Laurier mourns the passing of alumnus and friend Archie McLean

March 4, 2025
For Immediate Release

The Wilfrid Laurier University community is deeply saddened by the passing of Archie McLean (BBA ’64), a generous alumnus and great friend of the university.

“Archie left a lasting impact, both at Laurier and beyond,” says Jason Coolman, vice-president of Advancement and External Relations. “A truly generous and committed Golden Hawk, his support and dedication to Laurier was greatly appreciated.”

Archie passed away on Feb. 20 at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Kathleen.

As a student, Archie was president of the Students’ Union in 1963, a member of the Keystone staff in 1962 and a Letterman’s Jacket holder.

After he graduated, Archie worked for various food companies, holding executive positions at McCain Foods and Quaker Oats before retiring as vice chairman and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods and executive chairman of Canada Bread Company.

His philanthropic support spanned many years and areas of Laurier, including athletics and the Students’ Union, as well as numerous student scholarships and bursaries.

A loyal Laurier alumnus, he was the honorary chair of the alumni division of Campaign Laurier in the 1990s and director of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association (WLUAA) in the late 1960s. In 2011, Archie was named one of Laurier’s 100 Alumni of Achievement.