Ian Alexander Milne
June 6, 1935 --- March 17, 2017
With great sadness and warm memories, the family announces the passing of Ian, beloved husband and best friend of Hazel and devoted father of Fraser, Gavin and Fiona. Predeceased by his brother Allan, he leaves his younger brother Dawson, four beautiful grandchildren Emily, Caitlin, Erin and Yasmine and a legion of friends in Niagara and around the world.
Ian was born in Rothiemay, Scotland, graduated from Aberdeen University in civil engineering, worked and lived in Iraq, Kenya and London, England where he met Hazel, a fellow Scot. In 1965 Ian and Hazel were married and immediately emigrated to Canada to join Acres International Ltd. in Niagara Falls. Ian’s assignments included 3 years in Argentina where Fiona was born and 3 years in Montreal before moving back to the Niagara Falls office as a vice president of the company until his retirement in 2001. Ian and Hazel travelled extensively, and made enduring friendships on every continent, never leaving each other’s side for 52 wonderful years of marriage.
To his friends and family, Ian will be remembered with genuine fondness, and more than likely a chuckle. He was a unique character: selfless and capable in his service to others, a gritty determination to achieve and provide, serious in purpose (whether grand or frivolous) and above all a man of the deepest integrity. But beneath Ian’s outward and self-imposed discipline was an immense kindness and warmth, a generosity of spirit and a self-deprecating humour that always appreciated the quirks and unexpected outcomes of this wonderful life. Ian’s affiliations were many, including serving on NRDC, Brock University’s Dean’s council of business,Board of Directors of Niagara College,and Chorus Niagara and property manager of St.Mark’s for many years.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Meadows on Dorchester and Dr Dec for the care and compassion shown to Ian, and the many people who have given so much support.
He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered. May his soul rest in peace.
A memorial service to celebrate Ian’s life will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2017 at 2:00 pm at St Mark’s, Niagara on the Lake with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Mark’s Historical Building Fund or to Niagara Community Foundation.