Liam McClellan

On May 30, 2015, Liam McClellan, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 93, surrounded by family and friends.

Liam was predeceased by Mary, his wife and life partner, with whom he shared joy, love and family for nearly 65 years. Liam will be deeply missed by his daughters Trudy and Margaret (Ted) Shepherd and sons Jim, Tony (Hilaria) and Gerrard (Margaret). He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren Cathy (Jim) Finlin, Jeremy (Suzy) Shepherd, Sarah (Peter) Campbell, Liam Shepherd and Liam McClellan and eight great
grand children, Josh, Haley, Chloe, Chelsea, Emma, Sophia, Isabel and Naomi. Liam was blessed with infectious Irish charm and a genuine love of people and although he outlived all of his immediate family and most of his generation he leaves behind nieces and nephews in the UK and Ireland and many, many friends in Canada to celebrate his life and mourn his passing. A true son of Ireland, Liam was proud to call Canada and Edmonton “home”.

Liam left Killarney, County Kerry in 1943 to seek a better future for his family. His future wife, Mary, soon followed him. They were married on July 8, 1943 and settled first in London during the time of
the Blitz where, during the post war years, they established a comfortable life. Seeing greater opportunity in a far corner of Canada Liam moved with his family to Edmonton in 1957. The early years were difficult, involving hard work and much sacrifice, but gradually Liam moved through a series of construction-related jobs to become an Area Superintendent of Physical Plant at the University of Alberta. Upon retirement in 1984 Liam and Mary enjoyed many years filled with travel and time spent with friends and family at their property in Point Roberts Washington, before Liam had to refocus his life in order to support Mary during her 10 year journey with chronic illness. With the support of his family and truly wonderful friends Liam rebuilt a rich life full of joy and new experiences until very recently when age and illness took their toll.

Liam’s true legacy is in the relationships he built, so there are too many people to acknowledge in this brief obituary. However, the family would like to thank the staff at Rosedale Estates for their
support, especially in last few months. We would also like to recognize the extraordinary care and dignity provided by a number of the Drs. and nursing staff in Units 5 East and 6 West of the Robbins
Centre at the Royal Alexander Hospital.

A Prayer Service will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, 7508-29 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment following Mass at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 4814 Meridian Street NW, Edmonton.