Obituary of Ian MacLaren

Ian Raymond MacLaren On April 09, 2011, our beloved dad, granddad and great-granddad passed away suddenly, but peacefully, at his residence. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Linda (Glen) Derback of Colorado, Alice (Jim) Wilson of Winnipeg, Heather (Ken) Friesen of Winnipeg, 6 grandchildren, Torri (John) Metz, Travis (Alison) Wilson, Ryan (Jeannene) Derback, Angela (Shaun) Hawkins, Adam (Colleen) Friesen, Raymond Friesen and 10 great-grandchildren. Ian was born in Winnipeg, on August 30, 1934, the youngest son of Agnes and Thomas McLaren. Predeceased by his loving wife, of 50 years, Blanche died in 2007 and by their precious daughter, Ginney-Lynne Rodway, in 2009. Ian was an amazing dad. He taught his family to persevere no matter what the obstacle. Ian worked hard all his life despite having suffered two heart attacks, one cardiac arrest and a debilitating stroke. "Can't" was not a word in his vocabulary. A legacy now left for future generations. Ian's most cherished times were those spent with family. Each and every one of his children, and grandchildren, had a special place in his heart….all of them distinctly different. His dream come true was spending the majority of his retirement years, with his wife Blanche, at their beautiful little home in Matlock. There Ian and Blanche enjoyed keeping their yard picture perfect and baking fresh bread and muffins for their neighbors. Ian continued this practice when he moved to Middlechurch on the Red, baking up a storm for his morning coffee-break with the "guys". Ian was a determined, kind, loving and generous person. His devotion and love for his wife, during her battle with Alzheimer's, was a lesson to all. He never left her side without giving her a long, passionate kiss always telling her that she was his "one and only, his once in a lifetime". He loved her with his whole being and he missed her terribly when she passed away in 2007. We take great comfort in knowing that they've been reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. A few years ago, when Ian's health started to fail, he moved into Irene Baron Eden Centre and it was like he'd been given a whole new lease on life. He enjoyed everything about his new home including all the staff and his fellow tenants. We, his family, are truly grateful for the kindness and love shown to Ian at Irene Baron. There is no greater gift than unconditional love. We know he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and all who loved him. Until we meet again….Mizpah Dad, Granddad and Great-Granddad - The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 10:30am at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at Inkster. Donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044