Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter
On September 13 we lost Dr. Ian McMorland, another good member and a wonderful person who was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. He truly believed in all the wonderful attributes and ideals of life for which he and the rest of our members so gallantly fought without hesitation. He practiced these ideals all of his life, and in many ways he unobtrusively shaped the lives of so many others in his same mould. Several of our branch members attended his remembrance ceremony, which will not be easily forgotten. In the eulogies we were given glimpses of the man and his accomplishments which were many. Most of his life history was never known to us previously because Ian was not able to attend our regular Burma Star meetings due to physical infirmity. Now that we know more of Ian's interesting background we are sorry we were deprived of sharing more of his life with him.
During the memorial service his love of music, particularly Dixieland Jazz, came to the fore when a five piece brass combo delivered a beautiful rendition of the hymn - "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". They first played it in the traditional solemnly pious version then delivered it once more in true New Orleans Dixieland style which Ian loved so much. In fact as I looked at his large photograph mounted on the steps while the combo played the piece I was sure I could see his impish smile widen in appreciation.
Ian is survived by his wife and soul mate Helen, his beloved daughter Daye Goddard and her husband George, a large extended family, and many cherished friends. He and Helen celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary at the hospital, two days before he passed away.
They were 55 wonderful years of love.
May you rest in peace in Dixieland heaven Ian.
Joe Arblaster, webmaster
Yet another great member has left us. Elmer Leard died in late September. Elmer also had numerous medical problems, one of which forced him to always take along a portable oxygen supply. But he stoically carried on with his life and rarely missed a meeting. His passing is a great loss for us and we share the grief and sorrow which now befalls his widow Peggy. We are slowly running out of good men and Elmer was certainly one of them.