The Richest Man in Town
- msperren7
- May 19
- 4 min read
Archibald (Archie) Henry McLean McLaren
Today I celebrate, honour, and remember my incredible father, Archie. He was a stout, feisty, Scotsman. He loved my mother, Rose, dearly, until his passing May 19, 2013 – though we all know he hasn’t left her side since then.
My father worked hard to provide for my mum when they moved from Scotland to Canada, settling on Vancouver Island. They came here to explore if Canada was right for them, following my mum’s brother Bill, who had settled here a few years prior. They lived downtown at first, enjoying the closeness and convenience of city living. He used his college trade education and began working as a local butcher. My mum joined the workforce too, working at a laundry mat.
One sunny Sunday afternoon, they were in the Woodward’s parking lot (now Mayfair), looking through a window at all the houses on display for sale. Just as they were about to walk away, a man popped out of the shop and engaged them in a conversation. Before long, they were off to look at house (they couldn’t afford), but what was the harm. They walked into a home in Saanich on Hawkes Avenue and they both fell in love with the house. They had saved a little bit of money and were fortunate that her brother and the homeowner’s were able to work out an arrangement, and before long, they were homeowners.
My mum and dad spent their days fixing up the home, gardening, and hosting parties. Along came my sister Yvonne and then five years later me. It was a wonderful dead-end street growing up with lots of kids to play with (until the streetlights came on). Back then it seemed like it was a community, eating lunch at whoever’s parents would feed us and back outside for building forts and drinking out of garden hoses. My mum was often one of those mum’s making sure we were fed and watered.
At some point in my first decade of life, my parents decided that we would install a pool. It was a dream of my dad’s – either a cottage by the sea or a pool. In the end, a pool seemed more attainable and, in the end, would get more use. He wasn’t wrong. We spent hours, days, weeks, by the pool from every May long weekend (this weekend) until late September. We all learned to play crib, or swim. Both my sister’s kids and my kid’s learned to swim in that pool, and yes even my 78-year-old granny Euphemia learned how to swim in that pool too.
My parents entertained not only us, but the whole neighbourhood. I think back now as a mother, partner, caregiver – and realize just how much they actually gave to me and others. It wasn’t just all the great food and drinks; it was the laughter and lifelong shared memories – core memories that they provided.
My dad, Archie, was a big kid at heart. He had a heart of gold. He was compassionate, unless you were being a bully, and then ‘game-on.’ He spoke his mind freely – the good and the bad. While he loved games, he didn’t like mind games – you knew exactly where you stood with him. He was generous and warm. He love Christmas and we new him as “Santa”. Every year we watched the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It demonstrates the human spirit and how love can overcome all. Every time I watch this, I think about my dad’s zest for life, his commitment to help others, and his love for his family.
I miss my dad. I miss his laughter, his mind, his hugs, his ideas, his compassion, his passion, his wit, his humour, and his love.
I miss him for my sister, who has needed his wisdom (though I’m sure has received all the signs he left for her).
I miss him for my husband and in-laws who loved playing cards, watching sports, and bickering about something trivial.
I miss him for my kids, who knew him only a little, but remember how he made them feel – seen, heard, and loved.
I miss him for my niece and her new fiancée, for him to see her so happy and creating her own story.
I miss him for my nephew, his partner, and their kids, for them to know that he would be their biggest cheerleader and supporter in all they do.
But I mostly miss my dad for my mum. Her partner in life. They weren’t just connected in marriage, but in heart, spirit, and soul. It’s truly incredible to watch such a love play out before your very eyes, and for this I am forever grateful.
So today I celebrate and honour a love so profound, its gentleness has left an ever-lasting imprint in the world - now and for generations to come.
~ All our love “the richest family in town”
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