George Alexander McLean, 86, passed away in Carmichael, California on March 15, 2007. George was born in Toronto, Canada on Nov. 19, 1920, the son of Scottish immigrants, Alexander and Barbara McLean. He was always proud of his Scottish heritage and frequently attended social events in his highland attire.
He served proudly as a member of the Governor General’s Horse Guards during WWII. During his time of service, George earned the Defense Medal, French Star, German Star and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. Shortly before deploying for Europe, he married Beatrice Wilson and she gave birth to their first child while he was overseas.
Upon his return he completed his Art degree from Toronto School of Art & Design and became a commercial artist. In 1953 he moved the family, now grown to four children, to California, where he accepted a position with the prestigious firm of Walter Landor and Associates. During his time at Landor George designed the world-famous logo for Cotton, Inc. and the award-winning “BA” for Bank of America.
In 1994 his work with Landor and Associates was honored by permanent placement in the Smithsonian Institute, where it is part of the Advertising, Marketing and Commercial Imagery Collection.
An avid golfer, George accomplished the golfer’s dream, a hole-in-one at Stanford Golf Club in Palo Alto where he was a member for many years. After his retirement in 1980 George and his wife moved to Cameron Park, CA where he joined the Cameron Park Country Club. The club still utilizes the logo designed by him.
After retiring he kept active with his design work creating logos for British World Airways, Conrad International Hotels and Domaine du Napa Winery. He also taught art at the local community college.
He and his wife, Bette, shared 59 years together until her death in 2000. A highlight of their marriage was a 50th Anniversary Celebration planned by their children in 1991 and attended by more than 100 people.
He is survived by his six children: Richard and wife, Carol, of Mobile, AL; Patricia McLean of Shingle Springs, CA; Robert and wife, Barbara, of Murrieta, CA; Debbie Celillo of Visalia, CA; Brian and wife, Michelle, of Roseville, CA; Flora MacLean Avgeris and husband, Chris, of Ashland, OR; fifteen grandchildren; David McLean, Mobile, AL; Johnathan McLean, Indianapolis, IN; Lisa McLean, Belmont, NC; Deena Dolbey and Kathryn Meraz, Longview, WA; Alexander McLean, Winchester, CA; James McLean, Lynchburg, VA; Elisabeth Swanson, Murrieta, CA; Emily Tingley, Temecula, CA; Gino Celillo and Mario Celillo, Visalia, CA; Rebecca McLean and Jeffrey McLean, Roseville, CA; Scott Bishop and Logan Bishop, Ashland, OR; and eight great-grandchildren.
At a date to be determined the family will hold a memorial celebration in Cameron Park, CA. Interment will be at St. John’s Norway Cemetery in Toronto, Canada. In lieu of flowers donations in his name would be appreciated to: First Call Home Care & Hospice, 9852 Business Park Drive, Suite I, Sacramento, CA 95827. Remembrances and condolences can be posted to the memorial website for George McLean at online memorials http://www.last-memories.com