He became an influential figure in the Taranaki sporting scene, encouraging and inspiring young people across the region.

[2] McKean was convinced to come to play basketball in New Zealand by his old teammate and friend Bob South.

He moved to New Plymouth in 1990 working as a PE teacher as well as taking on the head coach role with the Taranaki men's side.

[5] In the 2012 Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, he was appointed an honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to sport.

[7] Hundreds of people from across New Zealand attended his funeral held at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth on 10 May 2021.