Ian MacFarquhar, VE9IM, SK | 1949 to 2025
For immediate release | April 14, 2025
Radio Amateurs of Canada has received the sad news that former RAC Vice-President, Ian MacFarquhar, VE9IM, became a Silent Key on April 8, 2025, at the age of 75.
RAC would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 30, 1949 to Jack and Dora (née Guttormsson) MacFarquhar, Ian grew grew up in Scarborough and graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
He then began an impressive career focusing on broadband telecommunications (i.e., radio and television). After a five-year contract in Northern Ontario, he joined CUC Broadcasting in Scarborough where he became Vice-President of Engineering.
He moved with his family to Saint John, New Brunswick in 1995 to become Vice-President of Engineering Technology at Fundy Cable where he oversaw the rewiring of the provincial cable TV service.
Ian was well known in the telecommunications industry and in 1997 received the CCTA Galaxi Technical Award of Excellence. After leaving Fundy Cable, he established MCE Associates – Broadband Engineering and Property Management in 1979 and accepted contracts all over the world before easing into retirement.
Ian got his Amateur Radio licence at age 15 and became proficient in Morse Code. Amateur Radio remained a lifelong passion and he devoted many hours to promoting it through national associations and in local clubs.
Ian held several volunteer positions with Radio Amateurs of Canada including as Vice-President, Acting President, and as RAC’s representative on the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. He was also instrumental in organizing RAC’s successful Affiliated Club Insurance Program.
Ian’s family would like to thank the staff of 4B South, Stroke Rehabilitation Services and the NB Extra Mural Program, and also the amazing support of friends and family.
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home (506-634-7424): Visitation at Grace Presbyterian Church (101 Cobourg Street, Saint John) from noon to 1:30 on Wednesday, April 16; funeral service at 2 pm.
Those unable to attend may watch a livestream of the service by clicking on “Funeral Livestream” on Ian’s obituary on Brenan’s website; reception and wake following at the Union Club, 125 Germain St, from 3 to 6 pm.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Symphony
For complete information please visit:
https://brenansfh.com/tribute/details/33432/Ian-MacFarquhar-P-Eng-VE3OS-VE9IM/obituary.html