Ian Douglas Constable

When you think of perfection, you think of someone who tries their hardest to ensure everything in life runs smoothly, without any “bumps in the road.” While Ian Douglas Constable can be described as the perfect husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, it was those little “bumps” that made life with Ian an adventure.

On May 1, 1960, the world was blessed with a truly amazing individual. Ian Douglas Constable filled his parents’ life with joy when he was born at the Plummer Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Jean and John Constable raised Ian in Manitou Park with his older sister, Sheena. They started their life at their Farquhar Street home where Ian met his life-long friend and Best Man, Clint Wardlaw. Wanting to remain in a family oriented community; his parents moved their family to another home in Manitou Park on Anna Street. Ian spent his childhood playing with groups of friends, climbing trees and riding bikes. It was at this point in his life that Ian developed a personality that people took comfort in and appreciated.

Life at his childhood home was always happy and loving, something he continued to embrace with his own family years later. Ian enjoyed spending time with his parents and sister, especially when it came to learning about his proud Scottish heritage.

During his childhood, Ian took part in the Boy Scouts and Air Cadets, which taught him discipline and helped develop his hard work ethic. As a young boy, Ian enjoyed building models, drawing, playing at Finn Hill and spending summers at Camp Wakonda. It was during these summers that Ian learned to canoe, which he enjoyed doing as a young adult.

In terms of his education, Ian attended Manitou Park Public School and White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School. In high school, Ian further developed strong and everlasting friendships. Ian had fond memories of hanging out with his school friends such as Clint, Greg and Kelly Wardlaw, Caesar Mahlmann and many more.

At White Pines, Ian developed a passion for shop and drafting classes, something that set him on track for a long successful career. Throughout high school, Ian showed his dedication to hard work and close friends. Ian graduated from White Pines in 1978 and received the Hughes-Owen award of a drafting set for the highest standing in mechanical engineering. Even though Ian worked hard to achieve his goals in high school, he still enjoyed having fun. Ian was never one to turn down a good time! Some of his best memories came from White Pines, including meeting his high school sweetheart, Tammy Black. Ian knew from early on that Tammy was “the one,” but knew that he had to focus on his education, so he could provide her with everything he felt she deserved.

During high school, Ian started a part-time job at a local gas station. This is where Ian’s love for classic cars began, especially after he had the opportunity to drive a Corvette for the first time. This passion stuck with him for the rest of his life. While Ian had several cars and trucks in his life, he was always determined to purchase his very own Corvette in the future.

Ian left Sault Ste. Marie after his high school graduation and moved to Toronto to attend George Brown College. He enrolled in Mechanical Engineering (Tool and Die) and spent a couple of years learning and mastering the trade. As Ian’s personality was so attractive to others, he had no problem developing more lasting relationships. Ian lived with very influential individuals during college, who inspired him and showed him how much fun college life could be. In college, Ian was lucky enough to share the same residence as his sister, Sheena where they both enjoyed quality time together. He also spoke very highly of his roommates and college buddies, Ron Kennedy, Mike Yee, Mitch Moore, Mike Dufresne, Jerry DaHaan and many more. All of his college friends provided the encouragement and, when needed, a source of relaxation, he required to finish his course. Ian graduated with honours from George Brown in April of 1980 and continued to use these skills throughout his life.

After college, Ian moved back to Sault Ste. Marie, finding employment at Bailey Hoogovens in 1980, and eventually working as a Senior Project Supervisor for Danieli Corus. Later, Ian joined JNE Consulting where he was the manager of the Sault Ste. Marie branch. This work connection continued for the rest of his life. While he worked for a few different companies, his hard work and dedication allowed him to continue the same type of work. Through his career, Ian created even more friendships. Some friends such as Rudi Malig, Dave Marshall, John Tibbles, Phil Pitcher and John Fitchie remained close to Ian even when their careers went in different directions. Ian’s career choice allowed him to travel the world. Over the years, Ian spent time working in South Africa, Great Britain, Nova Scotia, Holland, Serbia and across the United States. While Ian enjoyed seeing the world through work opportunities, he always said travelling the road that led him home was his favourite.

Once he was back in the Sault and settled into a career he loved, Ian asked Tammy Black for her hand in marriage. With a simple, “yes,” Ian’s new life began. Ian had gained the respect of his future in-laws, Don and Gail Black as well as brother-in-law, Darren. With their approval, the wedding bells started to ring. On September 29, 1984, Tammy Black became Tammy Constable and Ian treasured the thought of spending the rest of his life with his high school sweetheart. After a wedding reception that no one would forget, Ian and Tammy Constable began their life in their first home on Willow Avenue.

