I first met Sir Bruce McLean 31yrs ago as a boy (6yrs) when my friends and I joined the 9th willowdale Wolf cubs which became 1st willowdale years later I was to young to be a cub but the only one young enough to be a beaver. Bruce made me a cub and I stayed until I became a venture give or take 10yrs later . Bruce was one of the greatest role models of my life . I regret that the last time we spoke Bruce was the Best man at my older brothers (Scott Morrison) wedding. It fills my heart with sorrow Knowing we'll never speak again. Loved and sadly missed but never forgotten, Always in my heart. R.I.P. Good Sir! Thanks for everthing.

Dear Aunt Barbara, Sorry it has taken me so long to write... I was just so shocked to hear about Bruce. We have followed the condolences on-line and read the obituary with so much pride! I didn’t know of his humanitarian efforts here and abroad and his humility speaks volumes for the kind of person he was. But in saying that... given his roots, it’s not hard to imagine what a wonderful man he became! To me, as his second cousin, he was blessed with the best of parents. My memories of you and Uncle Ed are such warm ones! I remember you guys and my mom and dad always having so much fun - the kind of fun I wanted to have when I grew up. I loved coming to your house in Willowdale and I remember especially Uncle Ed and Dad cracking jokes and teasing everybody! We had the best times with you folks. I can still picture the house so vividly and recall the backyard with Bruce and Allan and Douglas. I remember the older boys babysitting us girls making sure that we were alright. You have suffered two great losses in such a short time and my heart is with you. There are no answers for these endings that don’t make sense. My family knows this too... those who are taken so young from us must surely be needed elsewhere. But, that knowledge doesn’t always bring comfort. I think in the end, the memories from those closest to you helps ease the pain and reminds us of the gifts that family brings to each other whenever and wherever they can. Please know that we are feeling your loss and sharing your sorrow... May your healing be swift, and your memories ... sweet. With love and warmth, Kathy (Jones) and Tom Hayes xox

My husband Steve and I have know Bruce since 1974-75. Bruce was always good for a laugh. We really didn't know much about him, even though we thought of him as a friend, he didn't reveal to much about himself. I can remember that he worked at Hydro at one time. Bruce took Steve to Levee once at HMCS York need I say more. He attended our wedding in 1978 and I remember him giving a lecture on mines and explosives on a Jr. NCO course. He was very good and gave an amazing lecture. Once Bruce went to the Engineers, we would run into him on occasion. I once saw him on the lawn of our church with a medal detector looking for a lost wedding ring from a wedding from the day before. You never knew when you would run into Bruce.

Rest in Peace

I knew Bruce when we were Scouts together way back in the dark ages. Even then he showed a resilience that was rare. Rest in peace, Bruce. John Robinson

Bruce was one of the greatest and most remarkable gentlemen I have ever met. As a clueless 16 year-old attempting to enlist in the 48th Highlanders in 1978, he took me under his wing and pointed me in the right direction. The memory of his quiet, fun loving manner will always be with me; although he sometimes did not see old friends for years, it was like we had only spoken yesterday when we met again. His friendship, honesty and goodwill will always be remembered by those who knew him. As Secretary of the 48th Highlanders Continuing Sergeants Association, please accept our deepest condolences on this tragic loss. The thoughts and prayers of all our members are with you at this terrible time. Happy to meet - sorry to part - happy to meet again.

Bruce !! I will always Fondly Remember your Kindness, Wisdom & Help in my early Military years. Rest in Peace Sir !!

Just a note to express my heartfelt sadness at the passing of Bruce McLean. I had the honour and privilege of having CWO Bruce McLean as my Regimental Sergeant Major and right hand man with 2 Field Engineer Regiment from 1995 to 1998. Bruce was a dedicated Sapper whose love of his Regiment, loyalty and work ethic were never in doubt. He was one of those rare individuals who found a way to successfully combine the autocratic aura essential in an RSM with the kind and caring approach that made him loved and respected by all with whom he dealt. During our watch The Regiment was forced to move from the comfortable confines of the Fort York Armoury to a primitive former RCEME maintenance hangar on the end of the runway at the former CFB Toronto in Downsview. Thanks to his positive attitude, hard work, and never failing loyalty and support for his Regiment and most importantly his Sappers, Bruce made this transition both a positive and fun experience. It would have been much more difficult without him. Through my son, Captain Dave Rule, recent Commanding Officer, 48th Highlander Cadet Corps, I have been kept abreast of Bruce's outstanding work with the army cadets over the past decade where he has continued his support for the military through the development of our youth. Bruce's legacy will live on with all sappers in the Toronto area. Sleep well my friend.....you will be sadly missed. Chimo Edward (Ted) H. G. Rule, OMM, CD, CME Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) Former Commanding Officer 2 Field Engineer Regiment

Please accept our deepest sympathies at this sad time. I have not seen Bruce for a few years but our times together in the 48th Highlanders bring back a lot of nice memories. Bruce will be greatly missed. Bob & Dawn Ronan

Captain McLean will leave a legacy of his spirit and dedication to the cadets whom he inspired and mentored. He strongly believed in the organization and we are all better people for having him in our lives. He will be greatly missed, but his wisdom and ethical values will forever be in the hearts and minds of the youth and staff, whom he considered to be his extended family. On behalf of the entire RCSU Detachment Toronto, we send our condolences.

Captain McLean will leave a legacy of his spirit and dedication to the cadets whom he inspired and mentored. He strongly believed in the organization and we are all better people for having him in our lives. He will be greatly missed, but his wisdom and ethical values will forever be in the hearts and minds of the youth and staff, whom he considered to be his extended family. On behalf of the entire RCSU Detachment Toronto, we send our condolences.

I am very sorry to hear about my great friend and Brother Bruce:. Apology for being unable to attend in person.<br> Lionel Boxer CD late of 2FER Royal Australian Engineers Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Bruce was a lot of things to many people and will be missed tremendously. May your memories be your comfort and in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten...... ______________________________________________________________________________________ Bruce, our sadness knows no end; We can’t believe you’re gone; We’re grieving for you every day; It’s hard to carry on. You were always there to support and care, When we needed a true friend, How we’ll ever do without you, We cannot comprehend. You were our teacher and our guide, Our hero, so good and strong; Your example will sustain us now, And last our whole lives long. We’re trying to communicate; We hope that you can hear; Expressing what we feel for you, Helps us feel you’re near. Our memories of the times we had Help the pain to go away. But Bruce, our lives won’t be the same; We’ll miss you every day. A part of us went with you; You left a gap too big to fill; You’re our friend and our hero; We love you and we always will.

Phil and Sue Lusk made a donation to Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cadet Organization lost a valuable member this week. Major McLean consistently set an excellant example of selfless leadership to his cadets and staff, and was a true friend and mentor to many. Those who knew him will work hard to emulate his ethics and values. He will be missed.

George and Marj. Hansen and family made a donation to Canadian Cancer Society

Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss.

Ria & Anita Kurz, Doris & Rick Britton with Family made a donation to Canadian Cancer Society

During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies.

Bennett Sun made a donation to Canadian Cancer Society

On behalf of my son, Warren, we would like to express our deepest heartfelt sympathies. You have been such an excellent leader in the past and your role model will always be in our mind.