It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Darrel McLean on March 10, 2026. Born January 3, 1956, Darrel grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and was the son of the late Patrick and Martha McLean.

Darrel proudly served his country in the Canadian Air Force for 25 years. During his military career, he traveled throughout Canada and abroad, including time spent in Germany. He valued the experiences and adventures that came with serving and carried those memories with him throughout his life.

Outside of his service, Darrel found joy in the things he loved most. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and spent many hours outdoors. He loved his home on the Bras d’Or Lakes and also cherished time on the Mira River, a place that held special meaning for him since childhood, where his family had property and many memories were made.

Darrel was also a dedicated sports fan who enjoyed following the Toronto Maple Leafs and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays.

Darrel leaves behind his daughter, Aundrea Hickman, and his son, Eric McLean; his siblings, Gail Morrison (Kevin), Allana (Sam Smith), Kevin (Peggy), Brian (Judy), and Gary; as well as many nieces and nephews, along with family and friends who will remember him and miss him deeply. Darrel often preferred a quiet life and was someone who valued his independence and the quiet comfort of the life he built for himself.

Besides his parents, Darrel was predeceased by his sister, Sharon Attwood, and brother-in-law, Myles Attwood.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and the palliative care team at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care and compassion.

In keeping with Darrel’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.

Darrel’s memory will live on in the places he loved and in the hearts of those who knew him.