In Memoriam: Faculty of Law alum remembered for his success and generosity

A notable alumnus with a celebrated and distinguished career, David McLean, OBC, ‘62 LLB, ‘94 LLD, passed away in late January this year. David’s life and career were marked by success and a dedication to philanthropy in many fields, from arts and education to transportation and healthcare.

“David regularly attended the reunions of the law school class of 1962 and remained in close touch with several Deans of the Faculty. He had a larger-than-life presence and will be greatly missed,” says David Percy, former dean and Borden Ladner Gervais Professor of Energy Law and Policy, at the U of A.

Born in Alberta in 1938, David obtained a bachelor of arts at the University of Alberta. He was active in sports and played for the Golden Bears Basketball team. He graduated in 1959 and completed his bachelor of law degree in 1962.

He practised law in Edmonton until 1968, when he moved to Vancouver. McLean spent the rest of his career in British Columbia, where he became well known as a leading member of Canada's business community and as a philanthropist.

In 1972, he founded the real estate investment firm, The McLean Group and served as the group’s chair and chief executive officer. David and the McLean Group founded Vancouver Film Studios, which was vital in Vancouver becoming a major centre for movie and television productions.

From 1979 to 1986, David served on the board of directors of the Canadian National Railway Company, and became its chair in 1994. He was also an active member of the University of British Columbia community, in which he served as a faculty member, a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ advisory committees and as chair of the UBC Board of Governors.

Among David’s numerous awards and recognitions are four honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate from the U of A, which he received in 1994 along with a Distinguished Alumni award.

David was also appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 1999, and was named an Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel and Honorary Colonel of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in 2018 and 2021, respectively.

David was married for 52 years to Brenda, who was a proud member of the McCuaig family which played a prominent role in Edmonton’s legal history. Brenda was a co-founder of The McLean Group and received an honorary degree from the U of A in 2018.

David and Brenda gave generously to numerous schools, universities and charitable organizations. In 1995, the two made a notable contribution to the U of A’s Law Campaign 75, which raised more than $4 million.

The McLean family support and that of CN Rail enabled the Faculty to build the Brenda and David McLean Reading Room and CN Alumni Hall on the third floor of the Weir Law Library. The couple’s names are still displayed there in recognition of their kind support, philanthropy and success. David leaves two sons — Jason and Sacha —and five grandchildren.

On March 11, a celebration of life will be held at UBC’s Chan Centre. Donations can be made to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, UBC Men’s Basketball, Ducks Unlimited Canada or the Seaforth Highlanders in lieu of flowers.