Ian MacKnight

With profound sadness and shock, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Ian on December 24th, 2015 at the QE 2 Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. Born in New Glasgow, on December 4th, 1956, Ian was the son of the late Reginald and Lillian (Chisholm) MacKnight. Growing up in New Glasgow, Ian played a variety of sports excelling at both hockey and golf. He attended New Glasgow High School and was a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University. When Ian was forty years old he had the wonderful good fortune of meeting his birth mother Joan (Taylor) Cassidy. Their bond was instant and led to many, many visits and lasting memories with our family. After a long career with London Life in the Group Benefits Division, Ian opened the Halifax office of Owens MacFadyen Group. Although family came first, Ian was also a firm believer in a job well done and giving back to his community. He gave generously of his time and resources to many causes and charities. He was past president of Halifax Big Brothers Big Sisters and sat on the National Board. He remained active in this organization and continued to organize the annual golf tournament, sponsor matches for Bigs and Littles or assist with the annual Bowl for Millions campaign. Ian was past Chair of the Board at Armbrae Academy where he and his fellow board members were instrumental in the construction of the school gymnasium. He was a member of the Halifax One Hundred Men Who Give a Damn group. In the year 2013 Ian was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his tireless efforts with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Throughout the years, Ian received many awards and accolades in his career and community endeavours. While he appreciated this recognition, he would say he was most proud of his family especially his children Heather and Angus who will carry on his legacy of loving life.

Ian was a member of Ashburn Golf Club and although he would rarely turn down a game of golf, he was happiest at the cottage or on the boat at Blackpoint, Pictou County, spending time with family and cottage friends, leaving us with lasting memories.

Ian is survived by his mother Joan and her husband Jack Cassidy, Burlington, Ontario, his wife and high school sweetheart Ann (MacDonald), and their two children Heather and Angus. Sisters Norma (MacKnight) Dennis and her husband Brian, and Andra MacKnight both of Calgary. Sisters Jill (Cassidy) Jaques and Ken, Burlington, Sue and partner Jody, Toronto. MacDonald family Robert and Mary, Allan and Cindy, David, Bev, as well as his dear nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the paramedics and our neighbour Dr. Kris Koilpillai who worked so hard to sustain Ian's life. A special thank you to our wonderful neighbours and friends who gave of their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to support us and be with us during this time of shock and grief. We will be forever grateful. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 29th at St. Patrick's Church, Brunswick Street, Halifax, followed by a reception at the Atlantica Ballroom, Westin Hotel. Family interment to follow at a later date.

Donations, in Ian's memory, may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halifax or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.