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IAN CORMACK PALMER SMITH
Born: Sep 23, 1939
Date of Passing: May 09, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryIAN 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.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2024, May 18, 2024
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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More a friend to his wife, Eva, I sometimes ran in to Ian in the neighbourhood, or at his house. If time allowed, he could always tell something extremely interesting about his research; what he was working on, and why he was doing it. An interesting life makes for interesting stories and conversations. And though Ian is gone, his discoveries will probably help shape some important parts of the future. Thanks for the keen work and new knowledge! - Posted by: Ellen Boryen (Neighbour) on: Dec 31, 2024
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Dear Eva and family. I am so sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. My nine years at NRC and working with Ian for four years include a lot of good memories. He was such an energetic dynamo! He was probably at his happiest when he was walking around with a hammer in his hand, hanging a picture or doing some minor repair work. He loved to talk about his family and garden. I heard many stories about Eva and how clever you are, and he felt you were responsible for all the good things in your lives, especially that you talked him in to buying a house while he had reservations. He was bright, inquisitive, hard working and so full of energy! I’m so sorry for your loss and send my condolences to you, your family and friends. Thinking of you - Yvonne Miller - Posted by: Yvonne Miller (Co-worker ) on: May 24, 2024
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I had 18 happy years under Ian's directorship at the Institute of Biodiagnostics. He fostered a real esprit de corps which led to many productive years. He was a uniquely gifted person and will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Murray Alexander (Former employee) on: May 22, 2024
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Ian was always a keener at any of our Swedish events from snowbank parties to Svensk lunches. He enjoyed food and the fellowship that went with it, always with a sparky, fun comment about it all and a twinkle in his eye. My loving thoughts are with you Eva and all your family. Bless! Sonja and fellow Swedes here! - Posted by: Sonja Lundstrom (Friend ) on: May 18, 2024
