Banks MacLean

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of (Wendall) Banks MacLean, of Upper North Sydney, at home on November 10, 2024. Born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Banks grew up and spent almost his entire 76 years in (Upper) North Sydney.

Banks was the son of the late Murray and Winnifred (MacDonald) MacLean. He is survived by his wife Madelyn (Lilly) MacLean, daughters Brandy MacLean (Jacek Krzywicki) of Calgary, AB and Jennifer MacLean (Stephen Lilly) of St. John’s, NL, and his treasured grandchildren, Koa and Rory Krzywicki and Esme Lilly. Banks is also survived by his sisters Ina Green (late John Green) of Leitches Creek, NS, and Jean MacLean of Fredericton, NB; his sisters-in-law Gloria Rolfe (Raymond) of Sydney, NS, and Tina Jesso (Walter) of Sooke, BC, and step brother-in-law Richard Matthews (Sharon) of North Sydney. Banks is also survived by his loving nieces, nephews, cousins and a large circle of friends. In addition to his parents, Banks was predeceased by a brother in infancy; his mother-in-law, Alice (Matchem Lilly) Matthews; father-in-law Alexander Lilly and step father-in-law, Ernest Matthews, as well as his brother-in-law Garland Lilly.

After graduating from Thompson High School in 1967, Banks went on to study and complete his commercial pilot’s license. From there, he attended Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology obtaining a Certificate in Civil Engineering. He worked in construction for a few years before joining the Public Works Department of the Town of North Sydney where he became the Superintendent of Public Works. Following amalgamation, he became the Manager of the North Division of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. He retired in 2003 and following his retirement, spent his time volunteering in the community, pursuing his many interests and walking with his furry friends, Jager, Toby and Sebastian.

Banks’ interests were many and varied. In his younger years, he was a Queen Scout, lifeguard and active member of 562 Cabot Squadron Air Cadets, obtaining his private pilot’s license before graduation from high school. He went on to teach at the air cadet training program in Greenwood, NS. Banks was also an active member of the North Sydney Rotary Club for 40+ years, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. He was also an integral part of the Rotary International Exchange Program, volunteering his time and hosting many students from around the globe. In addition, he was a very active member of St. Columba United Church in Leitches Creek and chaired their board for over twenty years. Banks loved to be active and over his lifetime played hockey and pickleball, camped, SCUBA dived, kayaked, skied, golfed, raced catamarans and even jumped out of a plane. He tried just about most sports one can think of. He was a decades-long season ticket holder of the Cape Breton Eagles. His favourite activities were back-country camping and hiking and his last afternoon was spent hiking in one of his favourite places. He covered more of Cape Breton Island than most people would ever dream of. He and Madelyn spent many, many, many hours working in their gardens and they have a beautiful property to show for it. Banks also loved spending time with family, friends and his ever important big, fluffy dogs. He was well known for showing up with a giant, furry beast in tow.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation with the family will be held at W. J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, Tuesday, November 19, 2024.   His funeral service will take place at 2 pm, Wednesday, November 20, at St. Matthew Wesley United Church in Leitches Creek. Reception to follow. Charitable donations may be made to the Rotary Foundation, Clifford Street Youth Centre or a charity of one’s choice. The family would like to thank their ever-supportive family and friends for their love and care. Online condolences can be left for the family on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com.

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