Such a good storyteller, person and friend. He was a legend to me in my years in the sport of softball and we ran across each other at the ball diamond, at the rink, tournaments, at Western Canadian Softball Meetings, Softball Canada meetings and just sharing a coffee, that was more about the conversation that the coffee.

 

I leaned on him many times for advice and he never disappointed me.

 

Condolences to his entire family. God Speed Keith, I know you will be visiting with our many softball friends today regaling them with stories that we never got tired of hearing.
Rest easy my friend.

 

 

Softball Canada:

 

Softball Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of Keith McLean on January 11, 2025 at the age of 80.

"Keith McLean was a vibrant and very well respected volunteer in the softball community at the local, provincial and national level" stated Softball Canada CEO Mike Branchaud. "His involvement and accomplishments with the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association, Softball Saskatchewan and with Softball Canada had a profound impact on our sport in a multitude of capacities. He was a very fair and understanding man, ensuring very high quality clinics and events for all softball participants. We are so fortunate for all the time he volunteered to our sport. We send our condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time."

Keith spent over 50 years in the sport he loved. Like most, he began as a player, involved in club ball in Saskatoon. His talent for coaching and leadership was quickly noticed and he eventually doubled up as both an assistant coach and manager. Eventually he became a head coach and in 1979 too over the K&K Olson senior team directing them to both Saskatchewan and Western Canadian Championships. Keith's love of the sport and coaching kept him coaching in the dugout in virtually every category from minor through masters. Recognizing that coaching was an art that not only required practice but also could be taught, Keith became a Course conductor in 1978 and instructed at over 150 NCCP Clinics, positively impacting over 3,000 coaches in the process. In 1986 he became Softball Saskatchewan's Master Course Conductor and was an NCCP theory instructor since 1996.

Softball Canada was a fortunate beneficiary of Keith's commitment and knowledge. He was involved in the national coaching program since the mid 1980's and was a long time member of Softball Canada's coaching committee. During his tenure he was instrumental in developing coaching manuals and providing quality technical advice to the association. Fortunately for softball, Keith's contributions didn't end there. A talented organizer and administrator, he was a long-time executive member of the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association and was President from 2001 to 2006. Softball Saskatchewan also benefitted greatly from his time and effort as he served on numerous committees and acted as a representative at numerous provincial championships. He also played key roles at many Canadian Championships and four WBSC World Cups.

McLean was inducted to the Softball Canada Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2004, and continued to supervise Softball Canada Canadian Championships until 2023.

Softball Canada and the Canadian softball community wish Keith McLean's family and friends our most sincere condolences.