Memories of Ralph Thayer McLean

In memory of

Ralph Thayer McLean

Washington, D.C.

December 23, 1937 - February 23, 2021

Dec 23, 1937 - Feb 23, 2021

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Sesn Schroeder

Campbell, Such a great picture of your dad. He looks really happy. I know he and your mom must have been really proud of you. If my kids grow up to be half the man you are, I would be happy. Love you buddy

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Robert Van Leeuwen

Ralph was my friend for 55 years. He was steady and reliable. If you were in any kind of trouble, you were lucky to have Ralph's friendship; if not, that friendship was not only a comforting reference point but a source of pleasure. Ralph was supremely loyal. Richenda and I join in grieving Ralph's loss, missing him and cherishing the many wonderful memories we have of our times with him and Ursula.

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Emily Benson

Campbell, Ursula and the rest of the McLean family of all generations,
so glad I was able to join the Zoom service yesterday and take part in sharing memories of your Dad/husband Thayer. As I mentioned during the service, I will remember him as always being curious about our family's most recent adventures in our beloved White Mountains, and the latest developments in outdoor equipment! Sharing hiking experiences, and seeing the twinkle in his eyes beneath his floppy hat, he always loved participating in mountain hikes whenever possible. We send you our love and prayers during this difficult time, but know that his spirit will always be alive and with you all in your future White Mountain adventures!

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Raised by 7 people

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Rob Schenck

2018, Harvard Club of New York City, West 44th Street, New York, NY, USA

Short of physically meeting for a celebration of life service, the Zoom gathering for Ralph Thayer McLean this afternoon (March 19, 2021) was beautifully done. Thayer, who was truly ubiquitous, especially at family events in life, has to be just as much so in the spirit he now inhabits. No doubt he was there with us all today. In my many encounters with him over the years, he reflected the nine Fruits of the Spirit, not the least of which are patience, gentleness, kindness and self-control. Rest in peace RTM, and may your memory be a blessing. Rob Schenck

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Devin Dougherty

Cris Muñoz and the Edelman-Muñoz family

I loved Ralph's sense of humor from the first time I saw the needlepoint pillow that said "Why Not" that he asked his mom to make for Ursula before she accepted his proposal.
He was generous, and practical. I teach all my students "if you can't find it, don't file it" among other Ralph-isms. He taught me to eat succotash on one of his trips to see distant family members.
He was so intelligent and diplomatic that whatever group he was in, it made me think more highly of that group.

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Laura Chicchi

Dave Muñoz

Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Ralph's family or funeral.

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Bob Muñoz

Dear Ursula, Campbell, Sarah, and kids,
That was a lovely service. The stories were heartfelt. The consistent reports of his kindness, good humor, devotion to family, and dedication to service were inspirational. He was beloved and will be missed. Iam very sorry for your loss.
Bob

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Amelia McLean

2020, Baltimore, MD, USA

I remember every time Goppa arrived, and every time he left, he would give a "tiny hug". They were some of the best hugs I would ever get. I remember thinking then that they were great hugs, but now, looking back, they were the best hugs I remember ever getting.

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Marilyn Watts

Ellen McLean

2005, Atlantic Beach, NC, USA

We all know what an amazing and kind man Ralph was, but did you also know that his kindness extends to being willing to boogy board in the ocean with my children. Coolest man ever!!!!

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Marilyn Watts

Ellen McLean

2005, Atlantic Beach, NC, USA

Speaking of floppy hats......

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Marilyn Watts

Ellen McLean

2004, Blacksburg, VA, USA

Ralph and Ursula were present for all family celebration. This is my daughter's graduation in 2004. They drove 5 hours to be there.

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Cheryl Scully Hardy

My heartfelt condolences go out to you Ursula, Campbell, and Sarah - what a beautiful service and celebration of Ralph. May you find comfort in each other and in the love, respect, and appreciation Ralph inspired in everyone he met. You are in my thoughts. - Cheryl

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Laura Chicchi

Our thoughts are with you during this time of loss. Love from the Munoz Family.

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Dave Muñoz

2017, Boston, MA, USA

Someone mentioned Ralph's Floppy Hats - kindness walking, rest well good man.

