Iain’s journey, and visit, with us has come to an end. Iain Cullen Ramsay died unexpectedly, but peacefully, at Mommy’s house on Friday, September 21, 2012.
Our gift arrived as he left, too early, on September 26, 1987 and he filled our lives with joy, laughter, patience, humility, compassion, courage and simplicity. One thing became crystal clear to us: having a child with special needs is indeed a very, very special thing. Many things in life brought Iain joy, and there were a few that always brought a smile to his face: a haircut from Ed, music on his iPod, particularly Raffi’s Christmas album (regardless of the time of year) and anything sung by Paul Brandt (or, as Iain said it, “Paw Band” ) whose voice Iain knew every time he heard it.
You did not move fast when you were with Iain; you had to be ready to operate at his speed. This was one of his greatest lessons for us: taking one’s time was what worked. Over the years we all learned to put the brakes on as we went through life with Iain, and we are all better for the slowing down. Iain worked hard all the time. Everything he did required much effort, which taught us to be grateful for our ease of movement and communication. Iain was, in many ways, a perfect example of Herculean effort, he tried and tried; he persevered, he did not give up. Nevertheless, he would sometimes become frustrated with us when we didn’t understand just what it was he was trying to tell us. His forehead would sink into his hand and he would mutter “Geeze!” as if to say how can you guys be so dense? and then he would add, “you me headache!”
Iain will be deeply missed by his large family: mom Deborah Cullen, dad Bruce Ramsay (Lisa) and his siblings Isabel and Fiona Cullen-Ramsay, Michelle Danyluk, Domenic Ramsay and his grandma Isabel Ramsay, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandpa Bill Ramsay, cousin Jason Martin, grandpa Martin and grandma Mary Cullen and his uncle Burke Cullen.
Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers we invite you to donate in Iain’s name to Fontaine Chidren’s Charity Foundation (FCCF). Iain is the patron of FCCF’s initiative – Light up the Casa – which can be found at www.nampulastreetkids.org or www.facebook.com/FontaineFoundation
In living memory of Iain Ramsay, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB. Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.