MacLean, David William - age 57 of Nictaux Falls, NS passed away Tuesday February 18, 2020 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Middleton, he was the son of the late Paul and Frances (Goucher) MacLean. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Martin), his daughter Donna (Michael) Durling of Bridgetown, his two granddaughters, Morgan (Chris) of Porters Lake, Cassidy (Craig) of Bridgetown; and two great grandchildren Lacey and Ryan; his sister Bonne (Edward) Annis of Nictuax; brother in law, Allen (Joyce) Martin, Port Lorne, Melvin Martin, Kingston and his two nephews, Justin and Shawn.

Dave was often called "The Gentle Giant" and for a good reason. He always had a smile and enjoyed being able to help everyone. He enjoyed his four wheeler and as everyone knows, he had put hundreds of miles on the trails. He loved sharing the places he found with anyone that wanted to go along. He mapped hundreds of trails on his GPS so he could keep track of everywhere he had been.

Dave was the Vice President of the Trail Society, and belonged to ATVANS and ACAMUTS four wheeler clubs. He loved the many trips, campouts and enjoyed meeting all the new members each year. Dave worked at many places over the years, including Thompsons Transfers, Veinots Auto, and Browns Auto Service. He was most recently hired at Michelin Tire, but sadly didn't get to start his first day as he was diagnosed with brain cancer three days before he started. But the work didn't stop there, he worked on weekends helping people with their vehicles, wheelers and buggies. He was always working on something at home, from refinishing the basement to building picture frames, to finally restoring an antique pool table that he was so proud of. There wasn't much he couldn't do.

The hardest part of this disease was knowing he had to leave the love of his life. They spent every moment they could exploring Nova Scotia, they loved the family camping trips and countless day trips taking tons of pictures to remember each moment. He made sure she was taken care of even when he was in the hospital, roses for her birthday (had to be a specific color) getting a card, making sure she had a cake that he always bought her every year, a love everyone strives for.

Dave came into Donna's life when she was nine, however, he always thought of her as his own daughter, and would drop whatever he was doing if she needed him, and she would do the same for him. Dave also had big spot in his heart for Michael; he was the son he never had. They spent a lot of time together working on projects and shared many a joke between them. Even in his final hours he looked at Michael and smiled and said "You now have to look after both of them", and then laughed a full belly laugh. Dave was very proud of his granddaughters and couldn't wait to tell someone how well they were doing. He spoke often about Morgan owning her own business in Dartmouth and was proud with how much it has grown; he always said she is small, but mighty. He also was glowing with excitement for Cassidy, taking the leap and heading to Basic Training in Quebec...he knew she would kick ass and told her no matter what, she needed to finish it for him. Dave had an amazing team of Doctors and Nurses at the QEII and Valley Regional Hospital. A special thank you to Tristan who went above and beyond, and for that our family is forever grateful. Many friends were by his side during the hardest time of his life, it shows how loved he really was to see the great support he had. He was so thankful for the people that helped with our winter's wood, from hauling it home, to cutting it up, to filling the wood house. Also the many drives back and forth to the city to appointments; the friends that came and picked him up to go for a drive and a coffee; the clubs that put on fun runs and all the donations to help with the many costs incurred at this difficult time...We Thank You All. Dave wanted to help everyone in life and of course in death. He put in place the paperwork to have his body donated to Dalhousie for medical training, he also donated his tissues and donated his brain for research for brain tumors. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at the Nictaux Fire Hall from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Donations can be made to the SPCA or The Lodge That Gives. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com