Obituary

Milton ‘Turk’ Neil McLean was born to Daniel Sr. & Nora Elizabeth (Tom) McLean in Tulalip, Washington, on March 26, 1951. Milton met and married Bonnie Woo in Seattle, Washington, though their marriage ended he cherished their time together, his children and grandchildren. He moved back home to Lummi after his divorce and was so happy when he and his children reconnected.

Milton was a fisherman with a love for the water and took every opportunity to be out on the water fishing.  At a young age Milton participated with the tribal fishers protest in Nisqually. He was taught from a young age the need to protect our cultural resources. As he got older and his children grew up, he spoke often about the old fishing days and fishing in Seattle and you could hear in his voice his love for the water and given the opportunity knew he would be out there again.

A fisherman’s heart is full of love for the water and all things related. A Lummi fisherman’s heart is not only full of love of the water and all things related but being home and the love and connection of family. Turk passed away on May 21, 2022, at home, near the water and full of love for his family and community.

Turk is survived by his children: David Anthony McLean and Jennifer Fung (McLean) Woo-Washington; grandchildren: Sicileana Ayasha Washington and Aireana Soyala Ann Washington; sister in law Jeannie McLean; nieces and nephews: Mikey McLean, Kenny McLean, Tara Jefferson Garrison, William Charles ‘Bully’ McLean Jr., Willa McLean, Kurtis James, Shannon McLean, Angela Columbia, Brian McLean, Michael Daigneault, Sybil Sanchez and Dylan Towle; and many cousins and loved ones.

Turk was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Sr. & Nora Elizabeth (Tom) McLean; paternal grandparents William McLean Sr. and Justine Swatseda and maternal grandparents Thomas & Delphine (Hillaire) Tom; siblings: Daniel ’Paddy’ McLean II, William Charles McLean Sr., Wilfred Allen ‘Henin’ McLean, Marilyn McLean and Buffy Eleanor Helen McLean;  nieces Lori (McLean) White Bear and Nini Vallo; and nephew Kevin James.