Peter Coburn McLean's Obituary
Peter Coburn McLean, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington, following a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 4, 1940, Peter lived a life full of adventure, laughter, and intellectual curiosity.
Known for his warm smile and gentle nature, Peter had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. His intelligence and quick wit drew people in, and he formed lasting friendships wherever he went. Whether sharing stories or simply lending a listening ear, Peter had a way of making others feel seen and valued.
An adventurer at heart, Peter found joy in the great outdoors and in exploring with his family. He wore many hats over the years, including golfer, skier, boater, gardening partner, and mountaineer (summiting Mount Rainier with son Chris in 1984!). Early in life, Peter developed an abiding interest in aviation. He supported his graduate education by crop dusting and working as a flight and skydiving instructor. He was also a skilled car mechanic, lifelong tinkerer, and mastermind of memorable “DIY” home projects.
His dedication to learning was inspired by Episcopal Academy and Williams College (BA Chemistry, cum laude, 1962) and continued at University of Michigan (MS Chemistry, 1965). After graduate school, Peter moved to New Mexico with his first wife Jill and their son Chris, where for several years he owned and operated a Volkswagen garage in Taos. After his second marriage in 1981 to Kristine, Peter put down roots in Tacoma and earned an MBA from City University. He again found work as a chemist, managing chemical production and then hazardous waste treatment at Superfund sites for several Northwest companies over his career. Whether you knew the pilot, the mechanic, or the chemist, Peter’s work ethic and intellect left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph McLean and Mary Thayer McLean, his older brother Ralph and his younger brother Alan. He will be dearly missed by his wife Kristine Grant McLean, son Chris McLean, daughters Nova Nelson and Amanda Nathan, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MultiCare Foundations in support of the MultiCare Cancer Institute, where Peter received excellent care, to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to the Episcopal Academy of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
His memorial service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park on November, 15th, 2025, in the Garden Chapel at 1:00PM, with a reception with refreshments to follow until 4:00PM.
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