Death Notes

Townsville Bulletin – September 27th 2010
"Local legend leaves legacy
COWBOYS founding chairman and former North Queensland Newspaper Company general manager Ron McLean died in Townsville on Saturday. He was 74.
After an involvement with newspapers which started in 1961, Mr McLean progressed rapidly through the industry before gaining prominence in the northern business world.
Mr McLean worked at the Townsville Bulletin until 1999.
Premier Anna Bligh yesterday paid tribute to the man who was also a former, long-serving Townsville Port Authority chairman.
Ms Bligh said she was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr McLean and extended her condolences to his wife, family and friends.
"My sincere sympathies go to Ron's family and friends during this difficult time," she said.
"This is a particularly sad time for the people of Townsville who have lost a local legend.
"Ron was a highly valued and respected member of the Townsville community and will long be remembered for his role as Chairman of the Townsville Port Authority, for which he served for more than eight years.
"Ron was a remarkable man who will be remembered for his significant contributions to not only Townsville but our state as well."
Mr McLean was born in Mount Isa before moving to Townsville and Charters Towers for his education.
He started his working life as an office boy at Dalgetys, progressing to dispatch clerk and then later joining the Townsville Timber Company as an accountant.
The father of three was also well known in the sporting arena - the founding chairman of the North Queensland Cowboys as well as playing halfback for Centrals until a shoulder injury cut short his career.
His daughter Sandra, who also worked in the newspaper industry for 27 years, said her father had lived a full and happy life.
"The family is obviously sad to see him go," Ms McLean said.
"He was a loved father and grandfather and had many friends through his love of newspapers, sports, sea and racing."
Mr McLean's funeral will be held on Thursday."