Obituary of James McLaren

James Alexander (Alex) McLaren passed away peacefully at Strathroy / Middlesex Hospital on August 30 2011, in his 97th year. He is survived by his sons Robert (Marion), Honolulu, and James (Margaret), Ottawa, and daughter Margaret (George), Miami. Survived also by seven grandchildren: Matthew and David Irons, Sudbury and Dundas; Peter and Michael McLaren, Ottawa; Cathy (Justin) Oliver, Honolulu; Janet McLaren, Birmingham, Alabama; and Linda (Eric) Robinson of Houston, Texas; and by four great granddaughters. Survived also by sisters Frances Burleigh, Sarnia, and Isobel McLaren, Toronto. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Muriel Marie (Grapes) McLaren, his sister Jean (William) Stadelman and an infant son, John David McLaren. .Alex graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto in 1936 and after serving an apprenticeship in Hamilton, returned to Watford to operate the family business, McLaren Pharmacy, until his retirement in 1985. From 1943 - 45, he served in the RCAF as the navigator in a bomber crew. Alex and Muriel were married in 1943 and established their home in Watford immediately after the war. They later purchased a second home at Port Franks. Alex was a longtime member of the United Church of Canada and was active in many community service activities, among them Watford District High School Board and the Medical Centre Committee. He was an avid pilot, obtaining his first license in 1959, and for many years holding a senior commercial licence with endorsements for instrument and multi-engine flying, as well as an instructor's rating. His final flight as pilot was on July 30 2003, at the age of 88; his final flight (with son Jim as pilot) was on July 15 of this year. Visitation will be held at the WATFORD CHAPEL OF DENNING FUNERAL DIRECTORS on Friday, September 30 2011 from 7-9 p.m. with Memorial Service on Saturday, October 1 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Watford United Church. Cremation has taken place. Donations, if desired, to either Doctors without Borders or the Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be left online at www.denningfuneralhome.com The family wishes to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff at Brookside Retirement Living, who took such good care of Alex in his final year and to the staff of the Strathroy Hospital for their care in his final few days.