Obituary of Ian Dutton

IAN ROSS DUTTON Always remembered for his cheerful outlook and dry sense of humour, Ian died peacefully on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015 in his 92nd year. Predeceased by Dorothy, loving wife of 57 years and by cherished daughter Leslie, Papa is greatly missed by son Brian (Susan) and grandchildren Michael, Amy and Timmy. Trained as a radar technician in WWII, Dad was an electrical engineer (Life Member of IEEE) and taught for 20+ years in the Department of Business and Technical Communications at Ryerson. Never one to be idle, Dad was an avid gardener, canoeist, tennis partner, curler, bicyclist and ballroom/highland dancer. He loved puttering about in his workshop, and it was there that Dad taught us many of the most valuable lessons one needed to succeed in life. 'Measure twice and cut once' was Dad's motto. He taught us how to take steady, measured and deliberate strokes with a wood saw to ensure a straight and even cut and that the most powerful hammer blows would not necessarily drive the nail in the fastest and straightest. Instead, Dad taught us how to hit the nail square on the head, with steady and even determination. With loving encouragement, he taught us how to take a simple piece of wood, shape it, sand it and turn it into a beautiful and sturdy piece of furniture, capable of weathering the wear and tear of everyday life. In other words, I learned all about how to be a good parent in Dad's workshop. With his Alzheimer's, Dad could never remember the names of his caregivers. He simply called them 'angel'. They truly were and the family shall be forever grateful for the care and comfort they gave Dad these past few years. He enjoyed his daily walks with his 'angels' and sitting at the park gates, watching the world pass by. Please consider a memorial donation to Families for Children, 111 Roseheath Avenue, Toronto, M4C 3P6 or online at www.familiesforchildren.ca; an organization that runs an orphanage in India and in Bangladesh, which mum and dad supported for many years. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.