Ian George Burland MOTHERWELL

1942 - 2021

IAN GEORGE BURLAND MOTHERWELL January 17, 1942 - March 7, 2021 On Sunday, March 7, Ian Motherwell passed peacefully from this world. Beloved husband of Hilary Motherwell (née Bonnycastle); Ian is survived by his children, Katherine Babb (Nigel) and Matthew Motherwell (Laura); and stepchildren, Amalie, Fred (Cawthra) and Kristian Bruun. He was an extraordinarily proud grandfather to Connor, Paige, Alex, Ingrid, Lily, Isobel and Lila. Ian will be greatly missed by his sister, Diana Motherwell ; her twin brother, David Motherwell (Karen); and children, Jessica (Micol) and twins, Laura (Zeb) and Julia (Shawn). He is fondly remembered by his former spouse Karen (née MacKinnon). Son of George and Dorothy Motherwell, Ian was born and raised in Westmount, Quebec. Despite spending the majority of his life in Toronto, he remained a proud Montrealer to his last day. Standing six feet four inches tall with a lean, muscular build, Ian was at once imposing and graceful, cutting an impressive figure. In his youth, he was an all-star athlete excelling in both basketball and football. In 1958 he was the recipient of the Montreal Gazette High School Award as both the top offensive and defensive player on the Westmount High Football team. As Westmount High's star tight end, he was dubbed "The Claw" for his uncanny ability to catch any ball that came his way. He was selected by his peers as recipient of the Westmount Award of Honour in his graduating year for scholarship, sportsmanship and character. He continued to pursue athletics at McGill University winning the Clare Museum Memorial Trophy for the most valuable football player of the year on his team. A member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity, he forged friendships that would last his lifetime. He graduated McGill University in 1963 with a degree in Commerce, followed by a law degree from the University of Toronto in 1967. An avid traveler and adventurer from the age of sixteen, summers were spent working on cargo ships delivering goods to South America and the Arctic. Prior to commencing law school, Ian spent a year touring the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Ian's career in corporate law spanned nearly 50 years, during which he delivered indispensable advice to such venerable Canadian corporate institutions as Bell Canada, Alcan, Ontario Hydro and MPAC. Ian picked up squash and tennis as an adult. He was a quick study and became known as a fierce competitor over many enjoyable decades at his second home, the Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club. Well into his late 70's, Ian could be found on the tennis court, taking particular satisfaction besting much younger opponents. He relished the opportunity to compete almost as much as the friendships he forged at the Club. His family was his pride and joy and when he met Hilary in the 1980's, he took the helm of a blended household in a run that lasted 37 years. He was a steady hand, always providing sage advice. He never failed to make time for all five children, dutifully shuttling his young charges back and forth to various sports and activities, a tradition he carried on with all his grandchildren. Ian and Hilary's shared love of travel was something that they passed along to their kids. The family had many wonderful adventures at home and abroad. From cottage rentals in Stoney Lake, Muskoka and Lake Huron to memorable trips to Portugal, South Africa, Russia and of course Ian's favourite destination, the British Virgin Islands, where he and Hilary made annual visits. In his later years, when not seeking new adventures or visiting old haunts, Ian enjoyed more subtle pleasures, spending time with one of his beloved dogs or delivering food to those in need through Meals on Wheels. Ian leaves an impressive legacy: devoted son, older brother, husband, patriarch of two families, and grandfather of seven. He was a remarkable combination of determination and humility, with a wonderful sense of humour that invariably produced, to the delight of those who loved him, a deep, bellowing laugh. We will never forget it - and we will never forget you, Ian. We love you. Rest in peace. The family looks forward to gathering with friends to share memories at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Meals on Wheels.