Dave was born on Feb 16, 1935 in Brunswick, the son of Ralph A. & Natalie Akeley MacLean and grew up on Orrs Island, where he cherished his childhood capers and lifelong friends. He graduated from Brunswick High School holding a state record in track, attended MCI and later entered the United States Army, Airborne, serving in the # 111 Weapons Infantry Division. During his enlistment he served in the Korean Campaign on Recon, participated in the Desert Rock Bomb Testings in Nevada, endured Gorilla War Training and Survival Training in Alaska, was on the All Army Boxing Team and earned his Guides License for Big Game in Alaska.
Later in life he was a plasterer and owned and operated MacLean Foundation Company. After meeting Mabel he was able to return to his true love of fishing. He long lined off the Grand Banks on the Walter Alden and bought his own lobster boat fishing the waters of Casco Bay.
Together Dave & Mabel enjoyed heading north, singing in the cab, 4 wheeling, fishing, hunting, friends, family and living life to the fullest. Dave will be sorely missed by his family members and many friends for his story telling, wit, sense of humor, practical wisdom and generosity. He will always be fondly remembered to those who were lucky enough to have shared in his life of adventure and family as “Big Dave” for his kind heart and
” Wahtosh” for his hunting and fishing know-how.
Dave is survived by his wife, best friend and companion of 36 years Mabel Labbe MacLean; he is the loving father of Stephen, Tracey, Mary, Allyson, and Amanda MacLean: Grandchildren Josh, Savannah, Zev, Franci and Carly; he is also survived by a sister, Constance Baribeau; and brother, Mark MacLean; and his inlaw family the Labbes and their significant others; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents Ralph and Natalie MacLean; brother Scott; nieces Sandra and Marti MacLean; father-in-law Raymond L. Labbe; brother-inlaw Raymond M. Labbe Sr., and Roger Riendeau Jr., and special nephew Alex and niece Christina Labbe.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Maine Childrens Cancer Program in memory of Christina Labbe or Make a Wish of Maine in Memory of Alex Labbe or a charity of one’s choice.
In respect of Dave’s wishes there will be no service. There will be a private celebration of his life in the spring. To share your thoughts and condolences with Dave’s family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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