Dr Millard Hardy (“Mac”) McLain

Dr. Millard Hardy (“Mac”) McLain

Nov. 21, 1921 to Sept. 28, 2008

Pasadena physician Millard Hardy

McLain passed away peacefully at

home on the evening of Sept. 28 at

86 years.

Mac was born at the Huntington

Hospital and raised in the Pasadena

area where his aptitude as a student

and passion for the outdoors were

encouraged by his parents, Fred and

Faith McLain. He attended Eagle

Rock High School, then Occidental

College, where he was a class officer

and a competitive diver coached by

Olympic diver Sammy Lee. Upon

graduation, he was immediately

drafted but allowed to pursue his medical studies at Stanford University

in an accelerated three year program. He graduated from Stanford

Medical School in 1946 and also completed his internship there.

From 1947-1949 he served as a captain and medical officer in the US

army and traveled on troop ships bringing servicemen back from

the Pacific theater. He then returned to complete his residency at

Stanford University Hospital from 1949-1952. Upon completion of

his training, he was selected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha

Honor Society, which is awarded to the top medical students in the

country.

He then became boarded in Internal Medicine. While at Stanford,

he met the love of his life, Eleanor Lamb. They were married in

June, 1945 and returned to southern California in 1953 to raise

their family. Once in Pasadena, he joined the practice of Webb and

Evans. Over the next 35 years, grateful patients described him as

an “uncommonly wonderful doctor and friend.” His astute clinical

expertise, compassionate care and warm personal connection were

deeply appreciated. He also served on the faculty of the USC Medical

School as an Associate Clinical Professor from 1957-1982, and on

the Physician’s Board at the Huntington Hospital.

Mac’s enthusiasm for life was reflected in his lifelong commitment to

learning, his love of the beach and his passion for travel. His family

has many happy memories of times spent together sailing, fishing

and swimming in “Paradise” (Balboa). He lived the adage: “Take

advantage of every opportunity,” by traveling the world, visiting over

75 countries and memorializing the journeys in scrapbooks of photos

and postcards. A lifelong learner, he loved sharing and comparing

his vast knowledge with others.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Eleanor, his three

children Ann, Gale and Bruce Hardy as well as ten adoring grandchildren,

all of whom will miss him greatly. Each carries his unconditional

love, contagious enthusiasm and positive spirit as an example

and an inspiration.

A memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 11:30 AM in the

Chapel at Lake Avenue Church.. Memorial donations in his name

may be made to the Huntington Medical Research Institutes (734

Fairmont Ave., Pasadena, 91105) or the Occidental College McLain

Scholarship Fund (Office of Annual giving, 1600 Campus Rd., Los

Angeles, 90041).