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Marilyn Watts

Comments:

Marilyn Watts

and the bag. That photo shows Ralph to a tee. Gentle giant of a man. and the bag. That photo shows Ralph to a tee. Gentle giant of a man. and the bag. That photo shows Ralph to a tee. ... Read more

Dave Muñoz

2017, Los Altos, CA, USA

Last time Ralph was out to visit our place. The king of mediators :-)

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Marilyn Watts

Bob Muñoz

Shared a heart

Marilyn Watts

Ellen McLean

I love this photo of my Mom holding Campbell with Ralph beaming in the background!

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Bob Muñoz

Marilyn Watts

Dave Muñoz

Comments:

Sam Picard

What a great picture! What a great picture! What a great picture!

Campbell McLean

2016, Cambridge, MD, USA

Goppa never missed a ballet recital when he could make it. He was "Goppa" to the kids. Their biggest fan.

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Marilyn Watts

Dave Muñoz

Ellen McLean

My father, James McLean, and Ralph were cousins. From the time I was 10 years old I can't remember a time when our families didn't visit each other. This tradition has continued with the our children and grandchildren. What I will always remember and cherish about Ralph was he was always engaged and interested in what was going on in our lives, even when I was very young. This was unusual as most adults don't want to be bothered with children or teenagers. Not Ralph. He genuinly cared about what was happening in our lives. This is a beautiful trait that has been passed on to Campbell. My Dad passed away 2 weeks before Ralph and I am heartbroken over the loss of these two McLean cousins.

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Dave Muñoz

Marilyn Watts

Campbell McLean

2018, Brooklyn, NY, USA

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures. I married Campbell, in part, because I knew that he had been raised by a loyal, patient, loving, values-driven leader. That's how I think of Ralph.

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Marilyn Watts

Dave Muñoz

Campbell McLean

2018

The whole McLean family took a trip to Whistler. Ralph was eager to be in all of it. I'll never forget getting stranded in the airport overnight and having to sleep with Gram and Goppa on the seats for a bit.

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Dave Muñoz

Marilyn Watts

Alice Schenck

My mother and Ralph’s mother were first cousins. Their fathers were brothers living in Brooklyn m, NY. I think Ralph and myself were second cousins.

Hap Thayer reminded me when she was Hap Peper she visited me in NH in the summer in the early 1960’s when we were in high school. Uncle Hollis must have organized a day hike which was joined by numerous other relatives including ourselves and Ralph who walked behind us.

Whenever Hap and I wanted to rest and stop
walking and slightly climbing, Ralph continued to tell us, keep on keeping on and to keep on walking. It was good advice so we didn’t get far behind the others.

Thankfully we finished the hike. I think Ralph had a lot to do with our finishing it😎

So sorry for your loss Ursula and Campbell.
May you feel God’s comfort now and in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead.

joined.

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Rob Schenck

Tom Thayer

1950, Lawrence Beach Club and others

I have no specific story, but my memories of Ralph go back to the early 1950s when he, Peter, Alan, and Cousin Mary would visit us at the Lawrence Beach Club. At the time he seemed a lot more responsible than any 14 year old that I knew. 15 years later when I was serving in Viet Nam he regularly wrote to me, long supportive letters which I appreciated. He has always been a warm, welcoming presence in the family. We will remember him for his gentle kindness and optimism.

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Marilyn Watts

New Hampshire, USA

Ralph and his loving family. 3 generations of McLeans.

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Dave Muñoz

Bob Muñoz

Comments:

Campbell McLean

Yes- the Mountain View Grand. What a special place. Yes- the Mountain View Grand. What a special place. Yes- the Mountain View Grand. What a special place.... Read more

Marilyn Watts

Abell Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA

Always the helping hand, in a tie.

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Dave Muñoz

Comments:

Campbell McLean

Ralph never let me do dishes in my own house. NEVER. Ralph never let me do dishes in my own house. NEVER. Ralph never let me do dishes in my own house. NEVER.... Read more

Kevin Schorp

2000, New Orleans, LA, USA

I had the pleasure of joining Campbell and Mr. Mclean for dinner at The Rib Room. Mr. Mclean was so charming, intelligent, and engaging. His view of the world was so much larger than my own, and this has helped shape my own view of the world. I'm thankful to share those memories with Campbell. This was a truly memorable event in my life.

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