MAX MACLEAN’S GIFT OF 1M TO COLLINGWOOD HOSPITAL
By all accounts, Max MacLean knew how to live life. As someone who made friends wherever he went, he loved to socialize and incorporated that into the many sporting activities that he loved. He also made lifelong connections all around the world during his 38 years at the Ford Motor company. A longtime resident of the area, Max split his time between Honey Harbour and Collingwood where he ultimately retired in 2000. He was a fixture at the Toronto Ski Club, was known to be a great host and between all of his sporting, cottage and work connections, by his own words, Max accumulated a ‘lifetime of friends’.
Max often referred to his friends as his ‘family’ and these relationships were important to Max. Decisive in his wishes and plans for his estate, when the time came, he drew from his network of friends to find a sounding board to discuss the direction of this will. The friend he turned to, who ultimately became the Trustee of his estate, was Ron Sparks.
Ron, a lawyer by profession, met Max in the late 60s on the ski hill and this friendship was solidified both on the slopes and with a mutual love of sporting and enjoying life. While careers and family obligations in later years reduced their time together, they stayed in touch and Max felt that Ron was the person he could entrust with ensuring his wishes for his estate were carried out.
When the discussions began about leaving a legacy gift for a non-profit, Ron recalls that when the Collingwood Hospital came up as an intended recipient, he advised Max to reach out to the CGMH Foundation to inquire about the procedure. Sadly, Max passed away on December 14, 2018, with complications from a pre-existing condition.
After his passing, the Foundation was contacted with the amazing news that Max had left a one-million-dollar gift to the Collingwood Hospital. Acting as Trustee, Ron worked with the Foundation team to help facilitate the administration of the MacLean estate. Although Max did not contact the Foundation prior to his passing, his wishes were ultimately carried out.
In a prior conversation with Ron, he shared that he had “stressed to Max that legal, accounting and tax advice was all essential when planning for the distribution of his estate, especially if a non-profit or charitable organization was to be a beneficiary”. He also expressed to Max that it was important to “organize and list the details of his assets (and keep this information up to date as this would eliminate the scrambling of his Trustee to locate this information.” Sound advice.
If you or your loved ones are considering a legacy gift to the Collingwood Hospital, please reach out to us. First, so we can thank you, and second, so we can know and plan for your gift and ensure your wishes for how it will benefit CGMH are carried out.
For all of those who knew Max MacLean, we are sorry for the loss of your friend, and we are so grateful for his generous support of our shared community hospital. Many thanks to Ron Sparks for helping facilitate this gift and for sharing his thoughts.
If your estate plans already include the CGMH Foundation, please let us know so we can thank you and discuss your wishes. Please contact [email protected] or call 705-444-8645 to discuss your gift or to learn more about planning a gift in your will.
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