Hugh MacLean
February 24, 1938 to February 17, 2008
Hugh Cameron MacLean of Gonzales passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2008 at the age of 70. He was born Feb. 24, 1938, in Minneapolis, to Hugh C. MacLean and Clare McClelland MacLean.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Nelson MacLean whom he married on May 22, 1992 in Minneapolis.
He was a bridge professional for over 35 years and achieved the level of Grand Life Master, which is the American Contract Bridge League's highest ranking. It requires 10,000 master points and at least one victory in a national event. Hugh was also selected twice to represent the United States in international play. He loved the game of bridge and the mental challenges it presents and was enthusiastic about helping others enjoy the game.
Hugh was a life long animal lover, particularly cats, and made them an important part of his life and his home. He always wanted to help the ones that were weak or sick or just needy. He served four years as chairman of the City of Gonzales Animal Shelter Panel and led the development of the city's plan to become a "no kill" facility. He was extremely supportive and proud of the efforts of the Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter to help the homeless dogs and cats in our community.

Memorials may be made to the Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter, 505 St. Francis, Gonzales, Texas 78629.

from the Unit 103/178 (Minnesota) web site
The last few months have been difficult ones for the Minnesota bridge world when it comes to our friends. We have lost too many in recent days. Now, alas, I must add another to the list: Hugh MacLean.
Newer bridge players may not even recognize this name; Hugh and his wife Mary Anne moved to Gonzales, Texas, a number of years ago. The old-timers among us, however, all knew Hugh.
Hugh had great success with Ron Anderson, aka "The Hog" - and played on Kathy Wei's team. Hugh was erudite, well-read, charming and a nice guy in addition to being a fine bridge player. Steve Gaynor has been kind enough to submit some memories of Hugh. Here they are.
I am saddened by the passing of Hugh MacLean. He was always nice to me and back in 1987 when I was the editor of the MN Bridge News I needed to fill some space and he provided a very nice article on short notice. I also got one chance to play four hands with him. Here is the story that will always bring a smile to my face.

It is recommended that to improve your duplicate skills you should play rubber bridge for a bit more money than you can afford. Plus my heritage is Scottish, German, and Jewish. It is hard for me to buy anything. Despite having a 9 to 5 job, once a year I would have a free afternoon and would rush down to the bridge club for some play. One day I finally drew Hugh as my partner. I was excited at the chance to show him I was really up and coming in the bridge world.

We play Chicago style so on the 4th hand, everyone is vulnerable. I think our opponents were Paul Meerschaert and Dave Skillingstad. The usual gang of kibitzers were also there, Larry O., Lyle Kraus, Harold, Randy M. I had a weak hand and the opponents were in charge. RHO opened 1S, LHO bid 2D, RHO jumped to 3S, LHO bid 4N (Blackwood) and RHO bid 5H (2 aces). Now I held AJTxx of hearts, so I doubled. I heard the kibitzers snicker in the background, something like "There's Gaynor, making a lead-directing and he will be on lead." I kept my 'poker face' on, but felt a little sheepish.

LHO then bid 6S and Hugh doubled. It was passed out and now it was my lead. My heart was pounding as I banged down the HA. Dummy had a good hand including Kxx, so after the Ace held, I led another heart and Hugh ruffed.

The kibitzers were silent, now.

The round was up. We entered in our +200, better than minus 1430 - especially when playing for coin of the realm!