Eugene 'Turk' McLean

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Eugene Roderick McLean of New Glasgow on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the age of 70 years old.

Eugene, or "Turk" as he was more commonly known, was born in New Glasgow on December 8, 1953, the eldest child of Joe and Isabel McLean. He attended and graduated from schools in New Glasgow, causing I’m sure a few teachers to retire earlier than they intended to, before becoming actively involved in the family flooring business, McLean’s Flooring Ltd in Stellarton. After a brief calling to "Go west young man" to see what flooring stores in Alberta had to offer, he was lured back to Stellarton to fulfill his desire of helping out in the family business. Eugene enjoyed many years of talking with customers, helping them out with their flooring needs until a setback of a brain tumor slowed him down 11 years ago, slowly and reluctantly easing him into retirement.

Turk loved LIFE! He took each and every day as it came and never got too excited about what was going on or happening around him; as he would say… "it is what it is"! He loved watching sports with his friends, getting together, having a few refreshments and enjoying what life had to offer. On the majority of weekends if there was a football or baseball game, curling or car race on, Eugene was sure to be in front of the TV. Over the years, Eugene enjoyed bowling in both the Industrial and Main Street Leagues, recording several over 400 triples and acquiring numerous trophies to show for it. He looked forward to getting together with the guys on pool night, to rack them up and shoot a few rounds in the pool league he was involved with. Eugene was known to partake in many a card game, usually on a Sunday evening, to which he always claimed, "I’ve won more than I’ve lost", as his fellow cards players rolled their eyes and smiled to say differently.

Eugene was a past member of the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow having achieved being President and acquiring his Outstanding Presidents Award. After his years in Kinsmen, he enjoyed being a member of the more slow-paced Kinsmen K40 Club or "the Senate" as it was known, having also been President during his time there. He was a past member of the Abercrombie Golf and Country Club, Glen Lovat County Club, the Stellarton Air Force Club and a Life Member of the New Glasgow City Club. Eugene was a very kind, caring and generous person. He would constantly and faithfully visit his friends who may have had the misfortune of coming down with an illness or became sidelined to be in the hospital or at home, always thinking of them first before himself. He cherished family and especially his siblings' children and their children since he had none of his own. He truly enjoyed every Sunday morning going to visit his great-nephew, Aulay. It was very common to see Eugene pull in your yard early Sunday afternoon wanting to see what’s going on, to see the kids if they were there for a quick visit before he went to see his buddies and watch the game.

He will be truly missed by his partner, Chris Wilson, her son, Shawn; his sister, Doris, Toronto; brothers: Greg (Mary), Stellarton, Gerald (Dawn), Stellarton, Paul (Rhonda), New Glasgow; his 9 nieces and nephews and 6 great-nieces and nephews.

Eugene was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Isabel; his first wife, Vivian Davis; stepson, Jeffrey Davis; and infant 3-year-old brother, Bruce. He was very fortunate to have such excellent neighbours, especially Ronnie MacDonald and Don and Ann Holmes, all who kept an eye on the big guy and helped out whenever they could. 

Since his passing, we have been overwhelmed to date of his friends and acquaintances who have messaged or called us and described Eugene as... "an icon, a legend or simply a piece of work". They all conceded to say…there will never be another Turk…to which we would all have to agree!

We will miss you Eugene and think of your always in our thoughts and prayers.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 2-5pm at Summer Street Industries, 72 Park Street, New Glasgow, with words of remembrance at 3:30pm.  A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Eugene’s name can do so by donating to Summer Street Industries, 72 Park St., New Glasgow, NS, B2H  and/or Autism Nova Scotia, 5945 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 1Y4.