Former MacLean Construction owner Keith MacLean dies

TERESA WRIGHT
The Guardian

Keith MacLean, a well-known businessman and member of P.E.I.’s construction industry, died Friday at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown. He was 64.

As a business leader on P.E.I., MacLean was known for his honesty and dedication to his business. “It was his hard work and integrity that made him a leader in the construction sector,” said his wife, Jean.

MacLean took over his father’s business, MacLean Construction, in the 1960s, growing it into one of the most recognizable businesses in Charlottetown. After working over than 40 years as president and general manager of the family-owned business, MacLean sold it to Tim Banks of APM Construction.

Banks said he recognized that MacLean had a close bond with his company. “He was very dedicated and was very close to the business,” Banks said. “He was a real gentleman.” He believes MacLean was successful because he was a sincere and honest businessman.

“His bond was a handshake,” Banks said. “He was of the old school of business. When we made the deal on his company, we shook hands on it. And everything worked exactly as he said it did — even better.”

MacLean was inducted into the Construction Association of P.E.I. as a lifetime member shortly after his retirement in 2006, having been involved in the association since its inception. Reflecting on how her late husband grew to become one of the most well-known and well-respected men in the industry on P.E.I., Jean MacLean said she believed it was this honorable nature that helped him thrive in business and in life.

“His philosophy was you only have one thing you really own and that is your name so that was what you worked for,” she said. “You kept your word and you expected it of others and you treated your staff with respect.” “He had honesty and integrity and he appreciated the work of others,” she added. “And he loved his wife. I will miss him greatly.”

His funeral will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at the Belvedere Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be later in Sherwood Cemetery.