It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of IAN MCLELLAN at home, with his loving family by his side. Ian is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his sons: David (Dominique), Kevin (Jo); step-son: Ryan Aebig (Adrianna); grandchildren: Charlie, Abby, Ainsley, Ellis and George; sisters: Gail MacKeigan, Marlene Estabrooks (Colin); son-in-law: Patrick Casey; Ian's nephew, nieces and his extended family. Predeceased by his parents: Robeta and Charles MacLellan; brother: Ronald MacLellan; step-daughter: Angela Christie Aebig and brother-in-law: Archie MacKeigan.
Ian was a proud Cape Bretoner who joined the RCAF in 1963. He graduated from Nova Scotia Technical College, (now called TUNS) in 1966 with an Engineering degree. His military postings included: NDHQ/CFB Uplands, Ottawa; AETE - CFB Cold Lake (3 tours); USNTPS - Patuxent River, Maryland; CFB Shearwater; NASA AMES Research Centre - Mountain View, California; Commanding Officer - ASDU - CFB Greenwood; EH 101 Helicopter Procurement - Ottawa. Ian left DND in 1991 and joined Transport Canada on the ATC Project Update then onto Aircraft Certification - Airworthiness Division. He retired in 2006 having served the Government of Canada with unassuming dedication, integrity and honour for 43 years. No mere recitation of biographical details can do justice to this fine man.
Ian distinguished himself by befriending the most soft-spoken person in group settings. People where drawn to his innate, gentle nature and trustworthiness. He was an intellectual, well-read and a source of endless support, advice and comfort to many throughout his life. His Gaelic heritage resonated in goodwill towards others, strong family values plus leading by example while treating everyone equally and with consideration and respect. He often said: "the measure of a man is not found in wealth or material possessions but is found in how one treats others".
Ian loved mathematics and never met a household motor he couldn't repair. His experience/knowledge in the field of aviation was admirable and his ability to calm us nervous flyers by stating the airline industry was so highly regulated that we need not worry. He loved story-telling, light-hearted jokes and holds a special place in the hearts of many by excelling in his roles as a cherished husband, father, step-dad, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, colleague, neighbour and friend. He was very proud of his family and with his quiet, reassuring presence offered wise counsel and unwavering guidance. Following the sudden passing his step-daughter, Angela Aebig in 2004; Ian spent many hours transforming our yard into a beautiful, lush, green tapestry with a tree dedicated to her memory as a focal point.
We focus on the unconditional love, wisdom and affection Ian left us with. This past year, he showed unshakeable resilience with every challenge he faced by displaying strength, grace and courage. He was finally released from a fate he did not deserve but had faced head on. Now we turn to remembering him; to move past the diminishment that his illness inflicted and cherish what he gave us for so long. We loved Ian dearly and miss him already but he now rests in the gentle peace he is so deserving of.
We offer sincere appreciation to all the staff at Family First Health Centre, Ottawa General Hospital, Bayshore Home Care Solutions, Orleans Palliative Care, Home and Community Care Support Services/Champlain plus Veterans Affairs. We wrap our gratitude-filled hearts around our immediate families and dearest friends for their immense love, thoughtfulness and compassion. Sincere thanks to David, Kevin, Gail, Patrick/Mercedes Casey, Dr. Lori Turnbull, Kate/Kelly Cannon, Nicole Bussiere, Liz Yong, Alan Thompson/Tim Horton's coffee group and to our very caring neighbours for your love, kindness and assistance. We are deeply touched by the many emails, cards, calls, flowers, meals, visits, prayers and gifts.
A "Gathering of Family and Friends" to honour Ian will be held at Beechwood in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 11 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
David Peters
Len Burke
My sincerest condolences to Ian’s family and friends. Ian was a wonderful individual with a sincere heart and a genuine caring attitude towards his fellow man. RIP my fellow Cape Bretoner.
Fletcher (LCol ret) and Susan Thomson
Our condolences for your loss.
Dave, Mikki, Charlie, Abby & Ainsley
I miss our chats, your guidance and unwavering support. The kids miss their grandfather. You prepared us well for the challenges of life. May you be resting in peace.
Andre Lord
Ian was wonderful neighbour, pleasant to talk to and a model gardener. I enjoyed watching him take care of his front ward an example in our neighbourhood. Our sympathies to Linda and his family, may he rest in peace.
Charles Reid MacLellan
Just decided to look up Iain as the last time we met was as teenagers in Cape Breton in the woods, where we saw a giant stag. Then my mother took me to Toronto and we lost touch.
I am so sorry for your loss and also sad that I left it too long to find him. He was my hero as a teenager. I was the youngest of the cousins and he was always kind to me.
Marlene and Colin Estabrooks
Ian , you will live on always in our memories and in our hearts. Rest easy, brother.
Robin Lau
My heartfelt condolence to Linda and family.
Ian was a great colleague of Transport Canada Continuing Airworthiness Fixed Wing Group from mid-1990s to 2006. He had great work ethic, gentle manner, friendly smiles, kindness and patience. As my office was right beside his, I remembered when he arrived in his office in the morning, mostly likely his first task was to pick up the phone and talked to his FAA NYACO counterparts to discuss many difficult technical issues and tried to resolve them in a professional manner. The last time I met him was the Transport Canada Continuing Airworthiness old timers’ great reunion lunch at Mandarin Hunt Club in December 2023. Ian's kindness and professionalism touched everyone who worked with him, and he will be greatly missed.
Anthony Wan
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. Ian was a respected and valued colleague, his kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. May you find comfort in the memories you shared together.
Doug and Sandra Loughran
We sometimes reminisce about Ian and the many good memories we have shared over the years - initially at Uplands, Ottawa, our visit to Patuxent River and also in Cold Lake. Ian was always patient, kind and considerate in relation to others so that we feel his loss too. Please accept our apologies for not attending his memorial in person and also our sincere condolences for such a great loss.
I am very sorry for your loss.