James Ian MacGregor
30 January 1920 - 26 July 2017
Ian MacGregor, who always said that “old soldiers never die; they just smell that way”, dropped off the perch 4 days shy of 97 1/2 years old.
Ian was known by his family and friends as a kind and loving person who was always eager to lend a hand. In the course of his incredible life, spent largely in Port Alberni and Parksville, Ian was a park ranger, volunteer firefighter, firewood cutter, cancer van driver, men’s clothing store owner, and had, in his own words, a short but brilliant military career during WW11.
In his spare time he could often be found fishing, especially on family trips to Buttle Lake. Ian (aka Mr. Top Notch to the wonderful staff at The Gardens in QB), was a perpetual comedian and the source of hilarious expressions. He used to say, “When they were giving out the brains, I thought they said trains, and I said no thanks. When they were giving out the noses, I thought they said roses, and I said,”I’ll have a large red one”.
He often joked that he was “God’s gift to the women”, but was in fact devoted to his beloved wife Margaret along with his children, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, great-grandsons and favourite nephew.
Although we are saddened that Ian has turned up his runners, our lives have been infinitely brighter for his presence and we will remember him fondly over a glass of his favourite scotch and his favourite toast; “Here’s to those who wish us well. All the rest can go to hell.”
Ian truly left the world a better, and funnier, place. We will miss him.