Dr. Eoin Hall McEwan

The distinguished life as an accomplished zoologist and his contribution to the research of the Caribou and the Dunlin Shorebirds.

Born in Carleton Place, Ontario, July 3rd, 1926. Dad was a real character in his mischievous ways, incredible sense of humour, brilliance and his extraordinary life. Dad was raised in a medical family, his father, Dr. John Albert McEwan, graduated from the University of Toronto in Medicine and his mum, Margret Hamilton McEwan, was an operating room nurse. Dad completed his bachelors degree from McGill University and continued his Masters degree at the University of Toronto, received his Doctorate of Philosophy from McGill. He spent a large amount of time as a student researching in the Arctic. 

On December 31st, 1953, Dad married the love of his life, Mary Isobel Ross (Fine Arts Graduate from Mount Allison University). They both had an appetite and an eagerness to explore life in Aklavik, Inuvik in Yellowknife.

And so the adventure begins, dad and mum spent many years in the north travelling by boat along the MacKenzie Delta river and the Beaufort Sea, in addition travelled by dog team, float planes, and eventually drove one of the first bombardier snowmobiles. My father studied with many scientists on the migration of the Caribou flying with Max Ward of Ward Airlines. Their time was quite tresterious with many unpredictable dangers. After an extensive time between the Arctic, Scotland, throughout Europe, and back to Canada, my parents with five children in tow, settled and lived in Vancouver. My father, a professor at the University of British Columbia and worked for the Canadian Wildlife Federation. I have fond memories of dad taking me to UBC to feed the various Caribou, Mountain sheep, Seals, Cormorants, and Seagulls in the vivarium. In 1976, my parents decided to buy a farm in a quaint little place called Pitt Meadows. This adventure was straight out of the novel “All Creatures Great and Small (James Harriott)”. The farm was a true test of endurance, both my parents enjoyed going to the auction to purchase Cattle. Dad would help me train all of my 4H projects, many rodeos were had! After 35 years of loyal service at the Canadian government and the Wildlife Federation, dad hung up his lab coat on March 31st, 1986. Dad continued to represent Canada in the international theriological congress meetings held in various European cities, as well as the Reindeer/Caribou symposiums. One year, we brought 8 Caribou through the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver celebrating their 30th anniversary of opening. 

 Dad took a plunge to the movie industry and was hired as an extra in a variety of films. He was extremely humoured and enjoyed the fame cashing his cheques from Paramount Studios. My parents enjoyed the Vancouver Playhouse and took pleasure in the endless performances at the Queen Elizabeth theater. Eventually they left the farm behind and built a large dream home on Sheridan Hill in Pitt Meadows. Although they still yearned for something by the ocean. In 2002, they happily moved to the Parksville area. They flourished and rapidly developed a love for all the unique art shows, galleries, delightful bistros, and joined many of the clubs. They spent time enjoying their ocean views, golfing and hosting parties with friends from all over the world. Especially Donald and Penny, from Zurich, Switzerland, whom have been loyal constant friends for many decades. On May 19th, 2003, we lost our mum, suffering a massive stroke, I recall dad looking at us, and said the soiree is over. Dad enriched himself of the joys of taking a front row seat to his grandson, Bretts, lacrosse, football, rugby, and many other sports. Dad continued his love to travel, in 2007/2008, we went down under to Australia and was a very memorable time. Seeking out hidden galleries, art shows, garden centres, and finding the best fish and chips on Vancouver Island. His passion for reading a perfect murder mystery was strong and he recognized the full worth of a great book.

n 2010, dad had a stroke and spent four agonizing and painful months in the Nanaimo Hospital. Having the doctors explain a grim prognosis and future. While enduring full intense physiotherapy, he surprised everyone with a full recovery. The doctors asked how he recovered so quickly, he smiled and replied “I don’t fail or give up”. With that said, my middle son, Branden, put on his application to Queen’s University, how much of an inspiration his grandfather was to him. Soon after that, he was accepted into the medical field and graduating with full Honours. Jesse, his youngest grandson, will be following and filling in those medical shoes as well. Dad continued to be an active pillar in the community, he enjoyed taking the HandyDart to Qualicum Beach, having quaint conversations with the driver, Ron. He would have a stellar time at the Stroke Recovery Centre, meeting all sorts of new faces, interacting with different guest speakers. He truly valued his outing and trips to the galleries and their lunch dates to a variety of restaurants on the island.

Recovering from a broken ankle, in 2018, the doctors found an advanced form of Stomach Cancer. Although that news was devastating, he was still determined to fight. Throughout his infinite wisdom, a past so extraordinary, a passion to make the world a better place and the endless research to protect the Caribou migratory areas. Being 92 years old, I asked him what his favourite part of his past or future was, he replied with “Enjoy the now, appreciate and focus on right now, the present.” His favourite quote from the movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day off, “Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

He was my north star, my hero, and an extraordinary human being. There is great comfort knowing we had so many laughs and memories. We are a good team, he said. Nothing was left unsaid and he always appreciated the small things. I am grateful I had the chance to make his latter years more fulfilling. He really was marvelous and will be truly missed. Hoping he is dancing with his wife on what would have been his 67th anniversary, December 31st. We had an intimate service, mum and dads ashes were left in their favourite place, Seal Island, Tofino. 

“Do not go gentle into that goodnight, and to that, goodnight” ~ Dylan Thomas.