McLean named Pioneer of the Year; Arnold receives Vintage Award

FALLBROOK – At its annual awards ceremony Saturday, May 14, the Fallbrook Historical Society presented the 2011 Pioneer of the Year award to longtime resident Don McLean and this year’s Vintage Award to Philip Arnold, a Civil War historian. Special recognition was also given at the event to Marjorie Yackey, who was unable to attend due to illness.

Pioneer of the Year

Don McLean

Born August 1, 1930, McLean, a native Californian was helping irrigate the trees his family had on their farm here in Fallbrook by age six. As he grew, so did his interest in fire science.

“As a boy, [McLean] would go to help at every fire he could, with gunny sack, canteen and shovel,” the Historical Society noted. “Later, his 10 years with the Fallbrook Volunteer Fire Department would lead to a successful career with the fire department at Camp Pendleton and retirement as Deputy Fire Chief.”

McLean has also been an avid gem and mineral collector, his interest starting when he would go fishing with his father at Lake Hodges and on family trips to the desert.

“He learned jewelry making and became adept at working with silver,” it was stated.

McLean joined the U.S. Navy after high school and in 1948, while on leave, married Fallbrook resident Marion Pearson, whose parents owned The Hitching Post malt shop on Main Street.

McLean was very involved with coaching Little League and has devoted many hours to the Fallbrook Masonic Lodge and Fallbrook Historical Society. He and Marion donated their family collection of gems for all to enjoy viewing at the historical society’s museum.

Don and Marion McLean’s family includes two sons, two grandsons, and 10 great-grandchildren.

After his retirement from Camp Pendleton Fire in 1980, he and Marion traveled for five years visiting all the states, Canada, and many gem and mineral shows. From 1984 to 2004 they also managed Crestview Estates in Fallbrook.

Philip G. Arnold

Vintage Award

Philip Arnold, who has practiced law in San Diego County for 31 years, has had his private practice in Fallbrook for 21 years. Born in Albion, Mich., Arnold earned his college degree from UCLA and obtained his doctorate in law from Western States University.

Arnold has served the community of Fallbrook in a variety of ways including being a past member of the Fallbrook Union High School District board of trustees, member of Village Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, People to People, and through his church.

Philip Arnold and his wife, Jan, have been married 38 years and have four adult children and four grandchildren.

Special recognition

Marjorie Yackey

Marjorie Yackey, although unable to attend the event, was recognized for her many years of service to the Fallbrook Historical Society, past and present.

Yackey, a charter member of the society, served as president of the organization for 12 years beginning in 1985. She provided strong leadership and support during the building of the organization’s modern museum. Her accomplishments are many, including being a founding member of the Fallbrook Hospital Foundation and the Angel Society, holding board offices in both for many years. She has also been a strong supporter of the Masonic Lodge’s Rainbow for Girls program.

Yackey has instilled dedication to community service in her children as well. Son Richard Levering has provided the historical society with free accounting services and is active in Rotary and daughter Betsey Levering is active with community healthcare needs, Legacy - The Community Foundation and Fallbrook Rotary.

Yackey was honored in 1998 as the historical society’s Pioneer of the Year.