It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ian MacDonell of Courtenay, BC. Ian is survived by his loving wife Sandy, Children, David (Amanda), Jennifer (Jeff),Andrew (Karolina) and by his Brother Robert of Canmore, Alberta and Sister Margaret of Comox, BC.
Ian had a new joy in his final year with Granddaughter Julia and was eagerly awaiting the imminent arrival of his first Grandson. Ian and Sandy married in 1970 in Montreal where Ian started his 32 year career in commercial banking with the Bank of Nova Scotia, retiring to Vancouver Island from the harsh winters of Alberta in 2004. It was the North Island where they enjoyed 12 years of wonderful rural life with dogs Jade and Bo.
In May 2011 Ian was diagnosed with an incurable form of bone cancer. Ian found inspiration in helping others with the disease over the next 5 years in an effort to give back for the support he had received during the early days of his own diagnosis. Ian was eventually asked to be a co facilitator for the North Island Multiple Myeloma support group where he assisted in the growth of the outreach of the group. In support of BC Cancer research, Ian cycled 240km in 2014 to complete The BC Ride to Conquer Cancer, raising funds and awareness while completing his 19th dose of chemotherapy. Ian would like to extend his great appreciation to Doctors Camacho, Woldnik, Song and Fehlau for their care and support over the duration of his illness.
In lieu of flowers, Ian asked for donations to the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program through VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation.
Memorial to be held Sunday April 17, 2016 2:00-5:00 pm, Whitespot Restaurant in Courtenay