Obituary for Ian Gregory McDonald
Ian Gregory McDonald passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023, . after a lengthy battle with lymphoma. Although Ian has left us far too soon, he leaves a rich legacy of love and laughter for his family and all that knew him.
Ian is survived by his wife Tina, his sons Jacob and Matthew as well as his fur babies Tilly and Triscuit. He is predeceased by his parents Rod and Evelyn McDonald. Ian also leaves his siblings Rod (Irene), Michelle (Paul), Pamela (Jim), David (Tania), Lois (Bruce), Eileen (Tom), Neil and Mark (Rebecca). He will also be missed by his in-laws John and Inga Nelson, his sister-in-law Tammy Sauve, and many nieces and nephews.
Ian was a proud graduate of Oakville Trafalgar High School and then received his Mining Engineering Technician diploma from Haileybury School of Mines. He loved to tell stories about his time up in Haileybury, New Liskeard and Cobalt, especially with his college buddies.
Ian was a very accomplished hockey referee, achieving Level 5 status. He officiated games across Ontario where his cool head and hockey smarts made him a popular choice as an official. He was very happy to have officiated many players at the junior levels that he later would watch in the NHL.
He moved to Sudbury to begin work with Falconbridge Limited. He then met Tina who convinced him that staying in Sudbury and not moving to some remote mining town was the best option for them. His two boys, Jacob and Matthew were the light of his life. He spent many hours coaching them in hockey and soccer, as well as being a very proud parent in the stands when not coaching.
Ian retired from Glencore Limited (Falconbridge) in 2020 after 32 years having spent time in underground mining, supervision and ending as a control room supervisor. He truly enjoyed his work and his co-workers, often telling stories about the practical jokes they would play on each other or the projects that he was involved in. He was proud Mine Rescuer, participating in many Mine Rescue competitions and winning provincials in 2007.
Those who knew Ian, knew he was one of the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest fans. His love for the Leafs was a theme throughout his entire life; he would defend his Leafs in many conversations with friends and family. His love for the Leafs was only surpassed for his love for the family camp on Lake Penage where the family spent many, many happy times with days ended with a sauna and a swim.
We would like to thank the staff on 4North at HSN for their excellent care over the entirety of Ian’s journey. As well, Drs Jani and Singh provided excellent information and care. A very special mention and love to Dr. Tajana Centis and Dr. Sara Nykilchyk who were sources of care and comfort to Ian as well as the family.
Funeral visitation at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 4-8pm. Cremation with interment in the Waters Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ian’s memory can be made to Camp Quality Northern Ontario. Go Leafs Go.
Ian is survived by his wife Tina, his sons Jacob and Matthew as well as his fur babies Tilly and Triscuit. He is predeceased by his parents Rod and Evelyn McDonald. Ian also leaves his siblings Rod (Irene), Michelle (Paul), Pamela (Jim), David (Tania), Lois (Bruce), Eileen (Tom), Neil and Mark (Rebecca). He will also be missed by his in-laws John and Inga Nelson, his sister-in-law Tammy Sauve, and many nieces and nephews.
Ian was a proud graduate of Oakville Trafalgar High School and then received his Mining Engineering Technician diploma from Haileybury School of Mines. He loved to tell stories about his time up in Haileybury, New Liskeard and Cobalt, especially with his college buddies.
Ian was a very accomplished hockey referee, achieving Level 5 status. He officiated games across Ontario where his cool head and hockey smarts made him a popular choice as an official. He was very happy to have officiated many players at the junior levels that he later would watch in the NHL.
He moved to Sudbury to begin work with Falconbridge Limited. He then met Tina who convinced him that staying in Sudbury and not moving to some remote mining town was the best option for them. His two boys, Jacob and Matthew were the light of his life. He spent many hours coaching them in hockey and soccer, as well as being a very proud parent in the stands when not coaching.
Ian retired from Glencore Limited (Falconbridge) in 2020 after 32 years having spent time in underground mining, supervision and ending as a control room supervisor. He truly enjoyed his work and his co-workers, often telling stories about the practical jokes they would play on each other or the projects that he was involved in. He was proud Mine Rescuer, participating in many Mine Rescue competitions and winning provincials in 2007.
Those who knew Ian, knew he was one of the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest fans. His love for the Leafs was a theme throughout his entire life; he would defend his Leafs in many conversations with friends and family. His love for the Leafs was only surpassed for his love for the family camp on Lake Penage where the family spent many, many happy times with days ended with a sauna and a swim.
We would like to thank the staff on 4North at HSN for their excellent care over the entirety of Ian’s journey. As well, Drs Jani and Singh provided excellent information and care. A very special mention and love to Dr. Tajana Centis and Dr. Sara Nykilchyk who were sources of care and comfort to Ian as well as the family.
Funeral visitation at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 4-8pm. Cremation with interment in the Waters Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ian’s memory can be made to Camp Quality Northern Ontario. Go Leafs Go.