Ian Millar MacConnachie Jr.

He was born in Huntington, Indiana on September 4, 1946, son of the late Ian Millar MacConnachie Sr. and Dolores Shea MacConnachie.

Ian is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda M. MacConnachie; his daughter, Megan MacConnachie Humphrey and husband Michael of Unionville, NC; his sons, Ian Millar MacConnachie III and wife, Alison of Waxhaw, NC and Cameron Roy MacConnachie and wife, Kate of Matthews, NC; his grandchildren, Ethan Michael Humphrey, Colin Patrick Humphrey, Adelyn Claire Humphrey, Kieran Shea Humphrey, Eliza Rose MacConnachie, Teagan Louise MacConnachie, Padraig Ian MacConnachie, Conor Roy MacConnachie, Mary Kate MacConnachie and Madison Jane MacConnachie and by his sisters, Dolores MacConnachie, Pegeen Patton, Linda Ward, Susan Cavanaugh, Laurie Bassett and Kerry Abado.

PROTECTOR: (noun) a person or thing that protects; defender; guardian.

If you were his, Ian fought passionately for your protection. He fought to make people better even when we didn’t understand the lesson at the time. Ian lived a full life and one of service to others.

Ian was a man of great character whose devotion, humor, and friendly spirit brought out the best in those around him. The influence of his life upon others is a flame that will burn brightly forever.

Family was first. Whether you were born into his family, a spouse, a childhood friend, a roommate, a soccer player. You always came first.

Ian was a graduate of The University of Connecticut, where he met Linda, his wife of 52 years. His passion for soccer grew as he played for the UCONN Huskies soccer team proudly wearing the family #4-the number his grandfather wore, his father wore, his children wore and his grandchildren wear.

Upon graduation from The University of Toledo College of Law, Ian was appointed as New Jersey Deputy Attorney General in the Organized Crime and Special Prosecution Division, Drug Diversion Unit. Prosecuting and winning many major cases led to the decision for a career change and a move to Monroe, NC.

With the desire to get his foot back on the ball, Ian helped introduce soccer to the youth of Union County and was one of the four founders of the Youth Soccer Association. Whether through coaching in the recreation league, Forest Hills High School, Wingate University Men’s or Women’s Soccer teams, he built lifelong relationships with his players as he guided and mentored them through life.

In 1992 Ian walked away from the soccer sidelines and became a true advocate for children as District Administrator for the Guardian ad Litem Program where he represented hundreds of abused and neglected children in the court system for five counties-Union, Anson, Richmond, Stanly and Moore.

After twenty years of GAL service he stepped in to his favorite role ever, the best PopPop in the world to his ten grandchildren. The highlight of his year being “Green Store” Christmas shopping adventures and gift exchange. His greatest joy was piling grands in to his white truck and heading to Ocean Isle Beach for swimming, surfing, beach time and ice cream sundaes. All knew when they heard “What is Rule #1?” to respond in unison “NO RUNNING IN THE BEACH HOUSE!”

If you knew Ian, we ask that you honor him by being better and doing better by all those who you meet. Protect those who cannot protect themselves. Be the voice of a child. And always act as if you know no stranger.

In celebration of Ian’s life, the MacConnachie family invites you to attend a Highland Gathering Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Wingate University Soccer Field. Casual attire-shorts, flip flops or shoes to kick around a soccer ball.

In his desire to always protect those who cannot protect themselves, in lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in Ian’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

We are the “MacPac”. We are stronger for having this Highlander as our Clan Chief. “VIRTUTIS GLORIA MERCES”. (Glory is the reward of virtue).

McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to be serving the MacConnachie family.