IAN ALISTER ALLAN CONN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

IAN ALISTER ALLAN CONN Ian Alister Allan Conn passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Tuesday June 14, 2011, following a brief struggle with cancer. Ian will be deeply missed by his loving wife Shirley Rattray, devoted daughter Linda Furness (Peter Lord), cherished grandson Alan Furness, brother-in-law Syd Gill (Rosalie), nephew Ian Gill and niece Sharon Gill (Maarten Vonhoss, Alex) as well as many family and friends in Scotland and Canada. Ian was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, November 18, 1931 and raised in Galashiels where he met the first love of his life Betty Gill (deceased 2005). She stole and hid his racing bicycle to catch his eye. Ian was a fine athlete in his youth, playing rugby, long distance running and bike racing. His love of music started at his father Vincent's knee; Vincent was a violinist. Ian found his musical niche in bagpipe playing. He started piping at age 14 with Boys Brigade and year after year placed first in every grade. In 1951 he was called up for compulsory army service. He served initial training with KOSB Regiment and later transferred to Lowland Brigade Pipe Band (an elite group of musicians). During this time he was honoured when chosen to be the Lone Piper in the closing ceremonies of the Edinburgh Tattoo. Upon completion of his army service he moved to Edinburgh, married Betty, and continued his piping career with Shotts pipe band which ultimately became a world champion pipe band. In 1957 Ian, Betty and Linda moved to Winnipeg where he was a guest player in the City of Winnipeg Police Band as well as joining the RCAF 402 Squadron Pipe Band. In 1961 the family returned to Edinburgh where he played with the Edinburgh City Police Band and the Pumpherston Band. In 1966 the family returned to Winnipeg for Ian to join Winnipeg Building and Decorating as a partner. After many successful years there he moved to become the Project Manager of Western Canada for Eatons then went on to form his own company River Valley Construction which flourished for many years. Ian spent the remainder of his working career as the Project Manager for Bison Trucking and as a building consultant. In conjunction with his very successful business career he and his wife Betty ran Clan Scotia, a Scottish import business. He still found time for the pipes, winning many solo contests as well as numerous local and provincial titles. He was the Pipe Major of the Centennial Band which took title after title in the U.S.A. and Canada. He also took over the Selkirk Kiwanis Pipe Band bringing them up to a Grade 1 Class prize winning band. At this point Ian was appointed to the Adjudicating Panel of the Prairie Pipe Band Association as a Grade 1 judge which took him to judge competitions all over Manitoba as well as the USA. Until recently Ian was Pipe Major of the The ANAVETS 303 Pipes and Drums. Ian also was a member of the Masons, Rotary Club, St. Andrews Society and Southwood Golf and Country Club. A highlight of Ian's life was the birth of his grandson Alan. Baby Alan followed his Ta everywhere and later papa was adored by Alan. He will miss his Grandpa deeply. Ian was fortunate enough to meet the second love of his life and in 2006 Ian married Shirley Rattray. They travelled, enjoyed golf and made many good friends through the ANAVETS pipe band. They were a loving couple and their time together was just too short. Thank you Shirley for making Dad's last few years so special. The family would like to give a very special thank you to Bernice Drennan for her great help and support. Also thanks to Gail and Mike Rattray, Sylvia and Ernie Cochrane, and Ron and Betty McFarlane who were always there when needed. Shirley also wishes to thank Ian's family physician Dr. C. Hildahl. The family would like to thank Dr. D. Wirtsfeld and Dr. C. Neuman for their courage and skill in handling Ian's case and the staff at H.S.C. for their compassionate care. Ian was a wonderful man; generous and loving to his family; respectful of others and a mentor to many both in business and piping. He will be sadly missed by us all. Cha bhithidh a leithid ami riamh. (His equal will never be among us again). Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Ian and Betty Conn Endowment Fund at the Victoria Hospital or a charity of your choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2011