Mr. RICHARD McLAREN, beloved husband of Mrs. Gerry McLaren of Slave Lake, AB, passed away at the Slave Lake Hospital on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the age of 64 years.

Richard is survived by his wife of 43 years Gerry, and his family, Michael and children (Jess, Joey, June), Ric (Keri) children (Alyssa, Brandon, Ethan, Emma), his adopted beloved dogs (Sulley and Snoopie), also survived by his brothers Tom (Alice) and familes, Willie and families, sister-in-law Jean and families, mother-in-law Lena Boychuk and her family. Predeceased by son Jeff, parents, Fred and Jane Anne, brother Fred, father-in-law Mike.

Richard was born August 17, 1945 to Jane Anne and Fred McLaren in Lethbridge. Richard attended Coalhurst School from 1-12. He was an avid basketball player. It was there he met his one and only love, Gerry. They had 3 sons together. His oldest Jeffrey deceased in 1992. Richard lived in Coalhurst his entire life until he retired in 2000. He was considered a pioneer in the cable industry. In 2001 he moved to Slave Lake to manage the cable company. He has considered this home for the past eight years. Eventually the entire family joined him up North, where he and his two sons ran the cable system together.
Richard ran for councillor after Coalhurst became a village in 1979 and was then elected Mayor, a job he was dedicated to and enjoyed immensely.

He loved to spend time fishing with his family always trying to catch the biggest fish, but his three year old granddaughter Emma kept out doing him. The last three and a half years as he struggled with cancer his family remained his focus wanting to spend as much time with them as he could. And through the struggle he kept his wit about him.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 7:30 P.M.with Teresa Grice, officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB. on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez celebrant. Interment to follow at Archmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Ave. Edmonton. AB. T6G 1Z2 or to Lethbridge and District Humane Society, P.O. Box 783, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z6.