[from an address upon his induction into the Agricultural Hall
of Fame,
courtesy of the Lloydminster Regional Archives]
Joseph Arthur ("Joe") McLean was born in New York City, U.S.A., in 1908. At the age of nine he came with his family to Paradise Valley, Alberta. It was his early years of farm life that gave Joe McLean his insight into the needs and problems of rural living.
Joe, and his only brother William, attended a one-room school in the Paradise Valley district. They rode horseback four to six miles each way to school and back home. Perhaps it was during this period of his life that Joe decided that he wanted to become a lawyer.
When it became time for Joe to attend High School, he came to Lloydminster and boarded with Mrs. George Rogers. He worked at W. G. Harris’ Men’s Wear after school and on weekends. With a zest for life and search for knowledge, Joe McLean was a keen student. He graduated in 1928 and received the Governor-General’s Gold Medal.
Joe McLean went on to University of Saskatchewan and graduated in1931 with a B.A.(with Distinction). His degree in Law was achieved in 1933. Though these were the "Depression Years" and money was scarce, Joe displayed his tenacity to purpose and worked hard to on road gangs, stooked grain and worked on threshing crews to be able to attend University. On completion of University, he articled with the Law Firm of Lyle and Ferguson in Saskatoon for the handsome sum of $25.00 per month. In early 1935, he was admitted to the Law Societies of Saskatchewan and Alberta and commenced practice in Lloydminster that spring.
On April 12th, 1941, he married Miss Lillian Laura Edwards, R.N., daughter of a Lashburn District farmer. The couple had two sons: Raymond (now deceased) and Rodney. During World War II, Joe McLean served with the Royal Canadian Navy, from 1942 to 1945, and was Lieutenant-Commander of Personnel in Ottawa.
During the period of post-war growth, Joe came back to his Law Office to rebuild his practice and help promote Lloydminster and District. It was then that he became champion of the farmer and the growth of the agricultural industry in this area. His interest in the rural people never ceased to be of prime importance. He served on the Exhibition Board as a Director, and was Chairman of the 4-H Beef Club Show and Sale. It was during this time that Mr. McLean received the very distinct honour of being appointed to Queen’s Counsel in two Provinces.
In 1960, Joe organized the first Lloydminster Agricultural Short Course, bringing to Lloydminster many well-known University personnel and distinguished speakers to both the men’s and women’s programs. As a lasting tribute to Joe, the Agricultural Association and the Chamber of Commerce established the " JOE McLEAN AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP" in 1969. As chairman of the Highways Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, he was ever mindful of the necessity of good market roads and he worked hard on these aspects, often driving miles around the countryside to see first hand the problems that existed and then he did something about it.
As a Solicitor, he attended many meeting promoting better deals for farmers with the Oil Companies and helping to form the Surface Rights Association. Joe was also Campaign Manager for the former Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, the ever popular Hon. I. C. Nollet, who did much for the improvement of rural life in Saskatchewan.
One of Joe McLean’s last efforts and achievements was the establishment of the Agricultural Hall of Fame, into which he is now being inducted. Joe passed away at his home on February 14, 1975.
In conclusion, Joe’s philosophy of life could best be summed up in the words of Etienne de Grellet du Mobillier, "If I can in anyway contribute to the diversion or improvement of the country in which I live, I shall leave it, when I am summoned out of it, with the satisfaction of thinking that I have not lived in vain."