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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
URQUHART, Ian Alexander - With deep sadness and gratitude for the life of Ian Alexander Urquhart, we his family announce his peaceful passing on the Palliative Care Unit at Dartmouth General Hospital in the quiet of the early morning Sept.8th, 2024 at the age of 88. He had lived a full and active life, and his love for family and friends was foremost in his mind.
Ian is survived by his wife of 43 years Trudie {Garber}; daughter Heather and grand-daughter Sammie of Toronto; daughter Nancy [Chris de Minckwitz] of Toronto and their children Victoria and Wren of Vancouver; daughter Susan [Tim Kinoshita] of Vancouver. Also survived by brother Galen [Marion] Urquhart of Enfield, NS and their children Tracey, Scott and Rick; Joan Urquhart, wife of Ian’s deceased brother Kenneth, son Alex and nephews Kevin and Stephen; sister-in-law Dr Gayle Garber [Dr Paul Gillard] of Conception Bay South, NL and their children Matthew of Toronto and David of St Johns’. Ian is also survived by his former spouse, Marilyn Urquhart of Lakeside, NS, mother of his daughters, and a number of relatives in the UK and Australia.
Ian was born in Halifax in 1936, the oldest son of Alexander Herbert and Olive Muriel [Hutt]. His father’s job in the Marine Division of the RCMP required several moves for the family. In Saint John, NB, as an 8-year-old, his interest in church music was piqued by his becoming a boy soloist at his Anglican Church. Then, with a move to Port Wallace, NS he started taking voice lessons ....and sang in choirs all his life until last year. His childhood was spent in the backwoods of Port Wallace where he roamed freely always looking after his brother Galen. He also learned how to make bread from his father and to use his mother’s sewing machine.
Ian spent his career in the Canadian Navy and post amalgamation with the combined Canadian Forces. A career spanning 35 years aboard 11 ships of various classes as well as performing other functions including training and recruiting. His last sea borne role was as Chief Engineer aboard the HMCS Athabaskan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1981 while a recruitment officer at CFB Edmonton and his final role was as maintenance coordinator in the HMC dockyards in Halifax. Ian retired in 1988. Even in retirement he volunteered aboard the museum ship HMCS Sackville in Halifax Harbour.
In his retirement, his artistic side bloomed! Blessed with a mellow baritone voice, Ian sang with choirs in Edmonton and Halifax/Dartmouth, including the Dal Chorale/Collegium Cantorum and Dartmouth Choral, the Tattoo Choir for 32 years, and Saint George’s Round Church Choir for 20 years. He also played the bagpipes and was part of the Naval Pipe Band that opened the Canso Causeway in 1955.
Ian was a skilled woodworker who designed and crafted furniture and smaller decorative and gift items. Many of his fine wood pieces have pride of place within homes of friends and relatives as well as Saint George’s Round Church. He loved his home, and his talents and artistry are displayed throughout. Ian also crafted the beautiful urn in which he will be laid to rest.
Ian was also a gourmet cook. The family is witness to his delicious cheesecake, beef Wellington, Duchess potatoes, Christmas dinners, homemade soups and the perfectly turned omelette. He would make jam from his grape vine and considered ‘doing something’ with the hops! Nothing failed in his hands.
Friends and family have so appreciated his talents in photography. He had an amazing ability to capture unique images and was especially proud of the close-ups he took while he was Ship’s Photographer on HMCS Sackville of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their last visit to Halifax. One of Ian’s works, a picture of the HMCS Sackville, was once used in the Canadian Passport. With his wood-working skills and tools, he was able to craft his own photo frames made from exotic woods.
The yearly Nova Scotia Tattoo, with its CAF flavour, was weeks of pure bliss for Ian. He not only sang in the Tattoo Choir for years but also was a Liaison Officer, working with the international groups for 10 years.
The HMCS Sackville was dear to his heart. He was a life member, very devoted to the ship itself and all his fellow comrades. He was very analytical in the engineering sense and an exceptional problem-solver. Ian was Intensely patriotic, totally dedicated to his country, his sovereign and to the navy.
A German Shepherd named Smokey stole his heart away when the girls were growing up, and the five precious Siamese cats and a cherished tabby were fortunate to share the bed with him later in life.
With his breezy naval charm, he was gregarious and a great raconteur. He had an endless supply of amusing anecdotes His smile was ever present, and his laughter commanded the room. Ian was avid reader, did the daily crossword feverishly, the last one being Friday’s ...and completed, and enjoyed a good crime drama on TV. But mostly he was a man of simple Christian faith and values. His immense personality and talents enriched all of us. With Trudie he enjoyed trips through Europe and the Atlantic Provinces. Generous to a fault he brightened the lives of everyone he knew and loved. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care of the Cole Harbour Funeral Home and Crematorium. A service of remembrance for Ian will take place at Saint George’s Round Church, Halifax on Saturday September 14 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Saint George’s Round Church, Halifax, HMCS Sackville or the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation, or an animal charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the many health care professionals at Dartmouth General Hospital. Your care and many kindnesses made Ian feel comfortable and valued.
Sleep well, my love. ‘May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’ (Arbor Memorial)
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