Richard (Dick) MacLean was a hero  someone who touched the lives of many and someone who left a strong footprint in the history of sport in Nova Scotia. An acclaimed education and stalwart supporter of Halifax, Dick contributed his time and talents to a wide variety of organizations and initiatives. After a rewarding 27-year career as a principal in the Halifax District School Board, including nearly 20 years at Bloomfield School where we instituted the city’s first hot lunch program, he accepted a position as a special assistant to the Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. A well-known and highly respected political strategist for many decades, Dick held this position until 2000 while continuing his volunteer efforts on behalf of numerous charitable and community initiatives.

In semi-retirement, he took on a new challenge in 2001, traveling for extended periods to Campeche, Mexico where he and his wife, Carol, taught English as a Second Language. Dick demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to community service, as evidenced by his involvement in a diverse cross-section of organizations. He served as Chair of the Halifax-Mexico Community Alliance, the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority, the Halifax Housing Authority, the Halifax City Recreation Community, the International Youth Gaelic Boxing Group, Nova Scotia Wheelchair Sports, and as Co-Chair of the Halifax Residential Tenancies Board.

At the national level, he was President of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, Vice-President of the Canadian Professional Boxing Association, and a member of the Federal Royal Commission Task Force on Boxing. Dick also served as a representative of the Commonwealth Games Boxing Organization, as Canada’s Olympic Boxing representative in 1980 and 1984 and, in the United States, as Consultant to the White House Presidential Advisory Board, Olympic Boycott, in 1980. In light of his extensive contributions to the sport, Dick was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000.

Born in Cheticamp, N.S., Dick held a Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Education degree from Dalhousie University. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University where he became one of the institution’s most active alumni. Dick served as a passionate ambassador for Saint Mary’s, working on behalf of the Alumni Association, Athletics and Recreation, and in support of the University’s strategic directions and fundraising. In 2003, he was appointed to the Board of Governors, on which he embraced the opportunity to help shape the future of his alma mater.

In recognition of his many philanthropic and community efforts, Dick has been a recipient of the Nova Scotia Community Volunteer award, the City of Halifax Award for Outstanding Service, and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Award of Merit.