Howard McLaren, 84, of Dunedin, Fla., formerly of Barnet, died peacefully on Jan. 24, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Aug. 7, 1928 in Barnet, Vt. to Susie May and Hazen McLaren. He was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy and went on to serve in the United States Army Occupational Forces in Japan. He married Muriel June Morey on April 4, 1949. Howard enjoyed a 39-year career with the New England Power Company, retiring in 1988 as superintendent of hydroelectric operations. Howard was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Barnet, Vt. He was also an active member of the Passumpsic Masonic Lodge in St. Johnsbury. He enjoyed golfing and hunting. Howard was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and, in his retirement years, the Tampa Bay Rays. Howard is survived by his wife Muriel; four sons: William and his wife, Lisa, of Randolph, Vt.; Robert and his wife, Penny, of Shrewsbury, Mass.; Stephen and his wife, Sandra, of Rockledge, Fla.; and Ronald of Largo, Fla.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on July 1st at the Barnet Center church in Barnet, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Barnet, 279 W. Main St., Barnet, VT 05821.