McLaren

(from interview with Alex McLaren)

William Peter McLaren (1848–1908), local Watford druggist, married Hannah Burwell (1846–1927). Hannah was the daughter of William and Sarah Burwell. Their son, James Walker McLaren (1875–1927), married Adelaide Kelly. James Walker graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1898, then took a position with the Parke Davis Co. before returning to Watford to take over the pharmacy due to his father’s failing health. Walker and Adelaide’s son, Alex, was born in his grandfather’s house in Watford, in May of 1915.

Alex attended both public and high school in Watford. The principal of the public school, Mr. Allan Doolittle, was fond of giving his students nick-names. Because Alex wore a Norfolk style jacket with a half pleat across the back, his nick-name became the Duke.

Alex’s father died in 1927. His mother continued to work and operate the pharmacy with hired pharmacists. It was the general expectation that Alex would go to the Ontario College of Pharmacy in Toronto and take over his father’s business. He would be the third generation druggist in Watford. Alex graduated in 1936, then worked in Toronto and Hamilton before returning to Watford in 1938.

Being originally rejected because of his occupation as a pharmacist, Alex enlisted in the Air Force in late 1942. He trained as a navigator and eventually ended up on one of the Canadian squadrons in Yorkshire as navigator on Bomber Command for the 433 Squadron. In 1944 he found himself taking tours, both day and night, with eight or ten thousand pounds of bomb and with full fuel, mostly to the Ruhr Valley or Hamburg.

Alex never had any pilot training in the Air Force. In the late 1950s he found himself in a position to take flying lessons. He actually signed up for lessons after a particularly frustrating United Church Conference. He finds flying a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

W.P. and Hannah McLaren. courtesy A McLaren.

Chapter 24 of 25 - McLaren Family

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