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IAN BOYD MCTAVISH Obituary pic

IAN BOYD MCTAVISH

Date of Passing: Aug 21, 2014

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IAN BOYD MCTAVISH It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ian Boyd McTavish on August 21, 2014 at the age of 86. Ian is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Lorna (Roger), his three sons, Bruce (Kathy), Blair (Ryan), and Graham (Vivien), and his seven grandchildren, Kendra, Emma, Sadie, Tori, Finn, Iain, and Anna. He is also survived by his brother Gordon and his brother-in-law Hugh (Martha) Jameson. He was proceeded by his father, Dr. G. B. McTavish, mother Peggie, brother Doug, and sister Joan. Ian played football at St. John's College and Gordon Bell High School, which led to a professional career, first with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1948 and then with the Calgary Stampeders in 1950. He has always been a proud Blue Bomber Alumni. Along with his career in sales, primarily in the garment industry, Ian was a 60 year member of I.A.T.S.E., working at the Centennial Concert Hall, Play House Theatre, Rainbow Stage, and the Winnipeg Arena. He devoted countless hours volunteering, whether it was at the Fort Garry Community Club, as a Scout Leader, in the Cosmopolitan Club, and in his later years, with the Fort Garry Historical Society. He loved to be around people and was well known for his big heart, sense of humour, generous spirit, practical jokes, and love of family. His happiest times were spent with family and friends at the cottage which he built 55 years ago at Falcon Lake. More than anything Ian loved his grandchildren and their dogs. The family extends their gratitude to the excellent staff at West Park Manor, and the St. Norbert Personal Care Home. At Ian's request there will be no formal service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in his name can be made to the South Whiteshell Trail Association, the Alzheimer Society or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2014

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

  • Condolences from the Johnson's: Bill, Joan, Pauline, Peter, Charlie and I. I remember Santa coming to the house on Christmas eve when I was just a little girl. Brought the total magic of Christmas to me. A memory I have always cherished. And of course, that was Ian. It was also Ian who terrorized me (a non-swimmer) on the dock at the Star Lake, always eager to push people in the water. But I did learn to swim. It was a testament to the strong sense of family within the McTavish clan that we were so embraced as part of the extended family. My thoughts are with all. - Leslie - Posted by: Leslie Johnson (Milly and Gordie's niece.) on: Sep 07, 2014

  • One of my favourite customers - oh I enjoyed when Ian and Margaret came for hotdogs and fries or cheeseburgers. Oh I loved to cubits with Ian. 20 years slipped by so fast. I'll make you a cheeseburger and send it upstairs because I know that is where you are Ian. Miss you. - Posted by: Sandy's Snack Shack/Geppetto's (Great Customer) on: Sep 01, 2014

  • The number of lives that Ian impacted with his generosity, humour, and big heart are too many to count. I feel so very fortunate to have known him. Our lives were all enriched by Ian, and he will be lovingly remembered. - Posted by: Tracy Parker (Bloomer) (Family Friend) on: Sep 01, 2014

  • We became good friends later in our lives. Our sincerest sympathy to the McTavish family. The comments made by friends and relatives demonstrates the respect shown for Ian. - Posted by: Al & Marian Dickens (Friends) on: Aug 28, 2014

  • Your father was a tribute to the human race, caring, humorous and an an example to others and how to live life well by sharing yourself with family friends and community. He led by example and I never heard him utter an unkind word. I met them again at the lake a few years back and he dropped by my Dad's for a visit that year as well. He even remembered taking my sister Kelly and I to the ballet. He instilled in me a love for the Ballet and dance that to this day I still enjoy. He was sooo proud of his family. I know all the wonderful memories will sustain you and your family and know that I am thinking of you all. - Posted by: Maureen Greenaway (nee DeJong) (childhood neighbour) on: Aug 28, 2014

