Fire Chief Richard Evans McLaren, June 12, 1917 ~ April 19, 2011. The final alarm sounded at 7:35pm for Richard (Dick) McLaren, retired Fire Chief of the San Anselmo Fire Department. His 93 year old engine just gave out.
Dick was born to Peter and Alice McLaren in 1917 and remained a life-long resident of San Anselmo. He was raised with his late sister, Ruth McLaren Thornton, in a home above the P.C. McLaren Livery Stable at the corner of San Anselmo and Ross Avenues.
He attended the San Anselmo Main School and then Tamalpais High, graduating from San Rafael High, class of ’36. Dick served his country with honor during WWII, starting with the invasion of North Africa. Once home, he resumed his volunteer fireman duties in San Anselmo. In 1947, he joined the San Anselmo Fire Department full time and over the years rose through the ranks to Chief, retiring in 1977, after 40 years of service to the community he so loved.
Dick was predeceased in 1999, by his beloved wife Mabel of 51 years. He is survived by his loving daughters, Candice McLaren of Santa Cruz, and Joan Radieve and her husband Peter of San Anselmo. Dick was the proud grandfather of Gina and Christopher. He leaves behind many cherished nephews and nieces, and so many dear friends and neighbors.
Dick was a member of the San Anselmo Fireman’s Club, the Ross Valley Firefighters Club, the San Anselmo Historical Society, Native Sons of the Golden West, Fairfax # 307, and the Marin Rod and Gun Club.
Dick kept his sharp wit and sense of humor ‘til the end. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on April 30th, at 10:30am at the First Presbyterian Church located at 72 Kensington Road in San Anselmo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice by the Bay or your favorite charity.