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Sauble Beach, Wiarton

David McLaren November 18, 2023

Date of Funeral

November 21, 2023

McLaren, David – of Neyaashiinigmiing, peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday November 18, 2023. John David McLaren at the age of 76 years. Devoted husband and best friend of Lenore Keeshig for 35 years. Proud father of Emma McLaren (partner Matthew Trowbridge), of Park Head, and Adam McLaren, of Lion’s Head; and step-father of Keitha Keeshig-Tobias, of Toronto, Polly Keeshig-Tobias, of Neyaashiinigmiing, and Karen “Ripley” Tobias, of Guelph. Cherished grandfather of David McLaren-LaValley, Tainiin Hopkinson, J.J. Hopkinson, Jasmine Hopkinson, Finn “Jos” Wright, Kevin Dubie, Jennifer Dubie, and Cass Johnson; and great-grandfather of Jezlynn Dubie-Williams. Dear brother-in-law of Nadine (Michael), Tony (Susan), Donna (Peter ban), John (Chastity), Karl (Deanna), Joanne, Nathan, and Jocelyn. Sadly, missed by his cousins, Susan (David), and Janice (Gerhard). Predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Alice; cousin Bill Renolds, and brothers-in-law, Keith, and Peter. Friends may gather at the Nawash Community Centre, Neyaashiinigmiing on Monday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A Traditional Service to give David final instructions will be held on Monday at 5 o’clock. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Nawash Community Centre on Tuesday morning at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to New Democratic Party, Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation, University Hospitals Network (Toronto), or to the United Way (Grey-Bruce) would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. Condolences by be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Friends may gather at the Nawash Community Centre, Neyaashiinigmiing on Monday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A Traditional Service to give David final instructions will be held on Monday at 5 o’clock. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Nawash Community Centre on Tuesday morning at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Condolences(19)

  1. REPLY
    Deborah Diebel says
    November 19, 2023 at 1:59 pm

    Lenore, Emma, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. xo

  2. REPLY
    Patrick J Mullin says
    November 19, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    So sad to hear David has left us. While I didn’t know David that well, we “engaged” a couple of times regarding our political democracy, it’s sucesses and it’s failures and our hopes for our beautiful Canada. This was an NDPer and a Liberal having a great time. I recall being unable to convince David that “we” should run one left and cente / left candidate in this ever so “blue” riding. I suggested that he’d be it! Well, I made no progress….but it was fun and memorable. Thank you David for guarding our social democracy at every chance. I fear we need you more than ever….now! Your light shall be a guiding beacon for me. You will….rest in peace.

  3. REPLY
    Fay Roote says
    November 19, 2023 at 9:04 pm

    My sincere condolences to Lenore and family. I had the pleasure of knowing David when he attended meetings at Saugeen, and we always managed to have a chat. He was a very well spoken, sincere and respected, and I appreciated all advice he gave me.

  4. REPLY
    Laurie Robins says
    November 20, 2023 at 8:27 am

    I am so sorry to hear about David. My thoughts are with Lenore and her family during this difficult time. Laurie Robins

  5. REPLY
    Victoria Serda says
    November 20, 2023 at 10:34 am

    Condolences from the Serda family. He left an amazing legacy, which will live on.

  6. REPLY
    Rick Cober Bauman says
    November 20, 2023 at 11:21 am

    To Lenore and family I send deepest sympathies and condolences. I have strong and lasting memories of collaborating with David on Nawash justice issues through MCC. May you sense the surrounding love of your community as you celebrate David’s life.

  7. REPLY
    Tamara Wilson says
    November 20, 2023 at 12:03 pm

    Dear Lenore and Family. From myself and the Club, our thoughts are with you through this time of sadness. Your love and dedication to David shines through on all that you do.

  8. REPLY
    Marylynne Pedoniquotte says
    November 20, 2023 at 12:55 pm

    Lenore, Adam, Emma and Family. My heartfelt condolences. The loss of a life partner/parent is very hard to endure. May Creator be with you through this and always. David was an excellent writer and I many times enjoyed his articles in the newspaper and other venues.

  9. REPLY
    Patti Waterfield/ Rob Rolfe says
    November 20, 2023 at 1:18 pm

    Our deepest sympathies to Lenore and the rest of the family. We are very sad to miss the service as we are away for the next few days, but will be there in spirit. We wish good energy to David on his spirit joiurney.

  10. REPLY
    Theresa Root says
    November 20, 2023 at 10:14 pm

    Sorry for your loss sending prayers and condolences

  11. REPLY
    Rozella Johnston says
    November 21, 2023 at 5:41 am

    Travel well my friend. Youll be miised by many. Baamaampii Gowaubmin miinwa Giigidonin
    Condolences to David’s family. He had a big kind heart.

  12. REPLY
    Hector and Linde LAVALLEY says
    November 21, 2023 at 4:12 pm

    So sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts

  13. REPLY
    Teena Lois Millette says
    November 21, 2023 at 4:27 pm

    David and I were neighbours way back in the early 90’s and our kids, Emma, Adam, Matt, Tara and Frankie used to hang out quite a bit. We also worked together, me as a communications officer and David, pretty much the director of communications back then for Nawash. We wrestled with so many environmental issues and quietly stood our ground, whether at Colpoy’s Bay to protest the encroachment of fishers and anglers or to teach the feds about the 7 mile fishing rights surrounding our territory. The message I will take away from him is to always stand up for myself and my peoples where injustices occur. I know that only the people with lived experiences are the ones to clearly express what is of utmost concern to them. Rest in peace my friend, you will always be fondly remembered. Teena Millette xo

  14. REPLY
    The Akiwenzie-Damm family says
    November 22, 2023 at 7:12 pm

    To Lenore and Family.
    We are sad to hear of David’s passing. May the creator send strength and healing to you all during this very difficult time. Love Kateri, Kegedonce, Gaadoohn, and Julie

  15. REPLY
    Kegedonce Akiwenzie-Damn says
    November 22, 2023 at 7:17 pm

    Dear Lenore.
    I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you and your family are doing well. I’m keeping you in my thoughts.
    Love Kegedonce

  16. REPLY
    The Akiwenzie-Damm family says
    November 22, 2023 at 7:21 pm

    To Lenore and family. We are sad to hear about David’s passing. May the creator send strength and healing to you all during this very difficult time.
    Love Kateri, Kegedonce, Gaadoohn, and Julie

  17. REPLY
    Michael says
    November 23, 2023 at 8:52 am

    Lenore, and family,

    Sending deep and sincere condolences on behalf of myself and the entire Bruce Trail Conservancy community. We are all thinking of you and sending you positive energy and thoughts. Take care. Michael McDonald – Bruce Trail Conservancy

  18. REPLY
    Theresa McClenaghan says
    November 24, 2023 at 9:41 am

    Lenore and family, we at CELA were very saddened to learn of the passing for David. He was such a guiding light on environmental issues over the many many years. His leadership and work for SON was also incredibly valuable, as well as his connections to so many communities. He was also always so very proud of his family; I hope that all of the tributes are a small comfort at this time. Wishing you all condolences, from everyone at CELA. Theresa

  19. REPLY
    Tibby Johnston says
    November 28, 2023 at 9:05 am

    When anyone sees a shooting star, it’s David driving his jeep through the path of souls. What an honor to have David’s star in our community. To David’s family, warm & loving memories will be with you always,
    Tibby & family

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