Obituary of Ian MacDonald Underhill

Those wishing to join the family for Words of Remembrance at 3 pm may do so by CLICKING HERE

Underhill, Ian

February 29, 1940 – April 29, 2024

After a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer, Ian died peacefully on April 29th at the time and in the manner of his choosing, at home and in the presence of his loving family.

Ian felt incredibly fortunate to have loved and been loved by two wonderful women: Sharon, from 1960 – 1997, and Rochelle, from 2001-the present. The heartfelt memories of those love-filled years continued to shine brightly.

Ian also felt blessed to have loved and been loved by his family: his sister Margaret (Gerry) and their family, Kevin (Debbi), Sarah, Jeannine (Harold) and Maria-Lise (Kieran) and the grand-children: Madison, Keegan and Olivia Underhill; Danika and Sydney Skinner; Joshua, Ian, Curtis and Dylan Reynolds and Paige, Sophia and Nico Young. He enjoyed being “Grandpa” , “Buddy” and “Big Ian” to the whole crew.

Ian felt equally fortunate in his career. His teaching years spanned Ingersoll, Port Colborne, India and, primarily, London South Collegiate from 1970 till 1992. He chose to teach in a portable which he fashioned into a cottage that the students could view as an escape. He loved and learned so much from all the students he taught. He was also honoured to have taught at the Faculty of Education at Western for fifteen years. He still has a close relationship with so many of his former students.

Ian was grateful for the compassionate, attentive medical team that was at his side throughout his journey, especially Dr. Razvi at St Joe’s and Matt Parezanovic at the Cancer Centre.

Ian was most grateful for the love and support of family and friends. He treasured the bonds he formed over the years with the members of the travel club, book club, bridge clubs, golf and baseball groups and the Wortley Roadhouse. He was especially proud of his lifelong involvement with the Delta Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. It has been a full life, well lived.

“To die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly” - Nietzsche

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 18th from 2:00 – 4:00, with Words of Remembrance at 3:00, at John T. Donohue Funeral Home at 362 Waterloo St, London, Ontario, N6B 2N6