It is with deep sadness that the family of Wesley McClellan share the news of his passing on January 10, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Wes was born in Vancouver, B.C., on May 20, 1942, to Jean d’Arc LaBorgne and Wendell McClellan. He moved to New Hampshire at the age of 3. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962 and was trained as a journalist. He moved to Vermont after his discharge to pursue his education at the University of Vermont. He was employed by the Burlington Police Department and the Animal Pathology Department at the UVM. He graduated from UVM in 1972 with a degree in education. He went on to receive a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in administration from UVM.
He was an educator to the core. He taught or was a principal in Colchester, Burlington, St. Albans City and Milton. He enjoyed all aspects of teaching, from elementary to high school, but always had a special place in his heart for middle school students. After his retirement from public schools, he taught at Mater Christi School and then went on to volunteer for the guardian ad litem program as an advocate for children involved in court cases.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Cecilia Valliere McClellan; his daughter, Miranda McClellan Dunn (Michael); his son, Mitchell McClellan (Jessica); precious grandchildren, Isabella and Jocelyn Dunn and Whitley and Tennison McClellan; and sisters, Margaret McClellan and Barbara Sheppard. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Anctil.
Wes’ family wishes to thank the staff at the Arbors at Shelburne for the wonderful care he received during his short stay.
As per Wes’ wishes, there will be no public services. His family will celebrate his life as our “Bright Light” privately.
This article appears in The Wellness Issue 2025.