In Loving Memory of
Barry Alan McLean

of Grande Prairie, Alberta
September 10, 1943 - August 9, 2023

It is with incredible sadness and broken hearts that our family announces the passing of Barry Alan McLean “Gramps”, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in Grande Prairie, AB. at the age of 79 years. His battle with leukemia showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Barry came out a hero and stayed strong until the very end.

Barry was a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed and dearly remembered as a kind and gentle soul of a man with a huge heart who loved his family more than anything. He was most content when he was surrounded with the love and laughter of family.

Barry was born on September 10, 1943, in Regina, SK, to parents, Lester and Ann McLean. He was born a goal getter with an eye for adventure. He was raised in Prince Albert, SK until the mid-1950’s when his family decided to move their homestead to Little Smoky, AB. This is where Barry met his first wife, Patricia. In September of 1961, Barry and Patricia made the move to Grande Prairie, AB where they called home and expanded their family with three children: Bonnie, Randy, and Lisa. Years after raising their children, Barry met his second wife, Yvonne Prescott and her two children: Deborah, and Darrin. Barry and Yvonne married in May of 1987 and resided in Grande Prairie.

Barry had an everlasting love for his family, and a true passion for music, cars and sports. As a young boy Barry developed his love for music; his all-time favourite was Elvis Presley. His interest in music led Barry to be a successful business owner when he opened Harmony Music on main street of Grande Prairie in the 1970’s, and then Sound City in the Town Centre Mall. In addition to his career with the record stores, Barry also enjoyed his time at Canfor, Canadian Freightways, Lauzons and Visions. Being a car enthusiast led Barry to his employment at Windsor Ford where he met many remarkable people, This is where he hung his hat to retire from the workforce.

 Anyone who knew Barry would know that his and Yvonne’s family room was decorated with Elvis Presley memorabilia, including an Elvis Boulevard sign that he illegally brought home from his visit to Graceland. Barry proved his #1 fan status when, nearing the days of his passing, his courier driver was still showing up at his door with Elvis packages.

You could always spot Barry at any of his great-grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. We are still unsure if he came to watch, or to check out the burgers at the concession stand.

Barry will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 36 years, Yvonne McLean; daughter Lisa Alexandre (Todd); son Randy McLean; stepdaughter Deborah Nielsen (Beverli); step-son Darrin Nielsen; son-in-law Jack Stein; sister Sharon McLean (Ron); brother Jimmy McLean (Joanie); grandchildren: Tasha Alexandre, Travis Alexandre (Stacey), Terrance Chambers, Kyle McLean (Shannon), Darby McLean, Britney Stein (David), Jesse Stein, and Zachary Stein; great-grandchildren, Tommy, Ty, Torrie, Jace, Everleigh, Emersyn, Elliana, Kayla, Emily and Scarlett; together with two great great-granddaughters: Oakley and Paisley. Also missing and looking for him is his cat, Katie “Snookie” McLean.

Barry was predeceased by his parents Lester and Ann McLean, daughter Bonnie Stein, sister Sandra Laushaway, brother-in-law Ron Laushaway, sister-in-law Joanie McLean, brother in law Ron Brix and his niece Kayla Brix.

Our family wishes to extend many thanks to the Grande Prairie Cancer Centre for their support and gentle care given along with every medical staff member at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. His daughter Lisa would like to send a special heartfelt thank you to nurse Stacy on unit 23.

We appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers from our family, friends and community. In accordance with Barry’s wishes, our family will share in a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barry’s name to Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association. (https://bandagedpaws.org/)

“Values are like fingerprints, nobody’s are the same, but you leave them all over everything you do.” -Elvis Presley