In Memory of Ian

Ian William Hakon MacDonald.

The personification of what a wonderful husband, son, brother, and friend should be, passed away on March 29, 2006 in San Francisco. His life sparkled with love, laughter, family, and great friends. Ian was insatiably curious and had an amazingly broad range of interests, and whether the subject was the Arctic or ancient metalworking or Aston Martins or single malt whiskey, his enthusiasm was infectious. He worked as an industrial designer, architect, and teacher. His love of life surmounted the challenges he faced due to cancer. A native of San Francisco (born on August 10, 1969), he graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (BA in architecture) and the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, England (MA in industrial design), where he met and fell madly in love with his wife Anna, a native of Greece. The six years they spent together were the happiest and most creative years of his life.

Before moving to London, Ian was an architect in San Francisco for eight years working on projects such as the new Oakland Bay Bridge, retrofitting the Golden Gate Bridge, and affordable housing. He was a relentless dreamer who claimed that any problem could be solved through design. Ian pursued his dream of becoming an industrial designer in London, working successfully with jewelry, home accessories, furniture and retail interiors, which were featured in galleries and publications in Europe.

Ian was an intrepid adventurer who took great pleasure from nature and the serenity it offered. He scaled cliffs rock climbing, hiked many mountain trails, and spent countless summers under the northern lights on a remote island in British Columbia. His passion to explore took him to all corners of the earth, from a barren beach in the Artic to the horse trails of Iceland, and from the mountains of Sweden to the warm olive groves of Greece. Ian's enthusiasm, restless curiosity about people and ever-present wit ensured that he made friends everywhere he went. Moreover, with his warmth, he always managed to stay in touch with his far-flung group of friends. Earlier this month he repeatedly stated "I have had the best life ever...I am at peace with the world." Everyone that came in contact with him felt his vitality, and up until his final breath, he inspired the people around him.

He is survived by his wife, Anna MacDonald; mother, Gillan MacDonald; father, Donald MacDonald, all of San Francisco; sisters, Denise MacDonald of Vancouver, British Columbia and Pia MacDonald (Daniel Rodriguez); and nephews, Axel and Lucian Rodriguez all of Chapel Hill, NC. He also leaves behind many devoted friends in his native S.F., across the United States and abroad.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle from 4/5/2006 - 4/9/2006.