RIP : Racer and Winning 500cc GP Team Owner Bob McLean – Roadracing World Magazine

Robert John McLean
2/18/1937-12/14/2024

Robert John McLean (Bob), devoted husband, father and teacher, passed away peacefully at his home in Wilson, Wyoming at the age of 87. Born February 18, 1937 to Robert John in Coronado, California. McLean and Mary Whitty McLean. Bob led a life marked by deep commitment to education, sport and community.

A graduate of Bronxville High School (Class of 1955), Bob earned a BA in English from Colby College in 1960. After Colby, Bob served three years in the United States Army National Guard. His love of teaching led him to a distinguished career as a teacher, beginning at the Allen Stevenson School in New York City. He later joined the Rye Country Day School, taught English, and oversaw the construction and operation of the Gerald LaGrange Field House, ice hockey rink, and tennis complex. Bob was the head coach of the varsity hockey and lacrosse teams and served as the varsity football coach. Additionally, he shared his love of hockey with the Wildcat Hockey Camp, which he founded and ran for many years. Bob’s dedication to the sport is further exemplified by his involvement as head instructor at the Master Trainers Clinic, Fred Shero. He served as chairman of the hockey committee for the Hickory Hill Skating Rink in Katonah, New York. He was president of the Southern New England Interscholastic Ice Hockey Coaches Association and was a member of the American Hockey Coaches Association.

After many years of racing motorcycles, Bob retired in 2010. He founded World Championship Motorsports in 1991 and served as co-owner/operator until 2005. His entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated his leadership skills, as did his commitment to academics and athletics.

Bob was deeply involved in the community, most notably serving on the South Kent School Board from 1990 to 1999, including as president from 1995 to 1999. His leadership and generosity helped shape the school’s future. Bob was also a member of the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Board for over twenty years and served on the board of New York’s Shakespeare’s Globe.

In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob found peace and contentment in his love of fly fishing and spending time on his farm. A supporter of environmental causes, he contributed to organizations such as the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, showing a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.

Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anna (Marna) McLean; They raised three sons in Wauckabuck, NY and later split their time between their home in Lost Tree Village, Florida and Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also survived by his three sons Chris McLean (Catherine Kishbaugh), Ian McLean and Mark McLean (Marsha Yamakina) and five grandchildren.

Bob’s love of life, humor and positive attitude will be remembered by his friends and family.