Obituary of Dr. Ian Dow

DOW, DR. IAN IRVINE (PhD)

August 10, 1934 - November 13, 2025

Ian passed away peacefully, with his loving wife, Marlyn by his side, on November 13, 2025 at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. 

He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Jennie, his brother Russell, nephew William (Billy) and his cousins Bruce and Bryan. He leaves behind the joy of his life, his adoring wife, Marlyn (nee Fergus); his sons, David (Cathy) and Blair (Lisa); his grandsons, Derrick (Corey), Kevin (Skye) and Travis, plus 4 precious great-grandchildren: Ada, Lucy, Dawson, and Lyle. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Marilynn Dow, and his niece and nephews; Karen Read (Rob), John (Stephanie) Dow and Alex Dow. He will also be sadly missed by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandra and George Holmes and nieces Leanne Holmes (Jim) and Julie Holmes. He will also be missed by his many friends.

Ian was born in Metcalfe, Ontario. He grew up on a very active farm where he learned the farming business. He attended Springhill Elementary School and Winchester High School.   Ian graduated from Ottawa Teachers’ College in 1955 and was hired onto the Ottawa Board of Education the same year. He taught at several elementary schools and was principal at McGregor Easson, Osgoode and Charles H. Hulse Public Schools.

Ian graduated from Queen’s University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts and in 1963 from O.I.S.E. with a Bachelor of Education. In 1966 Ian graduated with a Masters of Education, also from O.I.S.E. He  went on to complete his PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) in  Educational Administration. Also, among his achievements was his Certificate as Supervisory Officer from the Ministry of Education in Toronto. After 19 years with the Ottawa Board of Education, Dr. Dow joined the staff at the University of Ottawa in 1974, in Administration at the Masters Level where he retired as Director of Education. Retirement from education came after a 38 year career where he was well respected in the world of education and touched the lives of so many.

Retirement in 1993 brought another interesting lifestyle for Ian. He enjoyed a variety of interests that brought him much pleasure. He was an avid reader, enjoyed all sports, always looked forward to his poker games with a great group of friends and had a love of golf. Ian  golfed year round both in the north and south. Ian and Marlyn enjoyed their winters of 35 years in their home on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. There were many fun times with family and good friends both in the north and south. He also had fun at the casino hoping for the big win that never happened.

Always a farmer at heart, Ian continued his involvement with the family farm. He was well respected among his sheep peers. Right to the end he was supportive to his son and family who continue to keep the Dow name alive in the sheep world.

Ian returned to his roots and was buried at Springhill Cemetery in a private gathering. He will be missed by many, but particularly by his dedicated and adoring wife, Marlyn, and his immediate close, loving family of whom he was extremely proud.

Special thanks to the caring and compassionate doctors and staff at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, as well as the many health home care support workers.

If you wish to make a donation, please do so in memory of Ian Dow to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital.

Arrangements were entrusted to Blair’s Funeral Home, Perth.