Ian Murray Macdonald

IAN MURRAY MACDONALD Born March 20th, 1924, peacefully passed away on January 30th, 2009 at Del Manor in Richmond Hill while listening to a recording of his late mother Jessie's piano music. He was 84. He was surrounded with love at the time of his passing by daughter Margo Woodard and sons Scott Macdonald and Jamie Macdonald and will be greatly missed by his brother Don Macdonald and family, sister Nancy (Bob) Langmuir and family, daughters-in-law Lucy and Debbie, son-in-law Greg and grandchildren Cameron, Spencer, Ben, Katie, Paige, Stuart and Claire. "Moose" left North Toronto High School early and joined the Canadian forces, becoming a lieutenant in 1944. Anxious to see action, he was volunteer no. 671 in the Canloan program. He was loaned to the British army in 1945 and fought in Holland with C company, 6th Kings Own Scottish Borderers, commanding 15th platoon. For defending a counter attack by immensely superior forces, he was decorated with the Military Cross by Field-Marshall Montgomery. After the war a series of jobs led him to IBM in the early 1950's where he successfully sold electric type writers, which were remodeling business efficiency at that time. Leaving IBM in the late 50's, he became president of Sovereign Water Conditioners and brought newly developed water softeners into mainstream markets in Canada. He then founded Envirogard Products Ltd. in 1970, developing and manufacturing drinking water filtration equipment for the Canadian and export markets until his retirement in 1993. Ian's spare time was occupied with spending as much time as possible at his beloved cottage in Muskoka. He painted, avidly listened to music, and was a competitive curler for many years as well as a Mason. After retirement he split his time between Muskoka and Florida when the winter chill started to bother him. He golfed almost every day, obeying the rules religiously. A life long technophile, he was still making photographic art on his Macbook just a few weeks before his passing. Above all, he loved to socialize and meet new people. He made many friends of all ages throughout a lifetime well lived on his own terms. The family wishes to thank the Staff at Del Manor, his PSW's, Dr. Darren Larson and staff and Heather at Palliative Care York Region for their wonderful care and support during Ian's last days. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, please send a donation to The Canadian Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at Thornhill Country Club on Friday March 6, 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m. "The pipes will play for you"