  • I was saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember your father for my introduction to ballet. Your Dad arranged for us to get seats and backstage access where Lorna and I received pink satin ballet slippers....I treasured them for years. My husband (small world) also knew your father through the garment industry. Your father will lighten the souls in heaven with his smile and laughter. - Posted by: Kelly Greenaway (nee DeJong) (childhood friend of Lorna and neighbour on Somerset) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • To Marg and the entire family, our hearts reach out to all of you during this challenging time. Albeit the pain is the physical loss, you are blessed with the memories which are endless and are something that can never be taken from you. As we worked at our own cottage this past weekend, I spent the better part of the my time sharing stories and memories with Tony of how Ian touched our family. It goes back to when I was a little girl listening to Dad share his stories of growing up together with Ian and when the pattern of his practical jokes and mischievous ways really began, to those formed as I grew up next to your family at Falcon Lake. From Ian carrying the majority of our mothers into the lake, crawling through our cottage window in a gorilla suit to scare Mom’s girlfriends, to grabbing our legs as we swam after Jaws came out, to the block party pranks and hiding in bushes at night time, the memories just kept flooding my mind and the smiles and laughter came back like they were yesterday as I shared them with Tony. What will stay inside my heart is the sound of his voice calling out to me every time I walked past your cottage across all of my years there and his ensuring that no child ever felt left out of the games or activities happening on the beach or in the water. He was the man who ensured that every single one of us would learn how to water ski behind his trusty old aluminum fishing boat no matter how long it took us to finally get up and skiing. His heart was huge, his hugs were tight and his smile was sincere and he will be missed by so many of us. Love from Vermont, Wendy & Tony - Posted by: Wendy (Eppler) Conant (Falcon Lake ) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • So sorry. Ian was such a funny guy and fun to be around. I remember his shenanigans around the beach and his positive attitude. His family is a living legacy that speaks to what an outstanding man Ian was. A life well lived. Again I am sorry and my thoughts and prayers go with all of you. - Posted by: Paul Fulton (Friend from the lake) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • So sorry. Ian was such a funny guy and fun to be around. I remember his shenanigans around the beach and his positive attitude. His family is a living legacy that speaks to what an outstanding man Ian was. A life well lived. Again I am sorry and my thoughts and prayers go with all of you. - Posted by: () on: Aug 25, 2014

  • The sympathy of the extended family in England, Ireland and Scotland goes out to Margaret, her children and grandchildren. Ian will be remembered for his all-enveloping sense of humour, kindness and inclusivity. He rejoiced in the accomplishments of his family and was happiest in the company of Margaret, his lifetime companion. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Pamela Rea (Aunt of Ian's daughter-in-law Vivien) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • He was an outstanding individual, our children played together, So sad that his memory went. They lived just a few houses down from us on Sommerset. My most sincere regrets for the for Marg and family. - Posted by: John De Jong (Former neighbor,and fellow cosmopolitan.) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Our sincere condolence to the Mctavish family on the loss of the husband, father, brother and dear friend. - Posted by: Denis & Dawn Courteau (Falcon lake neighbor) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Our sincere sympathy to the McTavish Family. We loved the connection as young people at the Fort Garry Community Club. Your Dad's sense of humor and stories that were often shared at our home were priceless. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Barb McBride (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • We are so sad! Our memories of all the fun times, phone calls & jokes will be with us forever. Ian was one of a kind, with a heart of gold! May our love & arms embrace all of you. - Posted by: George & Dorothy Gauer (Friends) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • We have many wonderful memories of Uncle Ian, always calling Mom and Dad with a joke and thinking they were pretty funny himself. In the 80's when Ian was working at the Concert Hall Def Leppard was playing, one of our Daughter Patty's favorite bands. He brought Patty a t-shirt and hat from that concert and she treasured them always. Auntie Marg, Lorna, Bruce, Blair, Graham and Families, our thoughts and sympathy are with you. - Posted by: Bob, Kerry, Patty and Scott Green (Friends) on: Aug 23, 2014

  • My sincere sympathy to the McTavish family....thoughts are with you..sincerely, Dawn Mcclure, Falcon Lake - Posted by: dawn mcclure (friend of bruce and falcon laker) on: Aug 23, 2014

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