Ian McLearon, director of client services for the Canadian division of Counselor Top 40 distributor BDA (asi/137616), passed away suddenly on Aug. 8 in Waterloo, ON. He was 56.

Ian McLearon, BDA Canada (asi/137616)

Born on Nov. 18, 1969, McLearon attended Albert College in Belleville, ON, and Western University in London, ON, where he received a bachelor’s in economics in 1990. He would then go on to spend more than 30 years in the Canadian promotional products industry, beginning with BrandAlliance from 1995 to 2020.

McLearon then became director of client services at BDA Canada, a position he held from 2020 until his untimely passing. Last year, his son Brett became an associate account manager for BDA Canada and his daughter Katelyn is now an event specialist contractor for the organization.

“Ian broke the mold,” Jay Deutsch, CEO and founder of BDA and a member of the Counselor Power 50 list, told Counselor. “He was such a positive force and giving person to everyone who came into his sphere. He leaves behind so many dear family and friends, as well as family members at BDA.”

Rob Martin, chief experience officer at BDA, called McLearon “a bright light in every room he entered” who would greet people with a warm hug “as though seeing you was the best part of his day.” At the same time, he was very serious about the business. “He never shied away from the necessary conversations, especially those about leadership, responsibility and how we could make things better for others,” said Martin. “He cared deeply, challenged us to be better and did so with an authenticity and kindness that were unmistakably his. Ian didn’t just brighten the lives of the people around him; he left them better than he found them. He will be deeply missed and an important part of our company forever.”

Barry Deutsch, chief sales officer at BDA, said McLearon was unwaveringly loyal to those around him and instrumental in establishing BDA Canada. “Ian was more than a leader,” he said. “He was a trusted colleague, mentor, friend and member of our family. He cared deeply about people, and his impact on our lives and on this organization will be felt for years to come.”

Meredith Marconi, divisional vice president of client services at BDA and McLearon’s supervisor for five years, said two-thirds of his team at BDA Canada had followed him throughout their careers, determined to continue to work under his leadership.

“He was such an invested leader with a real commitment to excellence,” said Marconi. “If I could describe one word to describe Ian, it would be ‘passionate’. He was passionate about his family, friends, team and clients, and that was visible in every aspect of his life. He had an infectious spirit and an unmatched energy that made him a joy to work with. I’m honoured to call him a dear friend, and not just a colleague.”

McLearon also established many close ties to his industry peers in Canada over more than three decades. “I first met Ian at an immediate sales agency, before BrandAlliance and BDA,” said Larry Winterfeld, sales director at Martini-Vispak (asi/93987). “We had many candid discussions and a few drinks. He loved his Ferrari, but most of all his family. My condolences to his family and colleagues who believed in Ian and his vision and passion for our industry and life. May his memory be a blessing.”

Victoria Mitchell, vice president of sales for Canada at Spector & Co. (asi/88660), also knew McLearon from his early days in promo. “Ian and I grew up together in this industry,” she said. “Over the years, he became so much more than an amazing client. He was a true friend. I always knew I could pick up the phone and call Ian about anything and everything, and somehow, he always had the answer. He was a visionary, incredibly tech-savvy and always ahead of the curve, but mostly I will remember his kindness, humility and genuine willingness to help. He was one of those rare people who left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was so deeply respected and so genuinely loved. His sudden passing is an incredible loss, both personally and to our industry. I will miss our conversations, his wisdom, his friendship and simply knowing that Ian was always just a phone call away. He will be missed more than words can say.”

In his spare time, McLearon enjoyed home improvement projects and cultivating what his family called “his backyard oasis, where he was truly happiest.” He would often invite family and friends over for barbecues and Thanksgiving dinner each year. In addition to cooking, he also loved music, playing golf with friends and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and Toronto Blue Jays.

“Those of us fortunate enough to know him well will deeply miss his wicked sense of humor, love of sports, enthusiasm for karaoke and fun, and the many wine-filled evenings we shared together, among countless other memories,” added Barry Deutsch. “His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his loved ones.”

McLearon enjoyed hosting family get-togethers and cheering on his favourite sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Ian was an amazing partner and father, and a strong, hardworking and driven businessman,” wrote the family in McLearon’s obituary. “He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.”

McLearon is survived by his wife Lena; children Taylor, Brett and Katelyn; father Brock; sisters Janine (Aimee) and Melanie; in-laws Tom and Mani; sisters-in-law Jessica (Jason) and Kristina (Brent); brother-in-law Bjorn (Griselda); nieces and nephews Sebastian (Emily), Oliver, Charlotte, Sofia, Olivia, Rebecka, Karolena, Erik, Abby, Josh and Adam; as well as a number of extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharlene.

A celebration of life will be held at the Westmount Golf and Country Club, 50 Inverness Dr., Kitchener, on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 2 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Foundation online or at the Henry Walser Funeral Home at 507 Frederick St. in Kitchener.