Rory Malcolm McIvor

1939 - 2017

McIvor, Rory Malcolm: March 9, 1939 - November 18, 2017. On Saturday November 18, 2017 Rory McIvor passed away suddenly at his home in Penticton. Rory is survived by Anna, his wife and partner of 50 years; daughters: Aerin (Steve) of Penticton, Heidi of Vancouver and his pride and joy, granddaughter, Madelijne. He is also mourned by sister Heather (Rennie) of Kimberly and brother Allen (Vera) of Vancouver. Rory was a child of the prairies. He grew up in Regina and his young life consisted of playing hockey, fishing, and hunting with his Dad along with hanging out with his many friend. He was a life long fan of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders and loved nothing more than rubbing it in when his team won. Rory graduated from Regina Central Collegiate in 1957. While a student at the University of Saskatchewan, Rory held summer jobs with Interprovincial Steel and Pipe, Home Oil of Calgary and Trans-Canada Pipe Lines. He worked all across Canada with Trans-Canada and was seconded by them to work for Bechtel International in of San Francisco. Rory was sent to the Netherlands where the Dutch main gas transmission system was being constructed and was later transferred to Melbourne, Australia. Rory returned to Holland in 1965 to renew an acquaintanceship with Anna van Dijk. Rory married Anna in The Hague and returned to Canada in 1967. Rory re-entered the University of Saskatchewan graduating in 1969. The McIvor family arrived in Penticton in 1972 where Rory took up the position of Penticton Library Director. Through the years until his retirement in 1998 Rory oversaw three major library expansions. The library grew from a staff of seven to twenty-three and from five days a week to seven, and the collection tripled. Rory was very proud of those he worked with and often said "I went to work every day for 27 years with a smile on my face". He was the President of the Association of BC Library Directors from 1993 to 1995 coincident with his retirement he was appointed a member of the Board of Governors of Okanagan College and was further appointed by the Province of BC as a Justice of the Peace. Rory gave much to his community. He was an active Rotarian, their President in 1990 and was recently given a Lifetime Achievement award. He was Director and Past Chairman of the Okanagan Summer School of the Arts; Director Penticton Chamber of Commerce; Director and past Chairman of South Okanagan Community Futures Corporation. Rory was a school trustee for 11 years and the Chairman of Penticton's School Board from 1984 to 1990. In 2002 Rory was elected to Penticton City Council where he served 2 terms back to back. The Rotary Sports Complex was an idea that Rory brought to completion. Rory adopted the idea that Penticton needed a formal Coat-of-Arms. He initiated in 1996 the discussions and the research required with Canada's Chief Herald. He persuaded Rotary to adopt the idea, and in December 2000 it was presented as a millennium gift to Penticton. Of all of Rory's involvements the one he took the most pride in was The Penticton Community Foundation. He was asked, in 1987, by Mrs. Eva Cleland to chair a steering committee to investigate the possibility of creating a community foundation for Penticton. The Penticton Community Foundation, with Rory at its helm, came into formal existence in 1992. It has grown financially and geographically and is now known as the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan. Mrs. Cleland had the dream, Rory helped make it happen. The community gave much back to Rory. He was Penticton's Man of The Year in both 1990 and 1999. In 1992 he was awarded the Canada 125 metal by the Right Honorable Ray Hnatyshyn, Governor General of Canada, in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and Canada. Rory loved to laugh. He was an inveterate reader, curler, traveler and dog walker. He loved his community and he adored his family. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Rory's memory to the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan will be appreciated. "Is death the last sleep? No, It is the last and final awakening". A funeral service will be held on Monday December 4, 2017 at Penticton United Church, 696 Main Street Penticton at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life will follow at Providence Funeral Homes 1258 Main Street. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.providencefuneralhomes.com. 250-493-1774.