Don “Ducky” MacLean made ‘MacLean Engineering’ a name brand in the mining industry, worldwide. Unfortunately for all of us, we lost Don last Thursday. Over 50 years ago, Ducky had a vision: to make underground equipment for mining that would provide a safer environment for miners. Through Don’s capability to innovate, MacLean made mining safer. Over the years, Don’s company has gone on to reduce miners’ exposure. Much of this success is rooted in his personal drive and ambition to make mining safer and his dogged determination to “stick to the plan”.
Miners everywhere owe Don a debt of gratitude for his contribution to the safety revolution in mining. From the first scissor-bolter to utility vehicles and all the other equipment that MacLean makes, everything is centred on safety. People also owe him their thanks for building a Class-A Canadian company that provides great jobs.
Don lived life to the fullest and when he passed, he left the tank empty. We should all be so lucky. Don was a gentle, kind man loved by many. We will miss him.