Vivian McLean

1920-2011
Vivian McLean moved to her
home in the Delridge
Neighborhood of West
Seattle in 1948 and was a
leader in that community
ever since.
A founding member of the
Delridge Neighborhood
Development Association – a
nonprofit community
development group – Vivian
helped to start 13 different
councils over the years.
Vivian loved Delridge, where
steel mill workers, private
home owners, low-income
housing residents and
immigrants from around the
world have lived side-by-
side for decades.
The renovation of High Point
was a significant focus of
Vivian’s efforts. Her
involvement in the city’s
‘Libraries for All’ movement
helped to add the new library
branch to the High Point
plans.
“When Vivian enters a room, it
lights up. Vivian’s bright eyes,
glowing cheeks, white hair and
radiant smile emit a level of
energy that defies her age. But
those who know Vivian also shine
in her presence because she always
expects the best in us”

-Former Mayor Greg Nickels

“Vivian McLean speaks out for those
who have been disenfranchised. But
she does more than that. The key
thing about Vivian McLean is that
she works tirelessly at organizing the
disenfranchised to speak for
themselves”

- Ron Angeles, Department of

Neighborhoods
“Vivian was a giant amongst us. She
gently touched and influenced the
greater good of community in an
increasingly troubling world. Her
exemplary conduct and moral compass
ought to guide aspiring leaders for
generations to come. You still make us
smile Vivian”
West Seattle Blog Comment by Francis
D'Addario — March 26, 11
Vivian helped establish several
neighborhood councils,
volunteered in local schools
and was an advocate for the
preservation of green spaces
in the Delridge community.
She was a supporter of Southwest
Youth & Family Services and
served as capital campaign co-
chairwoman for the DNDA Three
Projects One Community
campaign, which raised $30
million to build 93 affordable-
housing units, find a new location
for the West Seattle Food Bank
and the development of the
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Vivian, you will be missed. I feel fortunate that I
was able to meet you and learn from you. Rest
in Peace Vivian.
West Seattle Blog Comment by rose — March 24, 11

We’ve lost a West Seattle giant. Vivian will live

on in all of the great things she did for our
community, and all of the people she mentored
in how to take charge of our neighborhoods.
West Seattle Blog Comment by vlado — March 24, 11
I have been inspired, touched, moved by
and honored to have spent time with
Vivian. In so many ways she is a
most powerful role model – in that
regard Vivian McLean will continue
to be an influence. And how many
thousands of others did she touch – a
truly great person.
West Seattle Blog Comment by chas redmond
— March 24, 11
“While talking with Vivian, it's
obvious one of the most driving
forces behind her activism is
social justice. Describing an
incident 40 years ago, she still
voices her disbelief at the
intolerance she faced. "My sister
and I tried to get the city to build
a library here in the late 1950s.
At that time, the neighborhood was
comprised primarily of immigrants
and steel workers. The city told us,
'Those people don't read'," she said,
incredulously. But in 2002, a brand
new library was built in the
neighborhood, along with new
affordable housing. The housing
complex above the library is aptly
named Vivian McLean Place.
Vivian was also the leading force
behind the formation of the
Delridge District Council, setting
up the numerous neighborhood
councils that make up the district.
"I enjoyed meeting with the
neighborhood councils and
watching them grow in strength
and activity. I'm very proud of
them," she said, once again taking
the spotlight away from herself.
Although Vivian is 84 years old,
there's no chance she'll be
cutting back on her
community activism anytime
soon. "I'm 15 years away from
my goal," she said. "I have so
much more to do."
-thehighpoint.com/heritage.php 2005
I will miss her strong presence, her
leadership and her sincere ability to
connect with everyone as a
neighbor,a citizen and human being.
She was one of the gems of Seattle.
We will miss you dearly, Vivian.
Thank you for your teachings.
West Seattle Blog Comment by Gina Kaukola
— March 27, 11
Vivian McLean
1920-2011