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Key Takeaways • Ian Mc Learon, a prominent figure in the Canadian promotional products industry, died on Aug. 8. • Colleagues remember Mc Learon as a genuine, positive, and caring leader who played a key role in founding BDA Canada, which is part of Counselor Top 40 distributor BDA (asi/137616), during his impressive career that lasted over three decades. • A loving husband, father, and friend, Mc Learon was appreciated for his humor, hospitality, and passions for sports, music, golf, and cooking. Leaders at BDA stated that his impact on both BDA and the promotional market in Canada will resonate for many years. Ian Mc Learon, director of client services for the Canadian branch of Counselor Top 40 distributor BDA (asi/137616), passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 8 in Waterloo, ON. He was 56. Ian Mc Learon, BDA Canada (asi/137616) Born on Nov. 18, 1969, Mc Learon studied at Albert College in Belleville, ON before attending Western University in London, ON where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1990. He then dedicated over 30 years to the Canadian promotional products field starting with Brand Alliance from 1995 to 2020. Following that role, he took on the position of director of client services at BDA Canada from 2020 until his untimely passing. Just last year, his son Brett joined as an associate account manager for BDA Canada while his daughter Katelyn now works as an event specialist contractor for the organization. “Ian broke the mold,” said Jay Deutsch CEO and founder of BDA and member of the Counselor Power 50 list to Counselor. “He was such a positive force and giving person to everyone who came into his sphere. He leaves behind so many dear family members and friends as well as colleagues at BDA.” Rob Martin chief experience officer at BDA described Mc Learon as “a bright light in every room he entered” who would welcome people with warm hugs “as though seeing you was the best part of his day.” However serious about business he may have been; “He never shied away from necessary conversations especially those about leadership responsibility and how we could improve things for others,” said Martin. “He cared deeply challenged us to be better doing so with authenticity and kindness that were unmistakably him. Ian didn’t just brighten lives around him; he left them better than he found them. He will be deeply missed forever a significant part of our company.” Barry Deutsch chief sales officer at BDA stated that Mc Learon's loyalty to those around him was unwavering making him crucial to establishing BDA Canada. “Ian wasn’t just a leader,” he noted. “He was a trusted colleague mentor friend-and truly part of our family-who genuinely cared about people; his influence on our lives along with this organization will be felt long into the future.” Meredith Marconi divisional vice president of client services at BDA had worked alongside Mc Learon for five years recalling how two-thirds of his team followed him throughout their careers because they wanted to continue working under his guidance. “He truly invested himself as a leader showing real dedication toward excellence,” Marconi shared. “If I had only one word to describe Ian it’d be ‘passionate.’ His passion extended across family friends team members clients visible throughout everything he did daily-his spirit infectious energy unmatched made collaborating enjoyable! It’s my privilege calling him not just a colleague but also dear friend.” Over three decades many close connections formed between Mc Learon and fellow industry professionals across Canada too; Larry Winterfeld sales director at Martini-Vispak (asi/93987) recalled meeting him first through an immediate sales agency before Brand Alliance/BDA sharing numerous candid talks plus drinks together reminiscing about life including tales revolving around Ferraris yet above all else loved ones! My heartfelt condolences extend towards both families connected directly impacted by this wonderful man whose vision & passion touched so many lives within our industry/lives overall-may memories provide solace during these tough times ahead!” The vice president of sales for Canada Victoria Mitchell from Spector & Co (asi/88660) echoed similar sentiments noting their history growing up together within promo sector: "Not only did Ian become an amazing client over time but also developed genuine friendship where I always knew reaching out regarding anything would yield insightful responses." She continued remarking on how much respect/honor inspired trust built based off kindness humility willingness help wherever possible emphasizing rarity among individuals leaving impactful marks upon everyone fortunate enough knowing them personally -- what tremendous loss! Conversations wisdom friendship simply knowing having someone like Ian available anytime nearby will remain sorely missed beyond measure!" Dedicating free time towards home improvement projects cultivating what loved ones referred calling "backyard oasis" brought great joy inviting friends/family alike hosting barbecues yearly Thanksgiving dinners showcasing culinary skills while enjoying tunes playing rounds golf cheering favorite teams including Philadelphia Eagles Toronto Blue Jays! "Those lucky enough knowing him well shall miss wicked humor love sports enthusiasm karaoke fun countless wine-filled evenings shared altogether creating lasting cherished memories," Barry Deutsch added further emphasizing legacy living onward hearts minds beloved ones touched by presence throughout journey here!" Cherishing special moments spent hosting gatherings supporting favorite sports teams exemplified by passionate cheers displayed proudly wearing jerseys belonging Philadelphia Eagles’ fans alike!” "As family expressed regarding Ian's obituary: 'An amazing partner father strong hardworking driven businessman.' Deeply missed indeed left lovingly remembered forevermore." A loving family survives including wife Lena children Taylor Brett Katelyn father Brock sisters Janine(Aimee) Melanie relatives Tom Mani brothers-in-law Jessica(Jason) Kristina(Brent) Bjorn(Griselda); nieces nephews Sebastian(Emily) Oliver Charlotte Sofia Olivia Rebecka Karolena Erik Abby Josh Adam alongside extended relations friends alike despite being preceded death mother Sharlene whom surely held close hearts watching down today."A celebration honoring life scheduled Westmount Golf Country Club located Inverness Drive Kitchener taking place Thursday August twentieth between hours two six PM!In lieu flowers donations accepted towards Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Allergy Asthma Immunology Foundation either online Henry Walser Funeral Home situated Frederick Street Kitchener!Stay Ahead of the CurveSubscribe to ASI"s industry-leading newsletters.All award-winning content from ASICentral Print & Promo Marketing delivered right inboxes every month!
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