Hugh Angus McLean, age 89, passed away on June 25, 2014, surrounded by his family. Hugh was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 19, 1925, to Rose Powell and George Mark McLean. He was the youngest of 7 children. Hugh graduated from South High School. While serving in the Navy, he graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was training to depart for the Pacific when the war ended. Hugh served a mission for the LDS Church in Great Britain. While there, he was reunited with many family members who lived in Bristol, where his mother grew up. Shortly after his mission, he went on a blind date with Martie Green and life was never the same. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 23, 1949. Together, they raised 2 children, Michael and Merrie. The family lived in Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho, Salt Lake City, Chicago and Wyckoff, New Jersey. Hugh worked for Standard Oil, Mahler Associates and started his own business management consulting firm, McLean Management Systems. The AMA published his book, There is a Better Way to Manage, in 1982.
In 1984, Hugh and Martie moved to Heber City where Hugh built their dream home, Scotshaven. Hugh and Martie lived there with their son and his family until 2012 when he and Martie moved to Highland Cove Assistive Living Center in Salt Lake. Hugh was a faithful member of the LDS Church. He was the first Bishop of the Fardale Ward in Mahwah, New Jersey. He loved engaging in long discussions about the gospel. He was a loving companion to his wife and a wise and loving father to his children. He and Martie told stories in tandem, each starting and finishing where the other left off. The extended family loved hearing them sing "The Tack" around the campfire at Bear Lake. The "mouse" he made out of a handkerchief delighted his children and grandchildren. The mouse seemed to come alive and jump out of his hand to the laughter and surprise of everyone. Hugh was a builder by nature, whether it was building homes for his family, building a church, building management systems for companies or building people's faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Hugh was also a proud Scotsman. At the moment of his passing, the sounds of bagpipes, laughter and dancing were heard from the other side of the veil! Alzheimer's may have robbed him of his memories, but it did not rob him of his basic optimism and sweet disposition.
Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and siblings. He is survived by his children Michael (Lynne), and Merrie Smithson (Jim), 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a wonderful extended family. Many thanks to Highland Cove and Cornerstone Hospice for their kind and loving care. In lieu of flowers, go see The Forgotten Carols and sing, "We can be together forever someday."
A funeral service will be held, Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 12:00 noon at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Funeral Home, 2350 E. 1300 S. Salt Lake City, UT. The family will meet with family and friends prior to services from 10:30 to 11:45 AM. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City, Cemetery.
