Rest in peace

I was reminded today of how incredibly delicate truly really is. A dear friend, Ian Lauder, has passed away. To be honest, I don't know what to say because I don't know what to think. I guess I'm numb. Ian was what you could call a risk taker. He was happiest with his family, friends and on his motorcycle... the latter of which is where he took his last breath. Ian was an eternal optimist. His smile, loud laugh and even louder presence were enough to light up the rocky beaches of Georgian Bay in the deepest of night after you've spent the last six hours downing his "special" drinks and singing karaoke at the top of your lunges. Ian had a way of making a night in, a night to remember... or not remember, depending on how many of those drinks he passed your way. Ian always greeted friends with open arms and a tight squeeze... probably to show off his bulging biceps, but comforting none the less.

Years ago my then boyfriend, now husband, and I were in a pretty serious boat crash. To make a long and dramatic story short, my sister Alley and Ian Lauder were with us during the crash. Alley was sitting in a direct line to the motor which post-accident, was still running while the boat was launched 90 degrees in the air on a large rock. Had Ian not been sitting next to Alley and had reflexes like a cat (seriously!), she would have flown right in to that motor. I don't even want to think about the damage it could have done to her. To this day, Alley swears that Ian is her "hero". I pray he's now her guardian angle.

Rest in peace my friend. You will forever remain in our hearts. The cottage will never be the same.

<3

Ian Lauder

5.27.82 -7.29.09