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Don McLean wanted to ensure that his brother Ross McLean continued to be remembered
for his tremendous contribution to Canadian television. Prior to becoming ill,
Don was in contact with Ryerson regarding the fund, which in his per spective was
not producing a significant reward to the students who received it. It was Don�s
intention to make a contribution to increase the endowment and keep the award,
along with his brothers� remembrance alive. Unfortunately, Don succumbed
to his illness before he was able to do so.
It was while he was addressing the revitalization of the award, that Don took
pause to reflect on his own days and quietly expressed that he at times
wondered if he himself would be remembered.
Today, the memorial fund has been expanded to represent both brothers
and in an effort to ensure that Don�s and Ross� vision is secured for the future,
we ask that you consider making a donation to help develop the future
talent that was so important to them.
Any and all amounts are appreciated. Don always took the big jobs and the small!
Donations can be made to:
ROSS AND DON McLEAN MEMORIAL AWARD
c/o Ryerson University, YNG-900
350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3
*A tax receipt will be mailed to donors by the Development office.
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ROSS McLEAN
Ross McLean (1925-1987) was one of the brightest
lights in the early days of CBC television broadcasting.
Fresh out of University, McLean�s first
job was as a producer for CBC radio.
A Pioneer of Canadian television, Ross launched
the careers of such Canadian media personalities
as Pierre Berton, Patrick Watson, Charles Templeton
and Percy Saltzman. He was one of a handful
of people responsible for putting the CBC English
network on air in 1952, and helped shape its diretion
for many years after that. As an innovative
writer and trailblazing producer, he produced a
number of top shows at the CBC and CTV including
Tabloid, Close-up, The Way It Is, Quest, and
This Hour Has Seven Days. He was described as
a television genius. He taught at Ryerson School
of Journalism for four years and particularly enjoyed
the TV class`s weekly feature documentary
assignment. He died suddenly on June 1, 1987
aged 62.
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DON McLEAN
Don McLean (1933-2005) was an executive producer,
salesman extraordinaire and one of the best-connected
people in Canadian advertising. Don was the key
figure in creating The Partners` Film Company which
opened its "Boutique" production house on New
Year�s Day 1978. By the mid 80s, Partners� had offices
in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, both to bring
commercial business from US directors and Canadian
ad agencies. By 1988 Partners was the largest production
company in North America.
His brilliance as a businessman and his concern for talent
before the almighty dollar was never more evident
than when the roster of Partners� talented directors became
so heavy that internal competition became a prevalent
issue. The answer for Don was to set up affiliate
companies partly owned by Partners� and their operators
to give the Directors a fairer platform while still
keeping them partially under the Partners� umbrella.
It is largely believed that anyone who is anyone in the
commercial production business has been influenced
by Don whether through Partners� or its affiliates.
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ROSS AND DON McLEAN MEMORIAL AWARD
For the group of students who prepared the best
feature documentary in the graduating year.
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