Loyal Husband, Dedicated Father, Proud Grandpa, Joyful Great Grandpa, True Friend, Passionate Humanitarian

Thank you to all family and friends for your prayers, support, and kind words.  We are overwhelmed with the love for Don pouring onto his facebook page and we invite you to join us in celebrating Don through pictures, scriptures, Fallbrook Historical Society video interviews with Don, and bonding through the righteousness of this great man.

Don & Marion's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/donmarion.mclean

Donald Parke McLean, Sr., or "Duck" and many affectionately called him, was born in San Bernardino in 1930 and his family moved to their family ranch in Fallbrook, CA when he was only a few months old.  When Don received the Pioneer of the Year award from the Fallbrook Historical Society in 2011, the Fallbrook Village News wrote, "Don, a native Californian was helping irrigate the trees his family had on their farm in Fallbrook by age six. As he grew, so did his interest in fire science. As a boy, he would go to help at every fire he could, with gunny sack, canteen and shovel. Later, his 10 years with the Fallbrook Volunteer Fire Department would lead to a successful career with the fire department at Camp Pendleton and retirement as Deputy Fire Chief.  He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and in 1948, while on leave, married Fallbrook resident Marion Pearson, whose parents owned The Hitching Post malt shop on Main Street. He also has been an avid gem and mineral collector, his interest starting when he would go fishing with his father at Lake Hodges and on family trips to the desert." He learned jewelry making, worked with silver, and loved making jewelry for Marion and his grandaughters and great granddaughters. He was very involved with coaching Little League and has devoted many hours to the Fallbrook Masonic Lodge, Rainbow Girls, and Fallbrook Historical Society. He and Marion donated their family collection of gems for all to enjoy viewing at the historical society's museum. After his retirement from Camp Pendleton Fire in 1980, he and Marion traveled and visited many gem and mineral shows, and from 1984 to 2004 they managed Crestview Estates in Fallbrook, and continued ongoing active involvement in the Fallbrook community. Don was recently honored for his 50th year as a member of the Fallbrook Masonic Lodge. Last year he received the Grand Cross of Color, an award for outstanding service to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, a Masonic youth service organization.  We are so grateful for Don's whole hearted commitment and dedication the Fallbrook Community.


Donald McLean, Sr. is predeceased by his father, Parke Harvey McLean, and mother Bertha, and survived by his wife, Marion Pearson McLean, two sons, Donald P. McLean, Jr. (Marcie) of Fallbrook, and William D. McLean (Lisa) of nearby Valley Center, as well as Grandsons Kristopher McLean (Kristy), Matthew McLean (Trina), Granddaughter Lauren McLean Bush (Scott Bush), and great grandchildren Kelly, Cade, Averie, and Ashlyn.  Grandsons Kris and Matt are proud to be 3rd generation Fallbrook Warriors, and cherish their grandfather's legacy - "Once a Warrior, Always A Warrior"

Don McLean, Sr. always cherished time with loved ones and on October 3rd, 2017 he went on a "bucket list" McLean boys fishing trip to Twin Lakes, CA with his 2 sons, Donnie and Billy, 2 grandsons, Kris and Matt, and lifelong family friend Danny Lattimer.  After enjoying a wonderful evening together at the cabin, Don slipped and fell on the morning of October 4th, breaking his right hip and right arm.  The trauma and pain was such that Don's health deteriorated quickly and he passed peacefully on October 10, 2017 at 11:30pm. He was surrounded by family who were grateful to have been brought together for quality time with each other one last time before Don passed.


The family invites you to a Celebration of Life Service and Reception honoring our dearest Deputy Chief "Duck" McLean

Friday, October 20, 2017

4pm Christ the King Lutheran Church
1620 S. Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028

5:30pm Reception at Fallbrook Masonic Lodge 317
203 Rocky Crest Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in honor of Donald McLean, Sr. to the Fallbrook Rainbow Girls - Fallbrook Masonic Lodge 317 203 Rocky Crest Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028


Much love to all family and friends, and in Don's words..."Keep it between the lines..."