Obituary of Burton "Buzz" McLain

Burton A. “Buzz” McLain, 88, of Winthrop Harbor (formerly of Mundelein), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. He was born June 8,1933 in Highland Park, IL to Truman and Irene Sawyer McLain. He attended school in Evanston, graduating in 1951. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, including an overseas deployment during the Korean War. Following his military service, he was employed at Thybony Paint & Wallpaper in Evanston. He later worked at Monogram Models in Morton Grove, first as a die setter, then later in the model shop. In 1979, he started his own model shop, building pattern models and prototypes for various toy companies. He retired in the early 2000s. On June 25, 1955 he married Patricia MacNicholas and together they raised 4 children. Buzz was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, Pat, and thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers and celebrations, savoring time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a variety of interests including vintage Walt Disney comic books, television, fishing, airplanes (full and scale size), the music of Andre Rieu, food (especially desserts), cats & model building. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Patricia, sons Bruce (Dawn), Brian (Beth) both of Winthrop Harbor, daughter Jeanne of Round Lake, grandchildren Michael (Sarah), Mallory (Syremba), Kristine, Katie (Blaine), Patricia, Sarah (Travis), Kimberly and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Kathleen and his sister, Shirley Miner. A private celebration of Buzz’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs in his memory would be appreciated.