Submitted by his Wife
Jess worked for the USDA Forest Service for 7 years. He volunteered with the California Department of Fire for 2 years. He volunteered every year at the Relay for Life cancer walk in Beaumont‚ CA.
He wanted to transfer to a city department someday but he always enjoyed teaching and the Forest Serivce allowed him to do that every winter. His hobbies included just about any activity that was outdoors: camping‚ skiing‚ snowboarding‚ soccer‚ dirt bike riding.
He is survied by his wife‚ Karen McLean; his mother Cecilia McLean; brother Josh McLean; brother Jeremy McLean; and sister Jamie Cale.
Submitted by a USDA Forest Service Family Liaison
Engineer Jess ‘Gus’ McLean was on of five firefighters killed while protecting a structure on the Esperanza Fire‚ October 26‚ 2006.
Jess was born August 7‚ 1979 in Fontana‚ California and lived in Beaumont‚ California for the past four years. He grew up in and has been a longtime resident of the Pass Area.
Working for the US Forest Service for the past seven years‚ Jess began his career 2 years earlier as a volunteer and paid call firefighter for the California Department of Forestry. His hobbies include vollyball‚ soccer‚ and water skiing.
Jess is survived by his loving wife of three years Karen; his mother Cecillia McLean; his brother and sister in law Josh & Christine; brother Jeremy; sister and brother in law Jamie & Matthew Cale; members of the Clays family; and many nieces‚ nephews‚ extended family‚ and close friends.
Even beyond being a firefighter, Jess was an amazing person. He stood out as a man amongst men, always doing what’s right. I idolized him for his kindness, his heart for adventure, work ethic, and the way he treated his family. No one can compare to him in my eyes and he’s missed everyday. This can easily turn into rambling on since words fall so very short of expressing the admiration we all have for Jess, so I’ll say it simply that we miss you, love you, and we’ll always remember.
– AnonymousNine years later those beautiful blue eyes pierce my soul. You always put 110% into everything you did. And I cherish every moment I get to be with you, learn form you.
– AnonymousThank you!
Gus, as a select few called him on our district. Man its been too long… I remember when he first came to Cranston Station 54. So young and eager to learn. So full of life and just a great guy. Just two fire seasons in myself, me and Jess clicked and I immediately took him under my wing and and taught him everything I knew. He went to the Wildland fire academy after me and we both graduated eager to start our new careers. Fought many fires together and was proud to have him by side. I think about all the brothers I lost on that day and I wish they were still here. Jess, I know you are looking down on us and I just want you to know that we have never forgotten you Bro!!!!
– Earl AlfredR.I.P. Jess !
– John DoeGus you were definitely the model employee for the USFS. On the Esperanza Fire, you, Lotzy, Jason, Danny and Pablo were just 1,000 feet or so up from us at the double wide. Rest in peace my brothers.
– Josh