Former federal NDP candidate and community advocate David McLaren has passed away.
His obituary posted to the Whitcroft Funeral Home website says he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday November 18th, at the age of 76.
Over the years, McLaren has worked in the Ontario Ministry of Health, in the private sector, with non-government organizations and with First Nations. He was an award-winning writer working from Neyaashiinigmiing on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula.
McLaren was a strong advocate for a living wage in Grey Bruce. In 2015, he ran for the NDP locally in the federal election.
He was a regular contributor to AM 560 CFOS’ monthly Roundtable panelist discussions about current events, and was also a regular election night panelist on the same station.
McLaren published opinion pieces on social justice issues, politics, healthcare and environmental issues. He wrote in favour of higher pay for nurses and other workers, and advocated for those experiencing homelessness.
In 2022 he was named the Grey Bruce Labour Council’s annual Activist of the Year. They said, in their presentation, “For a career devoted to the well being of your community and in recognition of (his) ceaseless drive. The award recognizes contributions made to and on behalf of the community, workers and vulnerable members of society.”
He was husband to Lenore Keeshig for 35 years, as well as a father, a stepfather and grandfather.
A visitation was held today at the Nawash Community Centre. A traditional service will be held today at 5 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Nawash Community Centre on Tuesday morning from 11a.m. to 1p.m.
His obituary says, in lieu of flowers, donations to the New Democratic Party, Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation, University Hospitals Network, or to the United Way of Bruce Grey would be appreciated. Condolences by be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com