Father Colin McLean

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Colin McLean on Thursday 9th April 2026. Colin had been ill for some months having been diagnosed with Leukaemia in late 2025. He spent his final days in care in North London and staff at the care home reported that he had a steady stream of visitors and that he was a much loved patient. Several members of the SAF Association committee were able to visit him during his last few weeks and reported quite lively and coherent conversations with him despite his illness.

Colin served in SAF from 1962 until 1980. He was initially in NFR and then transferred to command OG. He commanded Firqat Forces from 1974 - 75 and was then tasked by Brigadier Colin Maxwell to assist CSOLF with the acceleration of omanisation in the SAF officer corps. He remained in the headquarters until leaving Oman in 1980.

After leaving Colin became an Oratorian and joined the order at the Brompton Oratory in London where, in 1981 he was ordained and became Father McLean. He was appointed to a parish in London in 1984 and served his parish loyally and with compassion for 27 years until 2011. Somewhat later, and while still serving his parish, he discovered a love of dance and joined a London based dance troupe with whom he performed in many places across Europe. He was still dancing when he was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2025.

As Father Colin McLean he took an active part in a number of SAF events culminating with him reading the Collect of the SAF Association at the re-dedication of the SAF Memorial in Staffordshire in June 2025.

A fuller obituary is being prepared and will replace this note.

Funeral / Memorial Service details will be published here as soon as they are known.