whom he cherished.

Family and friends will be notified of a celebration of life at a later date.

CONDOLENCES

13 Condolences
  • Nancy Simpson
    Posted on: Saturday, August 24, 2024 Reply

    Bernie was a wonderful light at Sanofi. Honestly, one of the most positive people I have ever met in my life. Bernie had a can-do attitude and always stepped up to help anyone who asked. He also had a delightful smile and sense of humor. I am so sad to read that he was taken away from his family at such young age. Sending each one of his beloved family members very warm wishes and my sincere condolences.
    Nancy Simpson

  • JAMES&INGA ARMSTRONG
    Posted on: Saturday, August 24, 2024 Reply

    Always a joy to be around. The greatest neighbour one could ever have. You will be dearly missed. Our thoughts with Diane and the girls.
    The Armstrong family

  • Anthony Wu
    Posted on: Saturday, August 24, 2024 Reply

    I knew Bernie working at Sanofi. Bernie was a very nice and generous individual.

    Sincere condolences to his wife Diane and his family.

    May he rest in peace and eternal rest grant on yo him. 🙏

  • Jake Ceschiutti
    Posted on: Sunday, August 25, 2024 Reply

    Such a gentle soul Bernie was. I had the pleasure working and crossing paths with Bernie over many of those 40years at the company. It was employees like Bernie that made a difference of what the workplace was enjoyed and for the matter the success of the company in the long run.My condolences to Bernie’s family and send our sympathy.
    Jake Ceschiutti.

  • Tanya Brown
    Posted on: Sunday, August 25, 2024 Reply

    My sincere condolences to Bernie’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bernie at Sanofi. He was always wiling to go above and beyond to help anyone no matter how big or small the task was. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile, he was a truly caring and compassionate person. Rest in peace Bernie!

  • Christopher McGowan
    Posted on: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Reply

    I am so upset to hear of the passing of Bernie. I haven’t seen him in years but worked with him for a number of years he was a great guy who always had a smile on his face. My condolences to his family

  • Kimberly Moyles
    Posted on: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Reply

    Such sad news to hear that Bernie passed away recently. What a great picture of him, it really captures his personality perfectly! I have known Bernie from working at Sanofi the past 30 yrs, and what a pleasure to run into him (and work with him)! He always had a permanent smile on his face and the cutest laugh.
    We have really lost a good one. My condolences to Diane and all his family. Hugs

  • Lee Dunn
    Posted on: Thursday, August 29, 2024 Reply

    My sincerest condolences to Diane and the family! I worked @Sanofi for 24 years and knew Bernie as a cheerful and a happy go lucky guy! Always joking and making me laugh!! Always a smile on his face, and ready to help you in a pinch! RIP! You will be missed! Another Angel in Heaven!

  • Jan Switzer
    Posted on: Thursday, August 29, 2024 Reply

    The picture posted is a great remembrance of Bernie; always smiling and in a good mood.
    We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Bernie; we both had a lot of interaction with Bernie during our time at Sanofi. He always came through, whether it was a scheduled request or last minute.
    He was so proud of his family & thrilled to be a grandpa. May his great spirit and many memories help his family through this time of sadness & the journey ahead.
    Thinking of you all,
    Jan & Iain Switzer

  • Susan Grabel
    Posted on: Friday, August 30, 2024 Reply

    My sincerest condolences to the McLean family. I also remember Bernie as a kind and generous soul. Always smiling, always cheerful, and always willing to go the extra mile for you. I remember one year we had a baking contest; his lemon meringue pie won first place! He was so proud of his achievement. May the good memories you shared bring you some comfort at this very difficult time. Sending warm thoughts and prayers.

  • Susan Grabel
    Posted on: Friday, August 30, 2024 Reply

    My sincerest condolences to the McLean family. I also remember Bernie as a kind and generous soul. Always smiling, always cheerful, and always willing to go the extra mile for you. I remember one year we had a baking contest; his lemon meringue pie won first place! He was so proud of his achievement. May the good memories you shared bring you some comfort at this very difficult time. Sending warm thoughts and prayers.

  • Susan Grabel
    Posted on: Friday, August 30, 2024 Reply

    My sincerest condolences to the McLean family. I also remember Bernie as a kind and generous soul. Always smiling, always cheerful, and always willing to go the extra mile for you. I remember one year we had a baking contest; his lemon meringue pie won first place! He was so proud of his achievement. May the good memories you shared bring you some comfort at this very difficult time. Sending warm thoughts and prayers.

  • Eileen Williams
    Posted on: Monday, September 2, 2024 Reply

    My deepest sympathies to Bernie’s wife Diane, and family. Working with Bernie was a joyful experience. Bernie was always cheerful, peaceful, reliable, very helpful and supportive in any given tasks.
    May his memories be comforting to those who grieve his loss.

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