IAN CORMACK PALMER SMITH

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved spouse, father, and grandparent, Ian C. P. Smith. He was born in Winnipeg in 1939 to Cormack and Grace Mary Smith. Ian will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Eva; their four children, Brittmarie (Dave), Cormack (Michelle), Duncan (Sheryl), and Roderick (Pam); and their nine grandchildren, Annika, Keaton, Rebecca, Olivia, Erik, Rory, Noah, Mackenzie, and Kendall.

At an early age, Ian showed a propensity for science, to the extent of building a chemistry lab in his parents’ basement where he was using his mother’s kitchen mixer as a centrifuge. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with an Honors B.Sc. in Chemistry and a M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry. He further enhanced his education by attending Cambridge University in England and graduating with a PhD in Theoretical Chemistry. It is also in England where he met the love of his life, an attractive Swedish girl, Eva Landvik. He was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University and at Bell Labs. He then began his 47-year career with the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa, making a significant impact as a mentor and advisor. He rose in the ranks of NRC to Director General of the Institute for Biological Sciences in Ottawa and in 1992 he moved back to Winnipeg to build the new Institute for Biodiagnostics as its Director General. Throughout his career, he lectured about his research at the Universities of Manitoba and Ottawa, Carleton University, McGill University, Queen’s University, and numerous global conferences. He played a pivotal role in the success of several firms, including Manitoba Technology Accelerator, Novadaq, and CIMTEC, focusing on cancer diagnosis and treatment. Before fully retiring in 2017, he served as President of Innovative Biodiagnostics Inc. and CEO of the Center for Imaging Technology Commercialization. His legacy in advancing medical technology will forever be cherished by his family and colleagues.

In recognition of his contributions to the scientific community, Ian was a recipient of numerous awards including the Flavelle Medal of the Royal Society of Canada, the Order of Faithful Service and the Order of the Star of Romania, Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada, the Order of Canada, Honourary degrees from the Universities of Stockholm, Winnipeg, and Brandon, Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Platinum Jubilee Medals, and the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt. He is also a biographee in multiple Marquis Who’s Who publications.

Ian, a sports enthusiast, enjoyed skiing, golf and tennis.  He took great pride in his home and yard, always puttering around fixing things.  Ian’s passion for travel took him and his family around the globe where they immersed themselves in various cultures. He was fluent in both Swedish and French.  His weekends were devoted to his children’s sports and education, taking immense pride in their achievements. In later years, he revelled in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and watching them grow. Ian cherished family gatherings, always eager to socialize and celebrate special occasions. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs and loved walking and cross-country skiing with them.

Ian will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The family will be holding a private memorial at a later date. Donations can be made in Ian’s memory to an animal rescue centre or for cancer research in Manitoba. The family is grateful for the support and assistance that it received from Ethical Death Care cremation services of Winnipeg. 

Ian’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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