EDWARD IAN MONTAGNES

(1932 – 2025) Ian died peacefully on October 26th at the age of 93. To the end, Ian remained sharp, and he went as he wished: quickly, with dignity, and surrounded by family. Ian will be buried in rural Ontario beside his wife and the love of his life, Elizabeth Wilson. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Joan Montagnes (Martin Morgan), John Mahler (Eileen Boxall), and David Montagnes (Fiona Hobden); Elizabeth's children and their spouses: Julia Deans (Graeme Deans), and Diana Lawrence (David Lawrence); and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a father, friend, and mentor, we will miss him greatly, as undoubtedly will the many others whose lives he touched. Being a man of words, insatiable curiosity, and, of course, opinions, Ian seized opportunities, or in his words, "walked through doors when they opened." Ian's memoir, To Whom I Belong, recalls how these doors opened during his rich life, through his parents' encouragement, scouting, a politically active undergraduate degree (during which he often skipped classes to work on the student paper), and hitchhiking across post-war Europe. Later, as a writer, editor, and educator, he strove to help build a better world through succinct and lucid prose. Ian's career too was rich, working for Reuters in London, Ryerson Institute of Technology, the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Toronto Press, the International Rice Research Institute (Philippines), and numerous international agencies. Ian also sought to make a difference in his local community, especially in Port Hope, where Elizabeth and he lived for a third of their lives. Besides writing and publishing a well-received illustrated history of Port Hope, Ian was a champion for historical restoration and an active member of Architectural Conservancy Ontario, Port Hope branch. In multiple ways, he supported Port Hope arts and culture, including the public library, and he continued to be politically active, always offering well-informed opinions and guidance - as was his nature. On a lighter note, Elizabeth and Ian were renowned for their hospitality, including hosting some rather memorable garden parties. Their years in Port Hope were the most joyous of Ian's life, and he endeavoured to give back to the community as much as he received. A celebration of Ian's life will be held in Port Hope in 2026. To recognize his life, donations to Ed's House where Ian spent his final days (https://edshouse.northumberlandhospice.ca/); Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation (https://nhhfoundation.ca/give); or your favourite charity would be appreciated.