IAN HARCOURT BLACK

Peacefully with family by his side, Dad passed away on July 4, 2024, just a few days after his 91st birthday due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Dad lived with Parkinson's for many years and managed it with fortitude and grace.

Beloved father of Willa (Don Jarvis), Andrew (Sheila MacMillan Black), Charles (Stephen Dietrich) and William (Melani Griffith), and grandfather to 12 grandchildren: Harry, Alexa and Louis Jarvis; Julia, Megan, Sarah and Sophie Black; and Zoe, Lyla and Ella Black. Predeceased by his loving wives, Shirley (Eakin) Black in 1983; and Lucy (Eberts) Black in 2021; and his brothers, John Black (2005) and Christopher Black (2024). Fondly remembered by his stepdaughters, Mary Haslett (Jim Bowey) and Beth Haslett (Nigel Smedmor) and her children, Matthew and Noah.

Born in Montreal, Ian had a long and distinguished career in the Investment business spanning over 50 years, first at Pitfield, McKay and Ross and then at MacDougall, MacDougall, & MacTier. He was well regarded by both his colleagues and clients for his passion and commitment to an industry that he loved. He was also extremely proud to see his son William follow in his footsteps.

Ian was fortunate enough to have two loving marriages spanning 59 years: Shirley for 23 years and Lucy for 36 years. Ian and Shirley raised four children in Montreal surrounded by a great community of friends whom they enjoyed immensely. They also enjoyed many memorable summers at the Atlantic House in Maine.

Lucy and Dad were a devoted pair. Together, they found great pleasure in entertaining family and friends in Vermont and Sutton. Country life suited them perfectly and whether in the garden, on the tractor or hosting a dinner, their happiness together was obvious to anyone who spent time with them.

Ian had enormous energy, talent and capability across so many disciplines. He took great pleasure in spending time with his Children and grandchildren. Whether it was skiing with them at Jay Peak or Tremblant well into his 70's; playing a round of golf in Florida or a tractor ride on the farm, Dad was at his happiest. He was also an avid tennis player and an active member of the Hillside Tennis Cub and the Montreal Racquets Club. Ian was a passionate fan of the Canadiens, Expos and Blue Jays right up until his final days.

There wasn't much Dad couldn't do - he was a master carpenter who built decks, skating rinks, and restored pine furniture. He always had a project on the go, or a hammer in his hand. This is a legacy that lives on in all his four children – and every time we take the stairs two at a time, or plough through chores or "to do" lists – we will think of him.

After the loss of Lucy during the pandemic, Dad moved to Toronto to be closer to his children. We are so grateful as a family to have had the opportunity to spend the last four years with Dad. We are indebted to Janet Sarmiento, who took exceptional care of our father in his final years, and was a constant and devoted presence bringing him great comfort. We would like to also acknowledge the supportive community Dad enjoyed at the Bradgate Arms.

The family is planning a celebration of Ian's life in Toronto in Late September.

If you wish, donations in Dad's memory can be made to either of two organizations that were meaningful to him: Connected North (www.connectednorth.org/en?form=donate) or Parkinson's Canada (www.parkinson.ca/).