We Remember
MCLANE, Albert Phillip
August 26, 1943 — July 25, 2014
Albert was born in Valdosta, Georgia, where he spent his childhood with his parents, Carson and Philena McLane and his three siblings. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition at the University of Georgia in Athens, switching his main instrument from oboe to cello. He pursued a Master of Music in Conducting – Performance degree in 1967 at Ball State University in Indiana. The opportunity to audition for the US Air Force Band culminated in four years in Wiesbaden, Germany as Band Officer. Albert fondly recalled these years travelling throughout Europe, which included conducting the USAF Band for Prince Charles in Cardiff, Wales; Presidential Arrival Ceremony and Review of the Troops for President Nixon at Mildenhall, England; and sharing the stage with Danny Kaye, Ronald Reagan, and Hubert Humphrey in Denmark. Albert was offered a conducting position in Washington, DC, but instead chose to leave the military in 1972 and move to Seattle. He graduated with a doctorate in conducting at the University of Washington. With the arrival of his sons, Andrew in 1975 and Patrick in 1979, he became a stay-at-home dad and was very involved as a Church Musician in the Diocese of Olympia. He felt drawn to ordained priesthood and commuted from Seattle to Vancouver School of Theology in British Columbia, to explore possibilities in ministry. He achieved his Master of Divinity in 1989 and lived for a time on Bowen Island, BC where he was involved with the Bowen Island Choir and served as president of the Bowen Island Arts Council. Here he learned to weave and, as he felt an affinity to his Scottish and Celtic roots, particularly loved the symmetry of weaving tartan. He furthered his involvement with choral conducting as interim Music Director at Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver; founder of the Burnaby Hospital staff choir; director of the Renaissance Singers of Vancouver, and subsequently, of the Gallery Singers for twelve seasons. Albert loved early music – particularly Palestrina, Purcell, Bach and Mozart. He edited large numbers of 16th and early 17th century works from library collections and composed a number of arrangements of traditional songs for the choir. His tenure with the Gallery Singers is where he met the love of his life, Alison Marshall, whom he married on July 9, 1999. They moved to Richmond, BC where his third son, Aidan, was born in 2002. His ordination to the priesthood took place December 7, 2003. His curacy placement was in All Saints, Agassiz and St. Peter’s, Rosedale and the family moved to Harrison Hot Springs. After serving as Regional Dean of Yale, he became Honorary Assistant at St. John the Baptist, Sardis. A move to Alison’s hometown of Winfield brought him to Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Kelowna and he served as interim priest in the parishes of St. George’s, West Kelowna and St. Mary’s, East Kelowna. Albert was deeply spiritual and regularly practiced meditative centering prayer. Albert will be lovingly remembered by: his wife and partner of 15 years, Alison; his sons, Andrew, Patrick and Aidan; his siblings Mac (Jane) McLane, Tyson (Mary Sue) McLane, and Millie (Charles) Adams; as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews. Memorial Service to be held at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Kelowna BC on Friday, August 8 at 2:00 pm. If desired, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Cathedral or the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) in Albert’s name. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Friday, August 8 at 2:00 pm
Location
St. Michael’s Cathedral
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for MCLANE, Albert Phillip is scheduled for Friday, August 8 at 2:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Alison and Aidan and family, we are thinking of you and sending much love at this difficult time.
Alison, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Albert to you and Aidan and your extended families. We are blessed to have known both Albert and yourselves through his recent tenure at St. Mary’s. Albert provided many thought provoking sermons to our congregation over this past while and we are grateful to have had this time of his sharing and caring. Your family is in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Allison, we’re so very sorry to learn of Albert’s death. We’re praying for you and Aidan as you walk through this very tough time. We have great memories of our shared time in Harrison. Trusting you’ll find comfort and peace in God’s love as well as love and support of family and friends.
Alison and Aiden,
I just want to say I’m so sorry to hear about Alberts passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I only knew you all for a short time during TKD but could tell how much you both meant to him.
Alison, I just heard. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish that each of us could take a piece of the pain away and carry it for you. My heart and thoughts are with you – all my love.