Our History
Since 1923, McLellan Funeral Directors have been serving the Lochaber community with dignity and respect.
The McLellan Era
John McLellan & Co was started in 1923 by Mr John McLellan. The company, along with being a funeral directors was also a reputable glazier and joinery business. After the death of John, his son Johnnie moved back from Glasgow to continue to run the family business. During these years Johnnie 'The Blunt' built a reputation on great service and was hugely respected throughout Lochaber for his kindness. Johnnie retired in the mid 1970's. The business still bears the family name today.
The Kennedy Years
In 1973, Mr Iain Kennedy who was an employee with the business, bought the company and for the next 27 years he diligently served the local community with real affection and dedication. His sense of humour and his gentle banter endeared him to all he met and this ability to put people at ease, was fundamental in his role as a funeral undertaker. Iain was also a very skilled joiner and enjoyed this side of the business as well.
The MacPhie-Campbell Era
In 2000, Mr Kennedy retired and sold the funeral business to Angus and Sheena MacPhie and John and Joan Campbell. Over this period Ewen MacLennan was the Senior Funeral Director and was much loved and respected by the community.
Modern Day
In 2016 Mr Pete O'Neill and Gordon Ferguson led a management buyout of John McLellan & Co. With many years of experience in the funeral trade they both brought a wealth of knowledge to the company, working alongside John Flannigan as Funeral Director. John has been a big part of John McLellan's since 1975, arranging and conducting funerals. Sadly, Gordon passed away in 2020 but Pete continues to lead the business along with his two sons Fraser and Finlay who are also shareholders in the company.
The McLellan Era
John McLellan & Co was started in 1923 by Mr John McLellan. The company, along with being a funeral directors was also a reputable glazier and joinery business. After the death of John, his son Johnnie moved back from Glasgow to continue to run the family business. During these years Johnnie 'The Blunt' built a reputation on great service and was hugely respected throughout Lochaber for his kindness. Johnnie retired in the mid 1970's. The business still bears the family name today.