Ian Alexander Hastie MACFARLANE

Born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1921, Ian passed away 15 April 2016 in his 95th year.  Predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Isabel, and his sister Alexandra Barbara, Ian is survived by his sons David Alexander Hastie (married to Cristina) in Rome, Italy with daughters Katherine Alice, Lorna Margaret, Alessandra Rose; Colin Keith (Joan) in Greenwood, NS with children William Alexander Hastie, Sarah Margaret; Andrew Clifford (Céline) in Gatineau PQ with children Renée-Claude Nicole, Gregoire Marc, Corey Ian; one great-grandchild Léanne Irène Simone.

Ian spent his school years in Vancouver, graduating from Kitsilano High in 1939.  A Seaforth Highlander cadet too young for overseas service at the start of the Second World War, he joined the RCAF in 1940, and completed pilot training in 1941.  His served as a flight instructor in BCATP bases in the Prairies, then coastal patrol over both oceans flying Cansos and Liberators.  Post-war, Ian remained in the RCAF and was part of the geodetic survey and mapping of the North of Canada, then did the same in British African colonies during his posting overseas on photo-reconnaissance squadrons based in RAF Benson in the late 1940's, where he met and married Margaret, his Yorkshire lass.  Back in Canada in 1950, their three sons were born during staff tours in Ottawa before his last flying tour as Commanding Officer of 404 Squadron, Greenwood, NS, 1957-1960.  After another dozen years in various staff positions, he retired from the Forces in 1972, 32 years to the day after he walked into the recruiting office.

Once the kids had left home, Ian and Margaret returned to his home province of BC and designed their retirement home on Vancouver Island across from his sister Barbara.  A career of constant flying and moving had left him quite content to "mind the store" in their Nanoose Bay retirement home that he designed, while Margaret now became the family globe-trotter.  He got to indulge in his favourite pastimes of reading, and racing Barbara to the solution of the daily cryptic crossword.

After the loss of his lady love in 2012, his sons were constant visitors, spending many hours reminiscing. Eventually all must pass, and though his mind was hale to the end, his body finally gave up.  He died at his home as he had wished, instead of going to a home “where the old people are”.  He was laid to rest next to his beloved Margaret in St Mary’s Memorial Garden, Nanoose Bay, 30 April 2016.