Ian McMurchy Has Passed Away!

[jmason]

I didn't know Ian either, but it was his writing that lead me to this site. It was also writing that secured my interest in shooting long range. He may have passed but his works will continue to breath life into something he clearly loved. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

 

[sambo3006]

I just learned of Ian's passing. I enjoyed his articles and input on this site and wish to pass on cincerest condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us.

 

[hillbillybear]

I just learned of Ian's passing. Prayers on the way for the family.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ian's articles. They were both informative and entertaining. when he left us he took a lot of knowledge and experience with him not to mention being a great all around man and ambasador for the shooting and hunting communities. He will be missed, although I believe He knew the Lord and is in a much better place now.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for those who loved him.

Mark

 

[skyline]

I was very sad to hear of Ian's passing. As a fellow Canadian outdoor writer, I can tell you that he was admired by many and was always a gentleman. He will be missed.

 

[jonoMT]

My condolences to the family and gratitude for his many, thoughtful contributions to this site and elsewhere.

Jon

 

[gtress]

Ian's passing was very sad for me as well but after reading alot of your posts I realized how lucky I was to have spent as many days with the man as I did. I met Ian when I took my daughter to his house so his wife could teach her piano. There was a large gun safe in the house and when I asked Ian what he had in there he told me to come on in his office and the rest is history. Ian was a kind, polite, caring, humble man that was easy to spend time with. He would always answer whatever question I had as soon as he could. I was fortunate to have his guidance in building my long range weapon which shoots 4 inch groups at 500 yds.

I had made it a resolution about 5 yrs ago to develope more quality friends in this life and Ian was definitely one of those. I miss him dearly.

 

[Overkill338]

Oh man, I've been reading Ian's articles for awhile. I had not even noticed the story about him passing. I didnt know him, but I do feel sad hearing this. His stories were great, so well written, they really pulled you in. Like you just couldn't stop until it was finished. I know it's been a couple of years, but my thoughts and prayers still go out to his family.

 

[oldfordjr]

This is such a sad day for me.

Ian passed away last night at age 64 from complications of an illness that was affecting him for most of this year. He contracted the flu last January. Shortly after he was diagnosed with a "syndrome" that has a 2 foot long name which I do not know. It affected his kidneys, liver and his blood...including the immune system. He was in and out of the hospital several times this year.

He was back in the hospital this week but doing better on Thursday, hoping to go home today, Saturday. Suddenly he contracted pneumonia yesterday and died last night at 5PM.

He was quite active this year on and off when feeling well and he went hunting in Africa twice...the second time for cape buffalo...his dream.

Ian was a bear specialist with the Saskatchewan Fish and Game Department, retiring about 7 years ago. His articles and photos were published in many national magazines. He was a very modest man. It was only years after I came to know him that he mentioned his outstanding deer photos had made the covers over 30 times.

He was a charter member of LRH when I started this site in 2001. As such he was part of a small handful who were responsible for our earliest success. I met him in person only once but feel I knew him well. We shared emailed photos of our grandchildren, swapping stories about family. He was a very generous man with a huge smile always present. I really regret I never spent the time and energy to travel to his home in Canada and shoot or hunt with him.

When I started publishing articles on this site in 2007, he generously offered me about 8 of his articles that had previously been seen in national magazines. A couple months ago (probably when he was feeling better for a short while) he sent me more which I will be publishing on LRH over the next few months.

He was a big man with a huge heart. I will miss him!

Reply:

I have read some of Mr. McMurchy's articles on Cabela's Forum's, very in tune with the hunting world, and very interesting to read. My best to his family.

I was'nt aware of his death, but I am sure he will be missed.

 

[kc]

Ian has passed away, but he walks in the light as he is guided by the spirit of the Hunter.
He will be missed but he will not be forgotten.
KC.