Ian Butler Macdonald

Macdonald, Ian Butler: Born Glasgow, Scotland, May 11, 1928, son of the late Willie and Belle Macdonald. Predeceased by his beloved wife Betty in 2010. Survived by his son David and wife Sue, grandchildren Kayla (Jeff Armstrong) and Matthew, of Ottawa; daughter Sheena of Sechelt BC; son Bruce of Lantzville BC; good friend and writing partner Betty O’Keefe of North Vancouver BC; and extended family in Scotland and Canada.

Of Highland descent, Fort William and Glenfinnan, he went to school in Glasgow and then served overseas in the RAF.

A longtime newspaper reporter, he started as a copy boy before joining the RAF. He worked in newspapers in Scotland prior to immigrating to Canada in 1951, becoming a proud Canadian in 1956. He worked at papers in Ontario and the Prairies before joining the Victoria Colonist in 1954. He moved to Vancouver and was a reporter for the Province before joining the Sun in 1957, and was posted by the Sun to Ottawa in 1965. He was a member of the parliamentary Press Gallery until 1970 and an enthusiastic ham performer at the annual Press Gallery dinner. Following his newspaper career, he worked in political and government public relations, a press aide to former cabinet minister Donald S. Macdonald and then to Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Always belonging to local press clubs, he was a longtime member of the National Press Club in Ottawa, serving on the executive and among the chief mourners when the club folded.

Starting in the ‘90s, he was the co-author of 11 non-fiction books about events and happenings in BC, many of which he covered as a reporter.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and good friend to many, he had a beautiful voice and music was a big part of his life. He loved a party and was host to many gatherings at the family home, and for years he honoured his Scottish roots by organizing Robbie Burns celebrations at the Press Club in Ottawa. He had a particular fondness for dogs and enjoyed having them in his life.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a family gathering in his memory. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name to your local SPCA or the charity of your choice would be welcomed.