According to his obituary on the Whitcroft Funeral Home website, he died on Saturday, November 18, at the age of 76, quietly in the company of his loved ones.
McLaren has held positions in the Ontario Ministry of Health, the commercial sector, non-governmental organizations, and First Nations throughout the years. Based in Neyaashiinigmiing on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, he was an award-winning writer.
In Grey Bruce, McLaren was a fervent supporter of a livable wage. He participated in the local NDP candidacies in the 2015 federal election.
He frequently participated in the monthly Roundtable panel talks about current affairs on AM 560 CFOS and was a regular panelist on election night on the same station.
McLaren wrote opinion writings about politics, social justice, health care, and the environment. He talked about the need for nurses and other workers to be paid more, and he supported those who were homeless.
He was recognized as the Grey Bruce Labour Council’s Activist of the Year in 2022. In their presentation, they stated: “For a career dedicated to the community’s well-being and in honor of (his) unwavering drive. The honor honors services rendered to the community, laborers, and the most vulnerable segments of society.
He was husband to Lenore Keeshig for 35 years, as well as a father, a stepfather and grandfather.