Robert Ian Kingston

The family of Ian (Robert Ian) Kingston of Uxbridge is saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the age of 90.

Joining his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy, who passed in March 2021. Lovingly remembered as Dad by Kathryn, Karen Hoyle (Doug), Bill (Laura Lee), Warren (Mary), and Stephen (Dana). Brother to Jim (Betty), Donnie (George) and Janet (Don), many grandchildren and a few great grandchildren.

Ian grew up in Toronto where he met Dorothy. He graduated from Queen’s University in 1958 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ian and Dorothy started their family of five children with the arrival of Kathryn in 1959. He started his career in Boston before moving to Toronto, then onto Smooth Rock Falls and Iroquois Falls with Abitibi Pulp and Paper. In 1969 Ian and Dorothy moved their young family to Sault Ste. Marie, and then finally to Toronto the following year. Ian began as an electrical engineer at the Toronto Transit Commission where he would spend the remainder of his career, retiring as a senior executive in 1993.

Ian spent his years as a devoted Dad supporting our passions. At the hockey rink, he coached many teams to victory. In the workshop and around the house he taught us resourcefulness with endless projects. None were too big, or too small. From these projects, we learned firsthand about leadership, perseverance, and problem solving.

For his grandchildren, Grandpa always had a special greeting with his famous “chocolate bar handshake”, which was a big hit with the grandkids. (Not so much for their parents.) He always had time to be young-at-heart with them, with off the cuff bed-time stories, and jokes of variable quality.

In 1984 the family cottage was purchased in Gooderham, Ontario. Leading up to their retirement, Ian and Dorothy built a major addition to the cottage as their family grew, which now included many grandchildren. Chaotic and fun-filled weekends with 15-20 people were not uncommon. Long weekends were always filled with huge family dinners, cottage adventures, boating, games nights and of course, watching sports on TV. Purchasing and expanding the cottage was one of the best decisions they ever made. The cottage has kept us connected to each other over the years and is a highlight of each grandkids’ childhood. His words will forever echo through the cottage, “turn off the lights!”

Above all, Ian provided well for his family and demonstrated the meaning of dedication through his continued actions as a husband, father and grandfather. We will miss you Dad.

As per Ian’s wishes there will be a private family funeral. Please join the family on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Uxbridge Curling Club, 70 Franklin Street, Uxbridge from 1-4pm to celebrate the lives of both Dorothy and Ian.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are welcome and appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge, (905-852-3073). For online condolences please visit www.lowandlow.ca