The obituary in the May 1^st issue of the London Free Press begins with the following words: “After a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer, Ian died peacefully on April 29^th at the time and in the manner of his choosing, at home and in the presence of his loving family.”

It ends with an equally poignant quote from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “To die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly”

The obituary goes on describe how incredibly blessed Ian felt to have loved and been loved by all the members of his family, especially the two wonderful women who were his wives: Sharon (1960-97) and Rochelle (2001-present).  It also speaks of his gratitude for the love and support of his many friends.

Former South students, who had the good fortune to have been in one of Ian’s English classes, will remember him as a superb teacher – one of South’s best. The obituary describes the portable that he chose to teach in, which he “fashioned into a cottage that the students could view as an escape”. His students knew that he not only loved teaching but that he also cared about them as individuals, which is why many of them maintained contact even after graduation. During his time at South (1969-1992), Ian also earned the respect of his teaching colleagues and forged many lasting friendships, which he treasured.

Ian Underhill will be missed by many. But all of us who are mourning his passing must try to draw comfort from these words near the end of the obituary: “It has been a full life, well lived.”    

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, May 18^th at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo St.