Hugh G. McLean, 85

Hugh G. McLean, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, with his family at his side.

His faith and family were his priorities throughout his life. He was born in Alexandria, Scotland, to John and Mary McLean on May 15, 1927.  

Hugh’s family moved to New York City when he was 8 years old. He was involved in football, basketball, track and boxing. Hugh boxed with the PAL (Police Athletic League), fighting in the New York World’s Fair, and in the U.S. Army.

Hugh was a big New York Giants (football) fan. He was a member of Holy Name parish, where he met and married Agnes Indrisek, his wife of 57 years.  

Hugh worked as a shoe salesman while working through school. He joined the Army and served in Korea as medic and pharmacy tech from 1946 to 1948. He returned from Korea and continued his education at St. John’s University.

Hugh worked for the Welfare Department before becoming a teacher. He taught junior high social studies for 28 years in Harlem in New York City. The family moved to Ridgefield Park, N.J., in 1963. Hugh also taught religious education classes at St. Francis parish for 14 years.

He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus.

Hugh took his family on vacations to Nova Scotia and Maine, New Hampshire, Cape Cod, the Catskills, Jersey Shore, Virginia and North Carolina. The family spent many fun times in Connecticut with relatives.  Fourth of July was spent marching in the parade and with sister, Margaret and family afterward.

After retiring from teaching in 1988, he and Agnes traveled to visit friends and family. Hugh and Agnes moved to Kalispell in 1997. Hugh was a sports fan who cheered for players on either team after a good play.     

Hugh is survived by his wife, Agnes; children, Patricia and husband Cary, Bear McLean and wife Chris, Mike McLean and Tim McLean; five grandchildren, Zach, Nick, Ann Marie, Mark and Matt; and nieces and nephews, Montgommari, Phyllis, John, Bud and Dolores.

The family is grateful to all the caregivers who have helped Hugh and his wife over the past five years, with whom he had a special relationship.

A viewing will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, with the rosary following at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Kalispell, with Father Rod Ermatinger as celebrant. Interment will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens.    

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Hugh’s family.