PLATTSBURGH - Ross Anthony McLean, 91, of Cooper Drive, passed away on March 9th at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, New York.  He was born on March 5th, 1935 in Hartford, Connecticut to Allan and Mary McLean, and spent his childhood there with his younger sister Mimi.

Ross was a 23-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He joined the Air Force after high school and originally was trained as an aircraft mechanic before later being accepted into an Air Force cadet training program and becoming an officer and pilot. While he was at advanced flight training school in Lubbock, Texas in 1958, he met Iris Castleberry, who was attending Texas Tech University, studying physics. They married in the summer of 1959 and enjoyed 66 years together, raising a family and ultimately retiring in Plattsburgh, NY after a successful military and civilian career.

Ross flew KC-97 and KC-135 tankers for much of his Air Force career while stationed at bases in New Hampshire, California, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.  He served two deployments during the Vietnam war.  Later Major McLean was an instructor pilot for FB-111 bombers at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.  After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Ross continued as a professional pilot doing charter flights and private flight instruction out of the former Clinton County Airport before becoming the Director of Flight Operations for the local regional airport carrier at the time, operating over the years as Brockway Air, Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, and Trans World Express. He finished his professional pilot career flying cargo for FedEx, once commenting that he enjoyed that last position as it allowed him to do his two favorite things "flying, and flying alone".

During retirement, Ross enjoyed the quiet times at their home on the shores of Lake Champlain, observing and appreciating nature … the change of seasons, wildlife and abundant birds, from the expansive views while seated at his computer in his den, his favorite spot. He spent many hours meticulously maintaining his yard with abundant flowering plants, shrubs, and never too-high grass.

Ross will be remembered for his extreme wisdom, knowledge and integrity, willingness and ability to 'fix' anything, and mostly for his devotion to his wife Iris, who he always wanted to care for and make happy.

Ross was predeceased by his sister Mimi. He is survived by his wife Iris, children Ross McLean Jr. (Tony) of Park City UT, Scott McLean of Plattsburgh & Salt Lake City UT, Carol McLean of Plattsburgh, and Jill McLean of Plattsburgh, and grandson Lucas McLean of Lowell MA.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the RW Walker Funeral Home. A funeral service will start at 4:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, followed by a reception at Irises Cafe. Burial will take place at a later date at Saint Mary's of the Lake Cemetery in Cumberland Head.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.