When Ian was home he enjoyed spending time playing cards, pool and chess with his friends. While Ian enjoyed his life with Tammy and close friends, he found a desire to start a family. On June 18, 1987, Tammy’s birthday, his first daughter Tara Dawn was born. He was now a father and in some perspectives, his fun, loving personality became central when it came to raising children. After six years of being a dedicated father to one daughter, he was blessed again on July 5, 1993, when Traci Lynn was born. Ian’s family was now complete. With Ian’s hard work, his family was able to move to their current family home on Woodlawn. It was in this home that Ian taught his daughters the value of working hard and having goals. As a father, Ian was always there to offer support of any kind and a hug whenever it was needed. He had high expectations of his daughters and was always motivating them to be successful, whether it was with their Highland Dancing, education or just day-to-day tasks.

While Ian did expect his daughters to work hard, he also showed them how to have fun. Ian found great enjoyment in family time and took pride in taking his family out for a good time. Ian made sure that his family home was a positive environment and that there were always more smiles than frowns. Ian created a very happy home for his girls.

One of Ian’s most memorable moments was being able to take his wife and daughters to Great Britain in the summer of 1999. It was on this vacation that Ian showed his daughters an appreciation for history and family heritage. Ian provided his family with a vacation they would never forget.

Ian always made an attempt to ensure that each person in his life felt special. With his daughter, Tara he ensured she had the same “good” taste in music as he did. He was able to take her to see many influential artists such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan and John Mellancamp. This gift of music is something his daughter will treasure forever.

Ian always strived to make sure he made a special connection with both his daughters; for Traci it was golf. Together they played golf on a regular basis. Ian and Traci spent countless hours practicing the game and competing in tournaments, which developed a heartfelt bond between them that will never be forgotten.

Ian also spent countless hours making his nieces Heather and Kirstie and nephew Craig laugh and enjoy life. He showed them his silly side and made sure their time spent with him was memorable. Ian was very proud of all their accomplishments.

As Ian’s family grew up, he was able to watch their success grow as well. Ian lived to see both of his daughters attend Nipissing University, Tara for teaching and Traci for accounting. Ian had never been more proud. His main goal in life was to ensure his daughters were well educated and instilled this drive and appreciation in both of them.

In August 2006, another goal of Ian’s was accomplished. He purchased his first Corvette. Ian spent over three years restoring a 1973, gold Corvette. This was more than a car to Ian; it provided him with a connection to old and new friends who he simply called, “The Garage Buddies.” Depending on what part of the car was being worked on, Ian’s garage had an open door policy. Darren Black, Clint and Greg Wardlaw, Pat Powers, Freddie and George Tucker, John Tibbles, John Fitchie, Chris Millroy, Tom Caswell, Larry Rudnicki and many more all helped Ian’s dreams come true. Finally, in 2009, Ian’s car was ready to show, winning many awards. He was very proud to accomplish the unthinkable. Ian now owned a Corvette!

In 2010, Ian decided to try something new. He was hired by EWI to manage a Tire Recycling Plant. He always enjoyed a challenge and this offered just that. A blessing in disguise when it came to this job was all the time Ian spent at home. He was able to relax in his garage in the evenings, spend time caring for his family and making many good meals for everyone to enjoy.

After Ian completed the challenge at EWI, he set out to accomplish another life goal. Ian started his own business, ICON Project Services. He was so proud of his accomplishments and overcome with joy when he received his first contract in Ohio. Ian left in January 2012 to start work. Through this job, Ian reconnected with some of his travelling friends who demonstrated to both Ian and his family how much they cared. Dave and Zuzka Hathaway, Bill and Lisa Hunt, Rick Misuk, Mark and Brenda Berkowitz, John Battaglia, Rick Rathke and many more were always there for him. Ian was very happy to have such close friends and enjoyed his evenings with them after work. The connections Ian made in Ohio were some of the last, but it is evident that these connections were deep-rooted and heartfelt.

Unexpectedly and suddenly, on October 25, 2012 at the age of 52, Ian Douglas Constable passed away while still working in Ohio. It was evident that Ian passed on very strong character traits to his wife and daughters, which helped them keep their heads held high. Although Ian left his family behind too soon, he left them surrounded by very compassionate and supportive individuals. Ian’s funeral service was entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home and he was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Many people came into Ian Constable’s life and he touched each one of their hearts in a special way. Ian was a hard worker, dedicated husband and loving father. Ian will be greatly missed by all those he left behind, however there will never be a time that he is forgotten.

Written by Tara and Traci Constable

You will be in our hearts, always and forever, Dad.

CONSTABLE, Ian Douglas – Suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the age of 52. Devoted husband of Tammy for 28 years. Loving and caring father of Tara Dawn (Braiden) and Traci Lynn (Tyler). Beloved son of Jean and John Constable. Cherished brother of Sheena McDowell (David). Special son-in-law of Gail and Don Black. Brother-in-law and best friend of Darren Black (Nancy). Proud uncle of Heather, Craig and Kirstie McDowell. Ian will be sadly missed by all of his closest and dearest friends. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 from 1 pm until time of funeral service in the chapel at 3 pm. Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 705-759-2522). Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

“Long may you run

Although these changes

Have come

With your chrome heart shining

In the sun

Long may you run.”

~Neil Young