Errol Wilson McLean, 83, Waddington

WADDINTON -- Errol Wilson McLean was born in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, on August 11th, 1940, to Elmer Hilton McLean and Mildred Jean Wilson McLean.

He was born in the Barbara Heck home, who was the founder of the Methodist Church in Canada.

He was one of the descendants of the Empire Loyalists and the founders of Upper Canada. Errol had two siblings, Eric William McLean and Phyllis Mary Woodcock.

Just before Christmas of 1953, he and his family moved to the United States and in May of 1959 he became a naturalized citizen.

He married Donna Jean Dudash on May 29th, 1963, just before he began serving in the Army.

Errol has four daughters and sons-in-law, Carrie Ann and Norman Hinckley, Holly Leigh and Matthew McDonell, Kathleen Lynn and Scott Ogborn, and Shannon May and John Boyce. He also has nine grandchildren, Lauren Matela, Hannah Guyette, Evan McDonell, Alexis McDonell, Kaitlin Ogborn, Jeanette Ogborn, Kordell Ogborn, Hailey Boyce, and Johnny Boyce, and one great-grandson, Aiden Matela. In addition to his descendants and wife, he will be remembered by his several loving first cousins, his nieces and nephews, and his caring friends.

He loved his family a lot and was very proud of them. He told many people across the world stories of his loved ones and was fond of his nicknames, which he gave to many including his daughters: “The Nurse”, “The Figure-Skater”, “The Professor”, and “The Muzzle-Loader”.

Errol served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1984 in the Corps of Engineers. He retired as a Major of Co. B Btn. 479.

He earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Components with Two Hour Glasses, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, and the Overseas Ribbon.

He and his company earned the General Emerson Itschner Award. He was always proud of his men and spoke of them highly.

Errol was also a journeyman millwright for 36 years. He worked at ALCOA, an aluminum plant, in Massena, NY and was a member of the 25-year club.

He will be remembered as a skilled parts manufacturer and for his abilities as a certified welder.

Errol also spent much of his time on the range. Errol was the president of the Massena Rod and Gun Club and founded the Massena Black Powder Club. He was a life member of the NRA and a 62-year member of the NMLRA.

He received a 49-year service award for his service as the NY Field Rep and he served as the Region Coordinator as well. He was also a member of the St. Lawrence Long Rifle Club. He joined the United States International Muzzle Loader Team (USIMLT) as a competitor, and later became the captain, and then coach.

He also coached the Massena High School Rifle Team. Errol was very fond of his travels with the USIMLT and told many stories of his travels.

Errol was also an avid hunter and was a 42-year member of “Club 43” Hunting Club and met many of his closest friends there.

Errol also enjoyed playing hockey as a goal tender and founded the Old Timers Hockey Club.

Errol was also a free and accepted Mason as a Master Mason and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite.

He was a member of the Episcopalian Church, where he met many other close friends.

Calling hours for Errol will be held on Sunday April 7, 2024, at the Phillips Memorial Home located at 64 Andrews Street in Massena, NY, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Masonic service to be held at 3:15 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at St. Philip Episcopal Church located at 42 S. Main Street in Norwood, NY, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday April 8, 2024, with Mother Catherine Boswell officiating.

Burial will be held in Louisville Community Cemetery with full military honors.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, memorial trees, photos and condolence online by visiting, www.PhillipsMemorial.com.